Hamilton Piano Studio’s
2024 Piano Festival Details
What is the H.P.S. Piano Festival?
The Hamilton Piano Studio Festival is a well-dressed event where students present music to an adjudicator for a formal evaluation. This is a no audience event however, parents are welcome to observe.
What should my student expect?
Students are expected to bring the original music AND a copy of the music for the adjudicator. Students are expected to be well prepared, introduce self and piece(s), and present one or two pieces to be evaluated by our staff based on universal music standards (see list below).
What will the adjudicators be evaluating?
- Tone (beauty/control, etc.)
- Technique (finger dexterity, fingering, note accuracy, precision, use of pedals, use of corda, etc.)
- Interpretation (contrast, mood, phrasing, rhythm, style, tempo, etc.)
- Musical Effect (artistry, fluency, articulation, etc.)
- Other Factors (choice of music, stage presence, appearance, etc.)
- Rating: Superior Plus, Superior, Excellent, Good/Average, Fair, Needs improvement
What does the student need to say?
At the start of the audition, please introduce yourself and the piece(s) you’ll be performing.
Are there any limitations for the pieces being performed?
We ask that students limit their audition to 1 or 2 pieces; the total of which would be less than 8 minutes. There are no minimum length requirements.
Does the music need to be memorized?
No. Memorization is not required. However, points are awarded for pieces performed from memory.
What should the student wear?
The universal norm for performance attire is “well-dressed.” Nice pants and dress shirt; a skirt or dress (at least knee-length), and dress shoes. Jeans and tee shirts are not acceptable due to their informal appearance.
When should I expect to the written evaluation from the adjudicator?
You should expect to receive the results within 14 days.
In-Person Audition Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines if you are having an In-Person audition
Students who are opting for an in-person audition will need to select an appointment time below. (or click here)
What does the student need to bring?
The student will need to bring the original AND a photocopy of the music being performed.
Recorded Audition Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines if you are submitting a recorded audition
When is the last day to submit a recording?
April 15.
Can I use my phone or tablet to upload?
Yes! We want this to be as easy as possible.
Landscape or Portrait?
Landscape please. For consistency, we are asking for everyone to record in landscape mode (a.k.a. widescreen).
What do I need to upload?
Two things: A video recording of the student performance and a picture of the music
How do I submit a recording?
After you have a recording that you like, you may visit this page, click “Add Files” and select the video you would like to submit.
How long will the upload take?
Uploading a video file will take several minutes to complete. Please keep this page open and active until you see the word “Success” (or a green checkmark) to know that we have received your submission.
Make Recorded submissions below
For recorded auditions only
Please be patient, uploads will take several minutes to complete.
This webpage must stay open and active during the upload process.
You’ll know we’ve received your file when you see the word “success” or a green checkmark.
Choose Your In-Person Audition Appointment
For in-person auditions only