Extensive online learning opportunities with a focus on social engagement and developing creative skills and habits.

All participants, all ages, are recognized with one special, individually-tailored award certificate.
​
World-class teaching artists provide extensive individualized feedback and enriching opportunities to grow artistically and develop interpretive and/or creative skills!

* ​The complete detailed 2022 schedule of events
​will be available in early 2022
2022 Virtual Festival Begins Soon!

Online Access from
October 2021 - December 2022

Enrollment available now with a deadline of April, 30th 2022 to participate in the 2022 Virtual Festival

Enroll early to get extended access to the OpenLearning platform! 
This one-of-a-kind festival encompasses classical, jazz and other musical idioms, along with improvisation and composition, in a social constructivist educational setting. 

Teaching artists bestow one special, individually-tailored award certificate to each participant to spotlight that person's finest achievement.  We are 100% focused on constructive feedback, musical growth, and enriching learning opportunities. 

Our uniquely diverse award "menu" celebrates standard baroque through contemporary repertory as well as neglected, yet important, skills -- e.g., improvisations (any style), original concerto cadenzas & classical embellishing (demonstrated by most of history's greatest composers yet seldom seen today), versatility (needed to thrive in today's competitive market), lyricism (usually overshadowed by "loud and fast" playing), original compositions (too few venues exist for young serious composers), works by female composers (underrepresented elsewhere), and tasteful arrangements & transcriptions (often disallowed in other events).
We seek to foster diverse and well-rounded musicianship that goes beyond the "autonomic wizardry" that is often overemphasized in other competitions. Above all, pianists and composers are urged to develop and showcase their unique creative talents and perform with individuality, personality, exuberance, originality and spontaneity.



  
• 2022 Enrollment limit: at the discretion of the directors

​• Educational opportunities (details & schedule to come)


RESOURCES FROM RECENT FESTIVALS

Educational handout for teachers & students:
Workshop handouts (2018):
Workshops (2017):
Workshop videos:
​Since 2015, we have proudly introduced a new Written Composition category (scroll 1/2 way down page) wherein our world-class judges perform the best student "finalist" compositions in recital (YouTube: 2016 & 2017). Young composers get to sit back and listen to their pieces being interpreted by top-notch professionals in recital.

  • The 2019 judges were:​
John Salmon, Kevin Olson & Wynn-Anne Rossi.
   (The 2020 festival was canceled due to Covid-19.)

ECLECTIC PROGRAM WITH UNIQUE OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Eligibility:

​Open to all ages in 2022!
This program is recommended for piano students and enthusiasts from ages 10-100 who have an understanding of foundational musical elements like dynamics, articulation, rhythmic values, time signatures, note reading on the grand staff, phrasing, and musical feeling and style (generally from the late beginner/early intermediate level through advance level).

​Requirements:

Virtual Festival

  • Build creative skills and confidence through online learning activities, challenges, and social engagement. 
  • Record and submit performance videos up to 15 minutes — any style, solo piano or duet as specified
  • Optional but highly recommended: Written Composition category (no additional fee)​​​

Meet Our Festival Leadership Team

Our leadership team is dedicated to providing unique, creative learning experiences and programming for piano students of all ages, teachers, lifelong learners and the general public.

LUKE RACKERS

Executive Director
​Email Luke

EVELYN BILLBERG

Program Director
Email Evelyn

ARTHUR HOULE

Founder & Artistic Director
​Email Arthur
Are you interested in participating in the 2022 Festival for Creative Pianists
​but still have questions? 

• Email Evelyn Billberg at ev.billberg@gmail.com or call 303-629-9209

Donate Today to Help Support This Amazing Festival!

Your gift helps transform the creativity of young learners.
Donations of any size help -- from small donations to corporate sponsorships.

We would especially welcome a "masthead" donor (see bottom of this page).

Many thanks to Classic Pianos of Denver, MakeMusic, & Canvas Credit Union, and all of our other generous sponsors!

Check Out These Fun Festival Highlights From Previous Years

From the festival archives - 2011: Buckaroo Blues* by Arthur Houle
   *Selected by the National Federation of Music Clubs (2016-2020 Bulletin: one of 14 "Moderately Difficult Class 2" pieces)  

 
2019 Festival for Creative Pianists locations:

• Classic Pianos
1332 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
All events except Wed. evening concert

• Schmitt Music
685 S Braodway, Denver, CO 80209
Wed. evening concert - Inaugural Festival Alumni Celebration Recital
Picture
Classic Pianos stage pianos

Praise for the Festival

  • The late great DAVE BRUBECK wrote (letter, dated 6/12/02, to Arthur Houle, artistic director & festival founder): "What you are attempting to do in your festival is most laudable, especially in eliminating as much as possible the 'winner take all' dynamic, and encouraging improvisation in both jazz and classical music."



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