Perfromance experience

[pianowelsh]

Hi dilema here!  A student is ready for some performance experience and would like to take a comeptition. Now issue is they are not out to become a pianist, they dont want to enter an international competition BUT they have the repertoire behind them that they could. I have looked into the possibilty of local competitions for them BUT they all say excluding diploma holders or people who posess music degrees from Uni OR college. How can I get this student to find their feet performing.. they are caught between two worlds! The competitve set up would be really good for them but there seems to be NO middle ground.

[keyofc]

Pianowelsh,
I do not really keep up with this sort of thing - but I thought that the MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) had things like this all the time.
Did you already check them out?

[pianowelsh]

Im not sure they opperate in Europe?!? EPTA do have a competition but there are restrictions on it and you have to study with an EPTA teacher to take part. Its only very short recital kind of affair though.

[tiasjoy]

Is it possible for you to organise your own private recital for your student?  You could still ask them to prepare a programme.  Is it any type of performance experience they're after, or specifically competition? 

[pianowelsh]

I think they are at the stage where they will develop by being in a larger field and hearing and putting themselves out alongside others. They are kean to do competitions/festivals but are not wanting to put themselves up against the next generation EMI competitiors... That awkward inbetween place.

[penguinlover]

I  agree with tiasjoy, give a recital of your own students.  If  you just want them to have performace experience, find other venues - malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, rest homes, churches.  There are many places to perform if that's what you're after.  Let him experience performing, then go on to competitions if you want.

[pianowelsh]

thanks for all your help but I do hold an annual student recital but I fell that the student in question has kinda outgrown the gene pool if you like and is a little disatisfied with what is a big fish in a small puddle situation. This is why I say I think external competition would be helpfull but not something TOO intense.

[keyofc]

Pianowelsh,
If you can't find something in between and you really want to make it happen - you could start one on your own with other teachers.
A music store would probably be happy to work with you on this.  Once the rules are made - the repertoire that would be accepted can be posted at the music store and everyone benefits.
It's probably something you have thought of already - it is a lot of work!  But if others are interested also, maybe the work would be shared, especially if each person has a part to play in it. (Meaning each teacher has a significant responsibility)
Good luck!
keyofc

[pianowelsh]

Very interesting idea there.  I concur it would probably a great deal of work -AND expense! but possibly if other teachers could share in then it could work.

[Bob]

You could do a contest just for comments.  Or have rating system where a student gets rated on how well they perform that piece, competing against themself and not against anyone else.  That would make it easier -- no rep list needed.