To some of the pianists auditioning, our choices may seem arbitrary, or random. I believe they're not. From the jury's side of the table, it's frequently very clear -- who we should accept into the school and to whom we should say, "No." The members of the committee (all of us are pianists) do not always agree. But, it's often surprising to me -- even concerning -- how closely matched are our estimates of a talent, of the potential of an … [Read more...]
Screening
In a large suitcase, I'm carrying most of the 400 prescreening CDs submitted by prospective students to New England Conservatory's piano department this year. These recordings come from applicants to the school's bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, and from applicants to the joint degree program the conservatory has with Harvard University. When I started teaching at NEC five years ago there was no "prescreening" in advance of … [Read more...]
Across a crowded room
The first of seven days of piano auditions began well enough. The first half dozen prospects were accomplished players. Things to quibble with, of course -- but jobs well done. After each student finishes playing and leaves the room, the jury has brief discussion, then each of us assigns a rating for the auditioner just heard. After six auditions, something else happened. A diminutive youngster was seated at the clavier -- and I heard the … [Read more...]