REPERTORY REQUIREMENTS

Any music for 1 or 2 pianos, any style, up to 15 minutes:

Students play music of any style for one or two pianos and compete for traditional classical repertory prizes and/or the many creative and unusual categories such as classical embellishing and improvisation, versatility, lyricism, original compositions, works by female composers, transcriptions, original concerto cadenzas, jazz/pop/rag, etc.

In keeping with the creativity theme of this festival, contestants may play as few or as many selections - in any style(s) - as they wish, as long as the total playing time does not exceed a grand total of 15 minutes (see below for solo + duet/two-piano exception). The 15-minute total is regardless of how few or many prize categories for which the music may qualify. After students perform, they will receive about 10 to 20 minutes of constructive verbal feedback from the judges. All students will also receive written comments.

Any repertory for one or two pianos is allowed. As applicable to specific prizes, this includes solo piano music (movements of sonatas or suites are allowed), duet music for two pianos, concerto movements, etc.

Excerpts are generally not recommended (except, perhaps, in the "Tasteful Transcription/Arrangement" prize category). If in doubt, it is best to contact Dr. Houle in advance.

Repeats (i.e., those indicated as repeat signs) are discretionary, but strongly recommended if they are done to demonstrate appropriate variety, spontaneity and creativity.

Students may play their pieces in any order they choose at their adjudications, even if it differs from the program sheet (or application form).

Judges will be seated on the stage, off to the side. Members of the audience who wish to hear their verbal comments (immediately following the adjudications) are encouraged to sit close to the stage (please be quiet during performances, however).

Prizes for duet/two-piano partners

Students playing duets (one piano, four hands or two pianos) will be considered equal partners; therefore, any prizes awarded on the basis of duo pianism will be split 50-50. Concerto performers, on the other hand, will be considered soloists; therefore, any prize(s) specific to that piece will be awarded solely to the soloist (not the accompanist). See below for more information about concertos.

Students playing only duet/two-piano repertory (this does not include concertos)

Each student must submit a separate application, including separate application fees. Simply list the same repertory on both online applications. (Please note that concerto repertory does not apply here, since concertos are solo repertory, even though there is an accompanist on the second piano. See below for more concerto information.)

Students playing both solo and duet/two-piano repertory

Each student who plays both solo and duet/two-piano repertory must submit two applications and two application fees. One application will be for solo repertory (up to 15 minutes); the other will be for duet/two-piano repertory (up to 15 minutes). Please do not list solo and duet/two-piano repertory on the same application form. This is the only scenario whereby a student may play a total of up to 30 minutes of repertory (up to 15 minutes of solo music + up to 15 minutes of duets/two-piano).

15-minute limit strictly enforced

In fairness to all students, playing time will be carefully monitored with a timepiece. If playing time does exceed 15 minutes, the student will be asked to stop, and, at the discretion of the judges, the final incomplete selection may be disqualified for consideration of prizes.

Flexibility in Awarding of Prizes

Judges have complete discretion about the awarding of prizes. More than one prize may be awarded to a particular contestant. Conversely, prizes may not be awarded if it is determined that no one qualifies. In the unlikely event that a prize category is not awarded, the judges may use that prize money to award a second 'First Prize' in another category.

Minimum requirement?

There is no minimum repertory requirement. Even one short selection could conceivably win one or more prizes. A student vying for the "Most Versatile Pianist" prize would, however, be advised to play the maximum 15 minutes and demonstrate as many styles and skills as possible.

Concerto information

If concerto movement(s) are played, contestants are responsible for securing their own accompanist(s) to play the 2nd piano orchestral reduction part(s). The accompanist(s) can be any person or persons of the contestant's choice, including a teacher. (If more than one concerto movement is played, the accompanist need not be the same person.) Accompanists are not considered contestants in the festival. That said, it is appropriate for the judges to consider the overall ensemble quality of concerto performances. Tasteful cuts in the orchestral reduction part are allowable.

If a concerto movement allows for lead-in(s) cadenzas and/or full cadenza(s), please let us know in the application form who has written (or will improvise) these. Original cadenzas are encouraged, but not required, for the "Repertory Excellence Awards." Obviously, however, the student must have written (or will improvise) any lead-in(s) and cadenza(s) in order to qualify for the "Embellishing and/or Improvising in a Classical Work or Concerto Movement" category. [Students can and should, of course, get help from teachers, books, articles, etc. In the end, however, the student must be the primary author of cadenza(s) or lead-in(s) to qualify for this prize. We will rely on the ethical assurances of students, teachers, and parents in this regard.]

Bring music, number the measures

At least one legal copy of all the music to be played should be provided for the judges (one copy per judge is ideal). EXCEPTION: Those playing original pieces need not provide scores, but scores are appreciated (even if they are a bit rough). Please, no wholly photocopied music unless music is original, unpublished and/or uncopyrighted. (We understand, however, that photocopies of selected pages may be necessary to reduce or ease page turning if a student plays from music.)

IMPORTANT: Measures should be numbered in all copies of the music. This will help the judges make specific and constructive written comments. (This festival is not just about winning prizes. We want to make it a joyful and educational experience for everyone!)

By memory?

Contestants may perform with or without music. Judges are instructed that memory is not by itself a factor in evaluations. Some students prepare better and play better by memory. Others feel less nervous and more free to be spontaneous if the score or lead sheet is in front of them. Students who play with music are responsible for bringing a page turner if needed.

(For an article by Dr. Houle on this issue, see "Must I Memorize" on pp. 22-27 of the January/February 2000 issue of Piano & Keyboard. See also "The Pianist in a High-Wire Act" by Anthony Tommasini.)

Repertory in successive years must vary:

It is the mission of this festival to encourage versatility. Therefore, students who have played in previous piano festivals cannot perform the same repertory that they played in any of those previous festivals, whether the repertory had won prize(s) or not.

Exception: If the work is in a significantly different form (a different version, different arrangement, student is now adding embellishments/improvisations/variants, etc.), then it may be allowed. If there are questions, contact Dr. Houle.