UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
The goal of the UWRF Piano Festival is to promote artistic growth and musicianship in piano students of all ages and stages, inspiring curiosity and commitment to piano studies.
The format this year offers workshops with special guests, a competition for prizes as a soloist, a chance to receive individual instruction in a master class setting, and the opportunity to learn pedagogical techniques from master teachers Dr. Paul Wirth and William Eddins.
Friday, November 3- Coffee Concert at noon featuring guest artist William Eddins followed by a Masterclass from 2-4pm. Free and open to the public in Abbott Concert Hall, Kleinpell Fine Arts.
Saturday, November 4 - Morning Workshops and Competition.
8:30 a.m. participant check-in starts
9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
Organ workshop
10:00a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Effective Sightreading workshop
10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Student competition
11:30 a.m.-12:00
Break
12:00 -1:00 p.m.
Dr. Paul Wirth presentation
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Dr. Paul Wirth Master class
3:30 p.m. Final Concert
Competition is open to all interested pre-college piano students, but a high level of preparation is expected from every participant. Each student, with the help of their piano instructor, must prepare a solo piece at a performance level which best demonstrates the applicant’s technical skills and musicality. Suggested piano repertoire should be chosen from curated literature lists such as WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival, WMTA Piano Solo Festival/Contest, or MMT Piano Festival.
Examples may include but not limited to:
Competition pieces must be memorized, and the jury must be presented with an original score.
The competition will take place between 10 a.m.- noon on Saturday, November 4, with check-in starting at 9:30 a.m. The jury will select a few prizewinners to participate in a master class given by Dr. Paul Wirth at 1 p.m. Selected competition winners may be invited to participate in the St. Croix Valley Symphony Orchestra 2024-25 season. Additional prizes may also be awarded. Application deadline is Sunday, October 29th.