On November 26th 2005 at London’s 900-seat Cadogan Hall, an eminent panel of judges will name Britain’s top amateur pianists. Launched by Pianist magazine and Yamaha UK, in association with Classic FM, the Pianist-Yamaha Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs is the first event of its kind in this country. There will be two categories – Classical and Modern – with the victors from each being awarded a £10,000 Yamaha piano gift certificate.

‘Piano competitions have become a way of life for professional musicians, but now it’s time for outstanding amateurs to have their moment of fame,’ explains Erica Worth, Editor-in-Chief of Pianist magazine. ‘There are lots of unknown, talented people out there – people from all walks of life who practise hard and play to a superb standard for the sheer love of the instrument, knowing full well they’re not going to earn a penny. You have to be an amateur to enter our competition. You also have to be at least 30 years old, so ambitious young music students will be out of the picture.’

The Competition is also open to pianists who prefer a good jam session to studying sonatas. Two first prizes will be awarded: Classical and Modern (Modern encompassing jazz, pop, rock, Latin, and so on). The panel of judges is balanced accordingly, with two distinguished classical pianists, Martin Roscoe and Kathryn Stott joining jazz star Jamie Cullum and top showbiz pianist Laurie Holloway. Other major artists, including Freddy Kempf and Jools Holland, will act as consultants and spokesmen during the selection process.

THE CATEGORIES
Two categories –
CLASSICAL and MODERN
Two first prize winners!

THE PRIZES
The first prize winner in each category will receive a £10,000 gift certificate from Yamaha, to use towards the piano of their choice. You may like an upright, silent, or perhaps a grand, or you could even put the money towards a larger grand or Disklavier! On reaching the finals you will automatically receive a free year's subscription to Pianist magazine and two tickets for either one of Classic FM’s concerts at the Royal Albert Hall or a Jamie Cullum concert.

THE FINALS
Saturday 26 November 2005
Cadogan Hall, London
Judges to include Kathryn Stott and Martin Roscoe (Classical),
Jamie Cullum and Laurie Holloway (Modern).

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
Saturday 20 August 2005

For an application form, which has further information on the rules and regulations, write to:

Pianist-Yamaha Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, c/o Yamaha, Sherbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes, MK7 8BL

Phone: 01908 369235

Email: amateurpianocomp@gmx.yamaha.com

Or click below to download the application form:
(PDF format - Acrobat Reader required)

		Please ensure you download and print both pages for your application form. (Please be patient, Page 1-4 is a large file size)
Page 1-4, 1.7MB	Page 2-3, 54KB

PIANIST’S TIPS AND HINTS ON THE PREPARATION PROCESS
• Select contrasting repertoire to demonstrate your range of skills. Your teacher or a colleague could be of great assistance here – they'll know what you play best.
• Set yourself monthly goals (e.g. to learn half of a piece by April, and to learn the coda of another piece by May)!
• Play your pieces in front of family and friends before submitting them to tape. The more you rehearse by playing for others, the more secure you’ll be.
• If you make it to the semi finals, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the venue. You don’t want to be breathless before you begin.
• Although it's your playing we are interested in, presentation is always important. If you can play the pieces from memory, this helps to impress. Think also about how professional pianists present themselves on stage.
• If you feel confident enough at the semi finals or finals, you could announce the works before you play them. You could even add your personal reason as to why you’ve chosen these particular pieces.

These hints and tips are only suggestions. The most important thing is that you enjoy the experience of entering. Whatever the outcome, you’re doing it because you love to play the piano!