June 5, 2009 ~ Cedar Arts Center ~ 171 Cedar St, Corning, NY

All judges are known to vary in their estimates of scores for musical pupils from 1 to 6 points, ranging from conservative to liberal as to character, hence, the impossibility of absolute scores in these subjects. To interpret the following accurately, it would be necessary to ascertain the type of judge who had done the grading - Liberal, Average, or Conservative. When comparing scores from year to year, you must take this into consideration. It is a good practice to average scores from several years to get an accurate assessment of the student's performance. Lastly, please keep in mind that grades are meant to be an indicator of the pupil's preparedness, not a comprehensive judgment of his/her abilities.

There were many fine comments this year. On a whole we were highly commended for adding Transposition and Sight Reading to almost all programs. Also, we were praised for outstanding Expressiveness. These are really great things. Great job, everyone!!

The scores below are in alphabetical order by first name, as are the photos above.

As a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, I am able to sponsor my students in the annual auditions for the National Fraternity of Student Musicians.  All levels of progress are welcome to attend the auditions, as they are judged solely on their own abilities and not in competition with anyone else.

Each student performs one-on-one with an impartial adjudicator.  This judge listens to pieces prepared by the student and fills out a report card.  The comments made are very positive and the grading system easy to understand. 

The Hobbyist level plays up to 8 un-memorized pieces. All other students perform their choice of 1 to 20 memorized pieces (or combined songs with musicianship phases such as arpeggios, chords, transposition, sight reading, etc.)  They are classified according to how many pieces they performed and what level of repertoire they select.

Every year a student enters they receive a membership certificate and a pin, as well as a report card.  They also have their name posted on my Teacher's Certificate which hangs in my studio.  His/her name will also be listed, along with a photo, in a magazine called, "Piano Guild Notes" in their fifth, tenth, or fifteenth year as a National or International winner.  Other medals and awards are also available in the higher levels.

Please visit the Archive for photos and results from past seasons.

Driving Directions from Audrey's Piano Studio to the Cedar Arts Center