BUDDING Pianist SPECIAL AWARDS Info & Resources
AGE 12 AND UNDER
BEST PERFORMANCE OF A METHOD BOOK PIECE
Beginner level, not beyond a typical book 2
THE DONNA BURGESS AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A COMPOSITION IN ANY STYLE BY MARJORIE BURGESS
Marjorie Burgess (1915 - 2005) was a versatile composer from Massachusetts whose works often won critical acclaim. Jazz, rag, gospel, folk, impressionistic, and neo-baroque are among the many styles represented in her eclectic music.
• RECORDINGS OF MUSIC BY BURGESS: Contact Dr. Houle, who has recorded almost everything. See also at bottom of this page.
• INFO ABOUT BURGESS SHEET MUSIC & CDs: Contact Donna Burgess, Marjorie's daughter (ph: 978.774.4807) or Dr. Houle.
• DOWNLOAD CATALOG (includes Burgess piano solo music); order music from Willis Music: 1-800.354.9799 or email Kyle Remnan.
• DUET (1 PIANO, 4 HANDS) MUSIC:
Penny Candy (Rag) [Sheet Music; Recording] & March of the Haunted House [Sheet Music; see at bottom of this page for recording].
• MARJORIE'S IMPROVISATION TIPS
• RECORDINGS OF MUSIC BY BURGESS: Contact Dr. Houle, who has recorded almost everything. See also at bottom of this page.
• INFO ABOUT BURGESS SHEET MUSIC & CDs: Contact Donna Burgess, Marjorie's daughter (ph: 978.774.4807) or Dr. Houle.
• DOWNLOAD CATALOG (includes Burgess piano solo music); order music from Willis Music: 1-800.354.9799 or email Kyle Remnan.
• DUET (1 PIANO, 4 HANDS) MUSIC:
Penny Candy (Rag) [Sheet Music; Recording] & March of the Haunted House [Sheet Music; see at bottom of this page for recording].
• MARJORIE'S IMPROVISATION TIPS
THE EVELYN BILLBERG AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A COMPOSITION IN ANY STYLE WRITTEN WHOLLY BY A FEMALE COMPOSER
Any piano solo, or concerto movement composition written exclusively by a female composer – in any style, from any time period – will be considered for this award. We would also allow an original composition by the contestant (assuming, of course, the contestant is female!). An original composition would, of course, also qualify for the Best Original Composition award.
Female composers of published piano music who would like to be included on this page may contact Dr. Houle.
Here is a practical volume of piano music (intermediate to early advanced) by various women composers:
At the Piano with Women Composers, edited by Maurice Hinson, 1990, Alfred Publications catalog #428. (A little "strategy" thought: the Nocturne by Szymanowska in this volume would qualify a contestant for the FEMALE COMPOSER award, the BEST PERFORMANCE OF A ROMANTIC PERIOD WORK award, and the BEST PERFORMANCE OF A LYRICAL AND PREDOMINANTLY SLOW WORK award!)
Alfred also publishes delightful intermediate level music by Catherine Rollin (e.g., Spotlight on Classical Style; 4 Original Pieces in Classical Style for the Intermediate Pianist, Alfred catalog #6038).
SOME NOTABLE FEMALE COMPOSERS:
Female composers of published piano music who would like to be included on this page may contact Dr. Houle.
Here is a practical volume of piano music (intermediate to early advanced) by various women composers:
At the Piano with Women Composers, edited by Maurice Hinson, 1990, Alfred Publications catalog #428. (A little "strategy" thought: the Nocturne by Szymanowska in this volume would qualify a contestant for the FEMALE COMPOSER award, the BEST PERFORMANCE OF A ROMANTIC PERIOD WORK award, and the BEST PERFORMANCE OF A LYRICAL AND PREDOMINANTLY SLOW WORK award!)
Alfred also publishes delightful intermediate level music by Catherine Rollin (e.g., Spotlight on Classical Style; 4 Original Pieces in Classical Style for the Intermediate Pianist, Alfred catalog #6038).
SOME NOTABLE FEMALE COMPOSERS:
Dianne Goolkasian Rahbee
Dianne's music is generally 20th/21st century in style, but also quite accessible. It runs the gamut from easier "teaching pieces" to wonderful "showcase virtuosic" pieces that appeal to macho teenage technique studs (e.g., "Sonata No. 1"). Her beautiful Chopinesque Nocturne was featured in the March/April 1999 issue of Piano & Keyboard magazine and would also qualify a contestant for the BEST PERFORMANCE OF A LYRICAL AND PREDOMINANTLY SLOW WORK award as well as the BEST PERFORMANCE OF AN IMPRESSIONISTIC OR CONTEMPORARY WORK IN ANY STYLE!
Several CDs of her music are available -- e.g.: - "Music by Dianne Goolkasian-Rahbee"
Compositions are performed by noted pianists Rebecca Raffaelli, Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Tanya Bartevyan, Elise Jackendoff, Deborah Yardley Beers, Ena Bronstein Barton, and violinist Magdalena Suchecka Richter.
Several CDs of her music are available -- e.g.: - "Music by Dianne Goolkasian-Rahbee"
Compositions are performed by noted pianists Rebecca Raffaelli, Phyllis Alpert Lehrer, Tanya Bartevyan, Elise Jackendoff, Deborah Yardley Beers, Ena Bronstein Barton, and violinist Magdalena Suchecka Richter.
MARJORIE BURGESS
Marjorie Burgess (1915 - 2005) was a versatile composer from Massachusetts whose works often won critical acclaim. Jazz, rag, gospel, folk, impressionistic, and neo-baroque are among the many styles represented in her eclectic music.
• RECORDINGS OF MUSIC BY BURGESS: Contact Dr. Houle, who has recorded almost everything.
• INFO ABOUT BURGESS SHEET MUSIC & CDs: Contact Donna Burgess, Marjorie's daughter (ph: 978.774.4807) or Dr. Houle.
• DOWNLOAD CATALOG (includes Burgess piano solo music); order music from Willis Music: 1-800.354.9799 or email Kyle Remnan.
• DUET (1 PIANO, 4 HANDS) MUSIC:
Penny Candy (Rag) [Sheet Music; Recording] & March of the Haunted House
• RECORDINGS OF MUSIC BY BURGESS: Contact Dr. Houle, who has recorded almost everything.
• INFO ABOUT BURGESS SHEET MUSIC & CDs: Contact Donna Burgess, Marjorie's daughter (ph: 978.774.4807) or Dr. Houle.
• DOWNLOAD CATALOG (includes Burgess piano solo music); order music from Willis Music: 1-800.354.9799 or email Kyle Remnan.
• DUET (1 PIANO, 4 HANDS) MUSIC:
Penny Candy (Rag) [Sheet Music; Recording] & March of the Haunted House
ALEX SHAPIRO
Alex Shapiro has written three solo piano works that might be of interest to students. Students could feel free to play just a single movement from either the 3-movement "Sonata for Piano," or the 5-movement "Piano Suite," if they don't wish to attempt the entire work.
Intermezzo for Piano
An easy, intermediate level piece that runs 3 minutes.
Piano Suite No. 1: The Resonance of Childhood
An advanced intermediate piece that runs about 12 minutes total; it's made up of five short movements that can be played modularly.
Sonata for Piano
An advanced three movement piece that comes in around 15 minutes; the last movement is a minute and a half scherzo that is a good show-piece.
Prize strategy tip: the Intermezzo and the fourth movement of the Piano Suite, titled "For My Father," would also qualify in the category of "Best Performance of a Lyrical and Predominantly Slow Work."
Intermezzo for Piano
An easy, intermediate level piece that runs 3 minutes.
Piano Suite No. 1: The Resonance of Childhood
An advanced intermediate piece that runs about 12 minutes total; it's made up of five short movements that can be played modularly.
Sonata for Piano
An advanced three movement piece that comes in around 15 minutes; the last movement is a minute and a half scherzo that is a good show-piece.
Prize strategy tip: the Intermezzo and the fourth movement of the Piano Suite, titled "For My Father," would also qualify in the category of "Best Performance of a Lyrical and Predominantly Slow Work."
MARJORIE M RUSCHE
Here are two advanced compositions by Marjorie Rusche, followed by her descriptions:
PIANO PORTRAITS: NIGHTWATCH – 1. In Memorium 2. Bluesy Cantabile
A 9 minute composition for solo piano, completed August 8, 2001.
1. In Memorium portrays the struggle for life of a patient in an intensive care cardiac unit as well as the loved one's emotional fluctuations during the night vigil. Rolled cluster chords open the work. A nine-note row motive is then stated and repeated in varied from throughout the work. Rapid cluster chord repetitions and arpeggios frame a calmer, more melodic and tonal middle section. The movement ends quietly, with a varied lyrical restatement of the first five notes of the row.
2. Bluesy Cantabile is the calm after the storm, the determination to go ahead with life mixed with nostalgia. It opens with a melodic line constructed from a D minor blues-inflected scale. The melody shifts to the left hand with chords added in the right, then is developed in a more contrapuntal texture. The music then transforms into chordal passages with strongly stated expanded tertian harmonies which are then presented in syncopation and stretto. Mirroring the process of the first movement's ending, the second movement closes with a wistful and tranquilly subdued restatement of the opening cantabile theme.
Requires an advanced player; this music contains several virtuosic passages.
For a copy of the score, please contact:
Marjorie M. Rusche
4524 Hickory Road #3-C
Mishawaka, IN 46545
E-mail: mmrusche@aol.com
Tel: (574) 243-1615
PIANO PORTRAITS: NIGHTWATCH – 1. In Memorium 2. Bluesy Cantabile
A 9 minute composition for solo piano, completed August 8, 2001.
1. In Memorium portrays the struggle for life of a patient in an intensive care cardiac unit as well as the loved one's emotional fluctuations during the night vigil. Rolled cluster chords open the work. A nine-note row motive is then stated and repeated in varied from throughout the work. Rapid cluster chord repetitions and arpeggios frame a calmer, more melodic and tonal middle section. The movement ends quietly, with a varied lyrical restatement of the first five notes of the row.
2. Bluesy Cantabile is the calm after the storm, the determination to go ahead with life mixed with nostalgia. It opens with a melodic line constructed from a D minor blues-inflected scale. The melody shifts to the left hand with chords added in the right, then is developed in a more contrapuntal texture. The music then transforms into chordal passages with strongly stated expanded tertian harmonies which are then presented in syncopation and stretto. Mirroring the process of the first movement's ending, the second movement closes with a wistful and tranquilly subdued restatement of the opening cantabile theme.
Requires an advanced player; this music contains several virtuosic passages.
For a copy of the score, please contact:
Marjorie M. Rusche
4524 Hickory Road #3-C
Mishawaka, IN 46545
E-mail: mmrusche@aol.com
Tel: (574) 243-1615
MELoDY bober
Another terrific composer is Melody Bober, a contemporary composer who writes generally intermediate, catchy, sophisticated and accessible music. Here is a partial list of her published music:
FJH Collections: Cyclone, Dynamic Duets Books 1 and 2, Folk Fantasies, Standing Ovations, Romantic Rhapsodies, Traditional Hymns, Tunes in Transit, From the Emerald Isle, The Best of Melody Bober books 1 and 2 and Christmas Encores Books 1 & 2
FJH Sheets: Canyons and Waterfalls, Tokyo Twilight, Summer Romance, Magnificent Monarch, A Reflection of Love, Sleighride Fantasy, Rodeo Roundup, Black Cat Scherzo, Crystal Palace Waltz, Daybreak in Dublin, A Sailor's Journey, Danse Romantique, Morning Vista, Remember When, Sweet n' Sassy, Agent X, Sundance Canyon, Lakeside Reverie, Midnight Rhapsody, Sonatina of the High Seas, Fantasy on Londonderry Aire.
Willis Collections: Melody in Moonlight, Melody in Action, Melody in Motion, Melody in Christmas, Melody in Seasons
Willis Sheets: Irish Suite, Country Frolic, Escapade, Reflections of Autumn, Starlight Starbright, A Song for You, Night Rider, Flight of the Eagle, Spring Rain, Roxanne's Waltz, Reverie (duet), Skating by Starlight, Rhapsody, Dream Interlude, Hungarian Dance, Loch Lomond, I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Lillenas (A Division of the Nazarene Publishing House): Praise in Many Colors
FJH Collections: Cyclone, Dynamic Duets Books 1 and 2, Folk Fantasies, Standing Ovations, Romantic Rhapsodies, Traditional Hymns, Tunes in Transit, From the Emerald Isle, The Best of Melody Bober books 1 and 2 and Christmas Encores Books 1 & 2
FJH Sheets: Canyons and Waterfalls, Tokyo Twilight, Summer Romance, Magnificent Monarch, A Reflection of Love, Sleighride Fantasy, Rodeo Roundup, Black Cat Scherzo, Crystal Palace Waltz, Daybreak in Dublin, A Sailor's Journey, Danse Romantique, Morning Vista, Remember When, Sweet n' Sassy, Agent X, Sundance Canyon, Lakeside Reverie, Midnight Rhapsody, Sonatina of the High Seas, Fantasy on Londonderry Aire.
Willis Collections: Melody in Moonlight, Melody in Action, Melody in Motion, Melody in Christmas, Melody in Seasons
Willis Sheets: Irish Suite, Country Frolic, Escapade, Reflections of Autumn, Starlight Starbright, A Song for You, Night Rider, Flight of the Eagle, Spring Rain, Roxanne's Waltz, Reverie (duet), Skating by Starlight, Rhapsody, Dream Interlude, Hungarian Dance, Loch Lomond, I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Lillenas (A Division of the Nazarene Publishing House): Praise in Many Colors
judith zaimont
The music of Judith Zaimont, Professor of Composition at the University of Minnesota, is profiled in the April 2003 issue of Clavier
LOLA PERRIN
Lola Perrin is a London based American composer and pianist
more detailed information for scholarly types
To find more keyboard repertory by women composers, consult:
Guide to the Pianist's Repertoire by Maurice Hinson: 1st edition, 1973, Indiana U. Press, ISBN 0–253–32700–8; 2nd edition, Indiana U. Press, call # ML 128 P3 H5 1987; 3rd edition due out in February, 2001. Ask your librarian, order from your favorite local bookstore, or order online.
For more information about women composers, consult this reference:
The Norton/Grove Dictionary of Women Composers, ISBN 0–393–03487–9, 1995, McMillan Press Limited. Edited by Julie Anne Sadie & Rhian Samuel.
Check your local library for this book, or order online.
Another excellent reference book you may find in your library is:
The International Encyclopedia of Women Composers in Two Volumes, 2nd Edition by Aaron I. Cohen.
More keyboard music by women composers:
Women composers: Music through the ages, edited by Martha Furman Schleifer and Sylvia Glickman:
– Vol 3, Composers Born 1700 to 1799: Keyboard Music, published by GK Hall, 1998, ISBN 0-7838-1612-X
– Vol 6, Composers Born 1800-1899 : Keyboard Music, published by GK Hall, 2000, ISBN 0-7838-8192-4
These volumes are very expensive, but worth it if you can afford it! Or, ask your local librarian (if they don't have it, ask to get it by interlibrary loan), or order online.
OTHER RESOURCES FOR FINDING MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS:
• International Alliance for Women in Music
• Ars Femina
• Leonarda Productions
• Sheet Music Plus (search for women composers)
• Hildegard Publishing Company
• Vivace Press
• Women Composers Early Music & Ragtime MIDI Soundfiles
• The International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWM)
Guide to the Pianist's Repertoire by Maurice Hinson: 1st edition, 1973, Indiana U. Press, ISBN 0–253–32700–8; 2nd edition, Indiana U. Press, call # ML 128 P3 H5 1987; 3rd edition due out in February, 2001. Ask your librarian, order from your favorite local bookstore, or order online.
For more information about women composers, consult this reference:
The Norton/Grove Dictionary of Women Composers, ISBN 0–393–03487–9, 1995, McMillan Press Limited. Edited by Julie Anne Sadie & Rhian Samuel.
Check your local library for this book, or order online.
Another excellent reference book you may find in your library is:
The International Encyclopedia of Women Composers in Two Volumes, 2nd Edition by Aaron I. Cohen.
More keyboard music by women composers:
Women composers: Music through the ages, edited by Martha Furman Schleifer and Sylvia Glickman:
– Vol 3, Composers Born 1700 to 1799: Keyboard Music, published by GK Hall, 1998, ISBN 0-7838-1612-X
– Vol 6, Composers Born 1800-1899 : Keyboard Music, published by GK Hall, 2000, ISBN 0-7838-8192-4
These volumes are very expensive, but worth it if you can afford it! Or, ask your local librarian (if they don't have it, ask to get it by interlibrary loan), or order online.
OTHER RESOURCES FOR FINDING MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS:
• International Alliance for Women in Music
• Ars Femina
• Leonarda Productions
• Sheet Music Plus (search for women composers)
• Hildegard Publishing Company
• Vivace Press
• Women Composers Early Music & Ragtime MIDI Soundfiles
• The International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWM)
THE EVELYN BILLBERG AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF A LYRICAL & PREDOMINANTLY SLOW WORK
We pay lip service to nuance and poetic sensitivity, yet so often it’s “loud and fast” that elicits the most attention. So we have this prize category for excellence in slow, lyrical playing. Any piano solo or concerto movement that is predominantly lyrical and slow qualifies for this award. (The judges will be the final arbiters of what pieces qualify for this -- or any other -- award.) The judges will be looking for articulative finesse, subtlety, musical maturity, good tone, balance of voices, phrase nuances, pedaling sophistication if applicable, etc. “Technique” is a lot more than just virtuosity!
THE LUKE RACKERS AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE OF ANY PIANO SOLO WORK PUBLISHED BY ABUNDANT SILENCE
To access the ever-expanding list of piano solo publications that would qualify for this award please see here.
THE KAREN COMBS TRIBUTE AWARD FOR MOST VERSATILE PIANIST
Well-rounded skills are essential for success, yet the greatest prestige is often bestowed on specialization. This festival seeks to promote all-around musicianship by offering a prize for the student who demonstrates imaginative and interpretive excellence along with the greatest versatility. Students vying for this award are encouraged to play as much repertory (with as much variety of styles) as possible within the 15-minute limit -- preferably with demonstrations of various improvisational styles.
