The deadline to apply for the 2020 Cleveland International Piano Competition is coming up. As you prepare your application, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The heart of any piano competition application is the video. Strive for the highest quality sound you can manage (let your friend with the new iPhone 11 put that thing to good use). Your face and hands must be clearly visible throughout, but it’s more important for the selection committee to hear you at your best than to have a close-up of your hands or face.
- Find a quiet space to record–a practice room at a school or conservatory is ideal (make sure there are no brass players practicing next door). Minimize all ambient noise: turn off phones and put a “Do not disturb” sign on the door.
- You should record your audition for the Cleveland International Piano Competition in one continuous video. Consider it a performance. You may take as much time as you need in between pieces, but the camera must keep rolling.
- Don’t forget the repertoire requirements: one movement of a sonata by Mozart, Haydn or Beethoven and one etude by Chopin from op. 10 or 25. Once the requirements are met, the remaining time can be filled with the repertoire of your choice. You should have 20-25 minutes of playing time.
- Keep breathing and interpret the music.
- Give yourself enough time to upload your video–don’t wait until the last minute!
- If you are selected for the Cleveland Competition, you may play your audition pieces in the first two rounds.
- The full application and application requirements are on the Cleveland International Piano Competition website.
If you have any questions about the piano competition application, feel free to contact us via email.
Good luck!