Next Stop, Piano Guild

Unlocking Musical Potential: Join the National Piano Playing Auditions!

Get ready for an exciting musical adventure with the National Piano Playing Auditions (Piano Guild)! This is more than a performance; it's an opportunity for students of all ages to celebrate their progress on the piano. Whether the student is just beginning or already a seasoned performer, this is the perfect way to showcase their efforts, receive helpful feedback, and experience the joy of accomplishment!

The American College of Musicians (ACM), founded in 1886, was created to encourage student growth and the enjoyment of the piano. In 1929, the ACM created the Piano Guild, which has since become a key tradition in the world of piano education. The very first Piano Guild Auditions were held at Hardin-Simmons University in Texas with only 46 participants! Fast forward to today, and the Piano Guild is a global sensation, with thousands of students participating each year in auditions around the world.

Piano Guild is the ultimate opportunity for students to see what they are made of. It's not just about playing the notes on a page; it's about setting goals, learning and honing new skills, rising to a challenge, and feeling the satisfaction of a goal well met! The auditions are designed for everyone, no matter where the student is on their piano journey.

Here is the Piano Guild process:

First-The Registration

Getting started is quite easy. Students sign up through their teacher or music school for a local audition center. We encourage you to do so early in the year, January or February are best. 

Second- The Preparation

Students, along with their teachers, choose a program of fun and engaging songs to prepare for their auditions. This is a favorite part of the process, as the goals are being lined up and the music is ready to learn. Students can choose a modern music program with songs composed since roughly 1900, or a traditional program where songs from different time periods are represented, all the way back to the 1600's!

Third- The Practice

Students begin practicing the songs they will play for the judge, with attention to all the details. Most beginner students will find success with 15 minutes of daily practice. This number will increase through the years as the student advances. The Guild season typically runs through the month of June, with the auditions being held in early July.

Next- The Audition

Students will perform a set of pieces and skills before a friendly, professional adjudicator in a one-to-one audition. The judge will listen carefully and offer valuable feedback. It's a great chance for them to show off their hard work and receive accolades to boost them up as well as tips that will help them keep growing as musicians.

Finally- The Recognition

After the planning, practice, and performance, students will walk away with a beautiful certificate, an academic pin, and report card full of valuable feedback, as well as an accomplishment that they can be proud of for years to come! Students will be presented their awards at the summer recital in mid July, after the Guild Auditions.

By preparing for and performing in the auditions, the student will develop not only their piano skills but their confidence as well. When someone asks if they have a song they can play for them, the answer will be a clear, "yes". It's a confidence builder that will carry over into everything they do. (For those who plan ahead, many families appreciate that participating in these auditions is something that will help them stand out on job applications, as well as college and scholarship applications.)

Nothing feels better than reaching a goal, and for many students, participating in the Piano Guild Auditions becomes a cherished milestone in their musical journey. It's a chance to shine, and to be recognized for all the hard work they've put in. It is similar to earning different colored belts in karate as students move up the ranks. As students advance through the levels, they can earn additional awards through the Piano Guild as well, including a High School Diploma in music. If you are interested in these long term goals, please reach out to me directly so we can chart a plan for the student.

The Piano Guild Auditions are just around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited to see all the wonderful progress and performances our students will bring to the stage! It's a joyful, rewarding experience that helps every participant feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride in their musical growth.

Let's make music and memories that last a lifetime!

~Melinda Polino