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PianoArts Competition Rules
to qualify Selection for semifinal competition
  1. Contestants must have reached their 15th birthday by June 19, 2008, but not their 20th birthday by June 24, 2008.

  2. Contestants cannot enter the competition if a PianoArts judge was his or her primary teacher during the two years (24 months) immediately preceding June 19, 2008.

  3. Contestants cannot enter the competition if he or she studies with a relative of a PianoArts judge.

  4. Contestants must be living or attending school in the United States and be available to return to Milwaukee for performances if they are selected as PianoArts winners. They may, however, be citizens of countries outside the United States.

  5. Contestants must have a good command of the English language.
  1. Judges selected by PianoArts Music Director Andrews Sill will carefully and anonymously audition all DVDs and VHS videotapes in the Preliminary Round. Contestants will be notified by telephone in early April concerning their placement in the Semifinal Round.

  2. Twelve contestants will be advanced and invited to participate in the Semifinal Round in Milwaukee beginning on June 19.

  3. Three contestants will be selected as alternates and invited to audit the competition and receive a master class by one of the judges.

  4. In early May, teachers of each contestant will receive written comments on the contestant’s performance.

  5. Semifinal contestants must have no other commitments from June 19 through 12:00 noon June 25.
preliminary round semifinal round competition
Contestants must submit the following items, on-line or via mail postmarked by March 15, 2008:
  1. On-line application. (Or a printed copy of the application may be submitted via mail with your videotape performance.)

  2. $75 non-refundable registration fee submitted on-line or mailed with the Application Package.
An Application Package is also required and must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2008. The packet must contain:
  1. DVD or VHS videotape of performances. (See “Tips on Preparing Your DVD/VHS Video” below.) On the menu, please list full titles and the composers. Your DVD or VHS video must include:

    First movement of the selected concerto with a second pianist performing the orchestral reduction. (The second pianist must not be visible on
    the recording.) On the menu, indicate the time of:

    • Soloist entrance

    • Development section

    • Cadenza            

    • Solo work of the contestant’s choice

  2. Complete list of the current repertory that you are performing this year, including the repertory for the competition. This may be E-mailed to Info@PianoArts.org. Please label with full name and address.

  3. Signed Statement of Agreement. (The Agreement is on-line with the application. Please print out, obtain required signatures, and mail with the DVD/VHS video package.)

  4. Proof of age – photocopy of birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, etc.

  5. Two different photographs no smaller than 5x7. Digital photographs may also be E-mailed to Info@PianoArts.org. Please label all photographs with full name and address. Minimum size of 1200x1650, pixels at 300 dpi.

  6. Self-addressed, stamped, large envelope if you wish to have your items returned to you.
Tips on Preparing your DVD/VHS Video
  • Your two pianos should be in tune with each other.

  • Try to produce the best sound quality possible, even if it means getting the assistance of a recording expert.

  • Perform for your recording as if it is a public performance by dressing appropriately and announcing the pieces that you are playing.

  • Quality DVD/VHS video can significantly contribute to the impression that judges receive about a contestant’s performance. Many Steinway dealers are happy to provide two Steinway grand pianos for contestants producing the Preliminary Round DVD or videotape recording. Please contact your local Steinway store to inquire whether your dealer is participating in this project.
  1. Semifinalists and auditors must arrive on June 19, 2008 when $200 registration fee is due.

  2. Contestants may not speak to the judges during the competition.
    Following the competition, each semifinalist and finalist will have
    one-on-one performance evaluations with each of the judges.

  3. During the competition, contestants will be known only by their first names.
    Judges will not have background information on any of the contestants.

  4. Semifinalists must be prepared to perform all required repertory from
    memory, with the exception of the violin/piano duo or the cello/piano
    duo, which should be performed with music.

  5. The concerto must be the same for Preliminary, Semifinal
    and Final Rounds.

  6. Contestants may not change their chosen concerto after submitting their application. Other changes in repertory must be approved no later than
    May 1, 2008 by phoning the PianoArts office 414-962-3055 or via e-mail.

  7. Semifinalists must be prepared to speak to the audience about the concerto, the American work and share why they selected their particular solo work which is designated as the contestant's choice.

  8. Personal audio and/or visual recordings of the competition must be approved in advance by PianoArts.

  9. PianoArts will provide professional photographers and videographers.
    All photographs and audio/visual materials can be used on behalf of
    PianoArts and will be available by request for use by contestants.

  10. Semifinalists must remain in Milwaukee for all scheduled events through
    the Finals and Awards Concert on June 24, 2008.

  11. Three semifinalists will be advanced to the finals.
final round of competition
  1. Three finalists will perform all movements of the concerto in the Finals
    and Awards Concert on June 24, 2008.

  2. The recipients of the prizes, awards and scholarship will be announced
    publicly on June 24, 2008.

  3. Personal audio and visual recordings of the competition are not permitted during the rehearsal or performance with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

  4. PianoArts will provide professional photographers and videographers.
    All photographs and audio/visual materials can be used on behalf of
    PianoArts and will be available by request for use by contestants.

  5. Finalists must remain in Milwaukee until 12:00 noon June 25.

  6. Finalists must be available to return to Milwaukee for performances and
    to work with the PianoArts Artistic Committee to develop programs that
    are appropriate for diverse audiences. 
The Founder, Governing Board of Directors, Milwaukee professional musicians and all volunteers who make this event truly special, wish you the very best as you prepare to participate in the PianoArts National Competition.