Students of all levels are encouraged to play a minimum of ten memorized pieces in the National Piano Guild Auditions.  The registration fee is $40 per student and is due by December 15th.  The auditions take place in April.

Recommendation

In order to thoroughly prepare the musicianship and repertoire requirements for Music Development and Piano Guild events, students in Level 2 – Level 3 are encouraged to have a 45-minute weekly lesson.  Students in Level 4 and above are recommended to have a 60-minute weekly lesson or two, 30-minute weekly lessons.

From the National Guild of Piano Teachers Website

“The Piano Guild, as we are called (a division of the American College of Musicians), was founded in 1929 by Dr. Irl Allison. Forty-six entrants participated in the first audition (then called a “tournament”) at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Since that time, the Guild has grown to more than 850 audition centers where thousands of students enroll annually in our international auditions, which are held throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Our primary function is to establish definite goals and awards–in noncompetitive auditions–for students of all levels, from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. With the exception of our “special” programs, teachers have the flexibility to choose all repertoire for student auditions. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. Our purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.”

Yearly auditions are held in over 850 US cities and several foreign countries. Students are adjudicated by an international panel of judges and receive report cards, certificates, and fraternity pins. Programs are diversified to meet the needs of both students and teachers. Programs are flexible and include repertoire as well as technical goals (musicianship phases). A variety of programs are available in which students can enroll:

Memorized Programs
Students of all levels may perform anywhere from one to 20 pieces

Special Medal Programs
Sonatina, Sonata, Early Bach, Advanced Bach

Diploma Programs
High School, Collegiate, and Young Artist

International Composition Contest
Beginning composers through advanced levels compete for cash awards