Description and Purpose of Event

Competitors in age categories 6 to 14 perform a set of technical warm-up routines followed by two pieces. There is a preliminary round (closed audition), and a final round (open to the public).

Eligibility

Piano students between age 6-14 (age determined as of 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2023)

Click here for the repertoire list.

Click here for the technical requirements.

Registration Deadline and Info

January 10, 2024

1. Teachers will receive a registration form via email. Should you need a form, please contact Zhu Zhu at [email protected]

2. Teachers will be notified of audition times two weeks prior to the competition. Due to scheduling difficulties, special requests cannot be honored. Absolutely no changes will be made to the schedule after it has been sent out. Teachers’ schedules will be notified on the week prior to the competition.

Event Fees

$35 per student studying with an HMTA member

$100 per student studying with a non HMTA member

Please make your online payment at the HMTA website.

Or, make one check per studio payable to: HMTA (Houston Music Teachers Association)

Registration Fees must be POSTMARKED no later than Jan. 10, 2024. Registration fees postmarked after this date will not be accepted.

Mail your check to:

Zhu Zhu

5800 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX 77057

Event Requirements and/or Rules

1. It is recommended that each competitor enters the contest at his/her age level. A competitor may enter a higher age category provided he/she has not previously received a division 1 rating at that level. No competitor may enter a lower age category.

2. Each competitor in age category 6-14 shall perform from memory the technical requirement and the two required pieces for the age category entered.

3. Final Round: no technical requirement, only perform the two required pieces.

4. Prompt arrival is mandatory. Any contestant who misses his/her assigned audition time will be disqualified.

5. Two judges will listen to each competitor in a private audition (preliminary round for age categories 6-14). No one other than these three will be allowed in the room at the time of the performance.

6. A panel of two judges will be present at the final round. All judges’ decisions are final.

Teachers’ Responsibility: Participating teachers must volunteer to help with the event, and must meet the minimum 5 meeting attendance requirement. See Standing Rules #1 and #6.

Dress Code

Formal Attire

Awards

Preliminary round

1. Contestants will be ranked in 4 divisions and all will receive a certificate of participation.

2. The bronze medals will be awarded to those who are placed in division 3.

3. The silver medals will be awarded to those who are placed in division 2.

4. The gold medalists (those who are placed in division 1) will be called back to compete in the final round. In addition, they will be invited to participate in the Ford Bend Junior Piano Festival for cash prizes.

Final Round

There will be 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention winners from each age category, each receiving a trophy.