Chopin Society Amateur Piano Competition

[nyonyo]

Guys,

I found an amateur piano competition specializing in Chopin. For those who like Chopin and want to compete, I think it is a good one...Note : ONLY for real amateur though. People with piano degree need not to apply...

https://chopinsocietyofhouston.org/Event-Details.aspx/AAC/15

[slobone]

Since when is everybody with a piano degree a professional pianist? That seems unduly restrictive. The Cliburn amateur competition only says "Applicants may not derive their principal source of income from public performances or piano instruction. "

[nyonyo]

Since when is everybody with a piano degree a professional pianist? That seems unduly restrictive. The Cliburn amateur competition only says "Applicants may not derive their principal source of income from public performances or piano instruction. "

What is the percentage of professional pianists who do not have piano degree?
It is totally making sense. What is the reason people went to, say, a nursing school? To practice as a professional nurse. Or why people go to a law school? to be a professional lawyers.

Now let's ponder why people went  to a conservatory? I think most people went there to have a credential so that they can make money either from teaching or performing. Or do you think people pursue a degree just for the sake of having a degree?  I really believe people getting a piano degree, because they want to make a living as a professional in the piano field. However, later they may decide to make money or not is their choice, but by trade they are a professional.


Therefore, I think the Van Cliburn people need to add one more qualification in their application form stating that a professionally trained pianist should not join the competition.

[slobone]

  I think you've got this the wrong way around. Obviously professional pianists (including teachers) are excluded from  both competitions. But the one you mentioned goes further than the Cliburn in also excluding someone who got a degree in piano but is not currently (or never was) a professional. Dentists, say.

Just not my concept of what an amateur is, that all. Not really worth arguing about, they can set whatever terms they choose.

[nyonyo]

Just not my concept of what an amateur is, that all. Not really worth arguing about, they can set whatever terms they choose.
[/quote

read the reasoning and think, don't just take whatever a definition of amateur blindly. You have a  brain, you should be able to think.

[richard black]

It says in the rubric:

These events are open to all adult amateur pianists, over the age of 27, who make their living from sources other than playing or teaching piano, do not hold any degree in piano performance or piano pedagogy, and study piano as a hobby.

Which seems absolutely reasonable to me.