Application Information and Form (2009)
Applications are now being accepted.
Read this information carefully before going to our Online Application form.
March 12, 2009 is the new postmarked deadline (earlier if enrollment has peaked). Later applications will be accepted if space permits, with a $10 late fee ($60 application fee total).
To qualify for First Prizes, all students must attend the Saturday evening Winners Recital (3/28/09, 7:30 P.M.) and one or both of the two preceding evening concerts.
Complete Applications Include
Application fee
Headshot photograph
Online application
Application fees are $50 and NON-REFUNDABLE (unless student cannot be accepted into the festival). Please make check or money order, payable to Mesa State College Department of Music. IMPORTANT: Please indicate "piano festival" in the memo portion of check or money order.
Application fee should be made out to Mesa State College Department of Music as indicated above and sent through regular mail to:
Dr. Arthur Houle
Piano festival application
Mesa State College Music Department
1100 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Applications posted after the deadline (March 12, 2009) should include a $10 late fee (in addition to the $50 application fee).
All first time applicants must submit a headshot photo of themselves. Photos may be sent electronically or via regular mail.
Submit application form online (no regular mail, please).
Online Application Form Available Here
Don't forget to read the requirements
Earliest applications will receive priority. If the number of applicants exceeds approximately 20-25, we may need to turn students away. No application will be considered complete and valid until the application form is completely and accurately filled out and submitted, the application fee is paid, and the application, photo, and fee are received, and acknowledged.
We are not responsible for applications/fees lost in the mail. Applicants are advised to send early and confirm arrival of applications/fees. Upon receipt of applications, applicants will be notified promptly about their acceptance status.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Are movement(s) of a sonata, concerto or suite allowed?
Yes, complete movement(s) are O.K.
• How advanced should repertory be?
In general, the piece(s) should be at least late intermediate or early advanced. Exceptions, however, would include pieces that demonstrate improvisatory creativity -- e.g., an easy Baroque or Classic period dance in which a student embellishes on repeats. Easy jazz "fake" charts also may demonstrate improvisatory skill. While we are looking for a reasonably high level of repertory (especially in the repertory excellence categories), we also recognize that "easy" pieces are often great vehicles for personal expression and creativity.
• Should applicants indicate which prize(s) they are competing for?
No. The judges will determine what prize(s) an applicant is eligible for, based on the applicant's program (maximum of 15 minutes).
• If someone is not accepted or drops, will the application fee be refunded?
Application fees are non-refundable as long as there are openings in the festival. Fees will only be refunded if applications are submitted after the enrollment has been capped.
Additional Information
To qualify for First Prizes, all participants who are accepted into the festival must:
• Be available to be adjudicated (15 minutes) on one of the festival days (March 27-28). Reasonable requests for special times will be considered but cannot be guaranteed.
• Attend the Saturday evening Winners Recital (3/28/09, 7:30 P.M.) and one or both of the two preceding evening concerts.
• Though optional, students and teachers (and the general public) are invited to attend a free lecture/demonstration by Dr. Houle on Wednesday, March 25 at 4:00 P.M.
* Students who cannot meet attendance requirements may, at the discretion of the Director, qualify for honorable mention prizes. Contact Dr. Houle.
Please wear suitable formal or semiformal attire. Long dresses and tuxedos are optional, not required.