These are private (student and judge only), non-competitive auditions that are held annually to encourage goal-setting and progress in the study of the piano.  Students are judged on individual merit in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique.

Playing an audition involves performing from 1-10 pieces for the judge.  Students wanting to perform the 10-piece program will play music learned throughout the entire school year.  There is some technique required (scales and cadences) as well. Students can memorize pieces, or enter the “hobbyist” category where pieces need not be memorized.  There are also categories for jazz, duets, and social music (Broadway shows, movie themes, hymns, etc.) to help keep students motivated no matter which genre and style of music they like to perform.

Students can measure how they compare to other students using national standards.  For the past 2 years, Rachel’s students who performed in the National Guild Auditions received Superior Plus ratings – the highest rating available!

Some National Guild judges’ comments to students have been “You are just like Mary Poppins: practically perfect!” “A fine sense of style,” “You have done great things in a very short time,” “Loved…your attention to every dynamic and accent mark,” “You are the last student on the last day and you have made this whole week worthwhile!”

National Guild judges’ comments to Rachel have been: “Your students all play very musically – that is your doing – congratulations,” “Just take on more students and do your ‘magic,’” “You must be a born teacher.”

Date and Location

The closest National Guild Audition regional center is in Durham, and the audition is usually held in the spring, around the end of April.

Scheduling

Typically, auditions begin at noon and continue through 8PM on the days of the auditions.  I will be assigned a block of time for my students, for example, 3-6PM on Tuesday, and it may be a school day as easily as a weekend date.  If our assigned time is a weekday, your child may miss school in order to perform in the Audition.

While the Guild office provides a printed letter for parents to show a student’s school office so that the student can receive an excused absence, the school is not required to excuse the absence, although most do because it is an academic and educational program.

Cost

The cost is usually in the $30-$60 range for registration.  There is also a studio fee of $50 per student.

I recommend this audition to all students (even beginners) because it helps to set and achieve the kinds of goals I would like my students to attain.  The comments of the judge will help to reinforce the concepts I am trying to teach, and often students will concentrate with improved focus after having this kind of experience.  It also assists me in guiding their course of study and is a positive reinforcement for me.  I understand if your family situation does not allow your child to participate in this audition for a given year, but I hope you will keep it in mind for the future.

Additional Information

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this with me further, please contact me.  I look forward to hearing back from you about this annual event and hope you will give this your strongest support.