We are pleased to launch the second edition of the Coach House Piano Competition for schools
We are delighted to launch the second Coach House Piano Competition for secondary school-aged students. Students selected by their school (1 student per school) will compete against each other, whilst also representing their school. There will be prizes for the winning student and runners up, as well as a prize for the winning school.
The aim of this biennial competition is to provide gifted pianists with the opportunity to represent their school and compete in a similar way to inter-school sporting competitions. It is also intended to give young pianists a positive and inspirational challenge, and to provide them with the type of experience they can expect in a music college environment.
David Halford, Education Business Manager at Coach House Pianos, and organiser of the competition is a lifelong advocate for the promotion of music in schools and a passionate believer in the importance of music in the education of children.
COMPLETE YOUR ENTRY FORM NOW by clicking here
Schedule:
September 2022: Preliminary round – Selection of pianists to represent school.
The school will select a representative for the competition. This could involve an in-house school competition.
Round 1 – Deadline 19th November 2022:
Once all schools have selected their pianist, competitors will be invited to send an uploaded film of their performance of between 5-10 minutes, to be judged by a member of the Competition Final jury. There will be 6 finalists selected.
The Final – 5th March 2023 at Bromsgrove School
Each finalist will receive a masterclass from one of the competition final jury members. They will then give a recital of 20-30 minutes. Participating schools will be encouraged to support their student by promoting the event to their school community and encouraging attendance at the final.
Standard and repertoire:
The expected standard for students wishing to enter the competition is Grade 8 or higher. For Round 1, there is no repertoire requirement, so students can perform a work of their choosing. For the Final recital, it is also a free programme but must include a work composed after 1900.
Jury:
The 3 members of the Jury for the final will be selected from current Heads of Keyboard at UK Conservatoires and international concert pianists.
Prizes:
Prizes are to be confirmed, but will include a prize for the winning school, and individual prizes for the winner and runners up.
2019 competition
Prize for school: new Yamaha B1 upright piano
Prize for students: 1st prize £300, 2nd £150, 3rd £100
Last Year competition
The inaugural competition was hosted at Queen Anne’s School in 2019.
The first round of the competition saw 27 schools select a student to represent them.
