Piano Prodigies
  • About
    • Elizabeth Borowsky
    • Program Philosophy
    • FAQs
    • Family Tree
    • Testimonials
    • Student Videos
  • Lessons/Consults
    • Policies >
      • Blog
    • Tuition
    • Performance Coaching
    • Chamber Music
    • Online Lessons
  • Resources
    • 100 Solos for Piano Prodigies
    • Theory Links
    • Practice Tips
    • Composing
    • Shopping Links
    • Festivals & Competitions
    • Favorite Links
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Directions

Festivals and Competitions: What Are Judges Looking For?

3/30/2015

1 Comment

 
Many of my students are preparing for competitions and festivals occurring later this spring. I wanted to share my recent experience as judge, and some of the actual feedback I gave to participants in the junior and senior divisions of the Barnes-Ferencz Piano Competition. 

Although there is a certain challenge in communicating suggestions on a live performance in writing (as opposed to demonstrating the suggestions in a lesson/masterclass setting), I aim to provide encouragement and constructive criticism through my comments in hopes that will inspire students to dig deeper into their musicianship and technique. I was honored to have the esteemed pianist (and my mentor) Dr. Arno Drucker as my co-judge. Each student was required to perform a ragtime selection and a classical selection (memorized).

Some of my comments on the ragtime selections: 
“One of the most important elements (maybe the most?) is the rhythmical integrity — a steady pulse and the hierarchy of the beats — followed by a sense of style and fun communicated by  ease, humor, and contrast.”

“Explore using your entire arm (wrist, elbow, upper arm, back) for power. Develop a sense of ease in this piece. It’s a hallmark of the style!”

“Congrats on a wonderful mastery of this piece. You play it with ease and have a fantastic sense of the style. Great expression (dynamic contrast), left-right hand balance, pace, and pulse, and good musical direction throughout.”

“Great understanding of the style (especially syncopation, voicing, clarity, and ease). Secure performance - very enjoyable!”

Some of my comments on the classical selections: 
“Work on developing a sense of play (joy and elegance!). Work on your physical awareness while practicing/performing. You present a lot of intensity in your performance, but it’s currently coupled with excess tension. This affects your sound and control.”

“The LH accompaniment is tricky here (Haydn Sonata). I am sure you have been working on it — don’t give up yet! It’s essential to a fluid performance and will allow you to really focus on making the right hand brilliant, joyous, and a real soloist.” 

“Be assertive in your dynamic changes. Don’t hint at them… convince us!”

“Continue to work on mastering your technical work (e.g. scales, 4 octaves, hands together). You might be surprised how much you can gain from this and how it will directly improve your . “

“You looked very put-together, but I would encourage you to revisit your shoe choice for performances. High, stiff heels not only inhibit your pedaling but also your physical ease and thus your sound and overall technique.”

“I can see that you have put much time and energy into your preparation. I’d like to see you focus on your tone and rhythm. It will take your performance up to the next level!”

“Your interpretation of the Schubert Impromptu will benefit from a little more time (it feels a little fresh!). I can tell that you love the music. The A section should be faster, crisper, and more “classical” in approach. For the B section, keep the pulse steady within the expressive framework. Great job on voicing.”

“Chopin: Strive for a long, singing line in the RH and peaceful LH accompaniment that demonstrates your understanding of the harmonic progression. Listen to good recordings (and live performances!) for inspiration.”

“There is so much passion in your performing  commitment to the music and to the audience. I enjoyed your playing and wish you all the best for continued growth and success in music.”

Summary:
Overall, we were much more critical of the classical selections, which often required a more advanced level of musicianship and technical mastery. We were forgiving of some slips (it happens, especially amongst young musical students) — the quicker the recovery, the better. Those who displayed strong technique demonstrated their disciplined practicing under the guidance of an experienced teacher (it truly is a team effort!). Successful performers were able to convey a sense of confidence in their personal interpretation, a wide range of dynamics (in accord with the composer’s markings!), an understanding the of musical style (including voicing, articulation, rubato, pedaling), and rhythmical integrity. 

Additional comment: Students were given a few moments to try the piano before beginning their selections. Although this was not judged, their technical warm-up often provided much insight into their preparations (and regular practice of technical exercises) and foreshadowed their performance.
1 Comment
Competitions link
2/17/2023 07:04:41 am

"Successful performers were able to convey a sense of confidence in their personal interpretation, a wide range of dynamics"
Charles Ives: “Every great inspiration is but an experiment.”

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    About

    Elizabeth Borowsky is a pianist, teacher, and composer. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano (Music Teachers National Association).

    Picture
    Picture

    Subscribe

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Categories

    All
    Auditions & Competitions
    Challenge Assignments
    Guest Blog
    Inspiration
    Memorization
    Performing
    Piano Ensemble
    Piano Prodigies News
    Piano Prodigies News
    Practicing
    Psychology
    Sheet Music
    Technique
    The Piano
    Travels
    World Music

    Archives

    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    April 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    October 2012
    June 2012
    April 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    January 2011

    RSS Feed

Location

What Our Clients Are Saying

I can honestly give Elizabeth the credit for keeping my girls interested in piano lessons. All parents know about those transitional periods kids go through from Elementary school into the Middle school and High school years. Interests shift unless the lesson/subject is fresh. I find this applies to adults, too! Elizabeth grew up on the piano. She has the training, talent, expertise and passion to properly teach students. I have personally watched her develop her teaching skills. Her amazing personality keeps students focused, interested and learning. She's fun, loving, adorable and all around fantastic at what she does and who she is. - Lisa

Contact Us

Subscribe

Email for lesson availability
Join Now
  • About
    • Elizabeth Borowsky
    • Program Philosophy
    • FAQs
    • Family Tree
    • Testimonials
    • Student Videos
  • Lessons/Consults
    • Policies >
      • Blog
    • Tuition
    • Performance Coaching
    • Chamber Music
    • Online Lessons
  • Resources
    • 100 Solos for Piano Prodigies
    • Theory Links
    • Practice Tips
    • Composing
    • Shopping Links
    • Festivals & Competitions
    • Favorite Links
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Directions