Young Artist Showcase

LPM's Young Artist Showcase is open to all students, solo performers, and small ensembles ages 8-18. All categories of music and instruments, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, electronic music and voice are welcome to participate. Artists will submit a video recording as a part of the first round of their application materials to enter, if chosen, artists will audition live at Louisville Public Media. Find submission guidelines here. Young Artist Showcase winners will be given the opportunity to perform at an LPM event like 91.9 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday or 90.5 WUOL New Lens (dates and times TBD). Multiple winners will be chosen.

If you know a talented young artist or ensemble, encourage them to apply! Submissions will open early 2026.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns please contact education@lpm.org

The Young Artist Showcase is made possible, in part, through the support of a PNC Foundation grant that helps fund music education initiatives and programming at Louisville Public Media.

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Youn Artist Competition contestant

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Youn Artist Competition winner Brannock McCartan performs at WFPK Waterfront Wednesday

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Young Artist Competition contestant Isla Grace Ward

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Young Artist Competition winner Elliott Lanier

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Young Artist Competition contestant Megumi Martin

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Young Artist Competition winners Trip J Band

2024 Young Artist Showcase winners:

Brannock McCartan, 17 – banjo and voice
Elliott Lanier, 11 – voice
Trip J band, 9-16 – quartet
Johnny Wagner, 14 – saxophone
Eva Meredith, 17 – voice
Elissa Garrett, 16 – piano

The judges were LPM hosts: Otis Junior (91.9 WFPK) and Laura Atkinson (90.5 WUOL), as well as Kiana Del, LPM engagement manager for music education.
"It was tough to choose finalists this year because each entry was full of so much talent. I can't wait to see what these young artists do next!" said Del.

Winners received cash prizes to be used for lessons or gear and will be invited to perform at upcoming LPM event. All second round finalists were offered a professional quality studio recording.

National Arts Standards

• MU:Pr4.1.E.IIIa develop and apply criteria to select varied programs to study and perform based on an understanding of theoretical and structural characteristics and expressive challenges in the music, the technical skill of the individual or ensemble, and the purpose and context of the performance.
• MU:Pr6.1.E.IIIa demonstrate an understanding and mastery of the technical demands and expressive qualities of the music through prepared and improvised performances of a varied repertoire representing diverse cultures, styles, genres, and historical periods in multiple types of ensembles.
• MU:Pr4.3.E.IIIa demonstrate how understanding the style, genre, and context of a varied repertoire of music informs prepared and improvised performances as well as performers’ technical skill to connect with the audience.