The Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) is excited to announce the upcoming deadline for the 14th Annual Classical Viennese Festival International, a recorded video competition that highlights the rich tradition of Classical and pre-Classical sonata forms. Whether you’re based in Seattle, Issaquah, Sammamish, or anywhere around the globe, this is a unique opportunity for young pianists to deepen their understanding of Classical-era repertoire while gaining performance experience and meaningful feedback.

Why This Festival Is a Great Fit for Students

This festival has long been a favorite among instructors and students alike. Designed to be both accessible and educational, the Classical Viennese Festival invites participants of all ages to explore the music of Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and their contemporaries—composers who laid the foundation of Western classical music.

Participants benefit from:

• A fully online format—no travel required. Submit your performance video from the comfort of home or your local piano studio in Sammamish or Issaquah.

• Structured age and performance categories, ensuring every participant receives fair evaluation.

• Expert feedback from adjudicators with a deep knowledge of Classical repertoire.

Important Dates to Remember

🗓️ Application Deadline: April 3, 2025
📢 Results Announced: On or shortly after April 17, 2025

If you or your student is preparing a sonata by a Classical-era composer, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase that repertoire. Not sure if your piece qualifies? Speak with your primary instructor to confirm eligibility.

🎓 Special Benefits for 2025 Participants

One of the most exciting perks of the festival is the opportunity for advancement. All Gold and Silver Medalists are eligible to receive a tuition waiver of up to $300 to attend the prestigious 2025 Amici International Music Festival. This is a wonderful stepping stone for students eager to take their musical development to the next level. Learn more at www.amicisummer.org.

Ready to Participate?

Don’t wait until the last minute—submit your application before April 3, 2025.
🔗 Apply Now & Learn More

We look forward to celebrating the elegance, precision, and expressive beauty of Classical music with pianists from Issaquah, Sammamish, and beyond!

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Saturday, September 21: Unranked Gold Medalist Winners’ Concert and Final Round Competitions

Morning Session: Unranked Gold Medalist Winners’ Concert (Ages 9 and under) & Final Round (Ages 10 to 13)

• Time: 10:00 am to 12:15 pm
• Details: The morning kicks off with the Unranked Gold Medalist Winners’ Concert for the youngest category, followed by the final round for ages 10 to 13. This session showcases the extraordinary talent of young pianists who have already achieved remarkable success. Attendees have the exciting opportunity to vote for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards, making your participation even more interactive and impactful.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Afternoon Session: Seattle Int’l Piano Competition Finalists (Youth, Ages 14 to 18)

• Time: 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm
• Details: The afternoon continues with the final performances of the Youth category, ages 14 to 18. These young artists are on the cusp of their professional careers, and their performances promise to be both technically and emotionally compelling. Don’t forget to cast your vote for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards!
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Sunday, September 22: Final Rounds and the Grand Finale

Morning Session: Seattle Int’l Piano Competition Finalists (Collegiate Artists)

• Time: 10:00 am to 12:15 pm
• Details: The day begins with the Collegiate Artists category, where top-tier students from prestigious music institutions compete for the top honors. Their performances will demonstrate the high level of skill and artistry expected from musicians at this stage of their careers. As with all sessions, attendees can vote for their favorite performers.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Afternoon Session: Seattle Int’l Piano Competition Finalists (Professional Artists)

• Time: 1:30 pm to 3:45 pm
• Details: The final round for the Professional Artists category is the highlight of the competition. These seasoned performers bring years of experience and a deep understanding of their repertoire to the stage. It’s a session that will leave a lasting impression, and your vote for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards will help shape the outcome.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Evening: Guest Artist Recital, Awards Ceremony, and Presentation of 2024 Laureates

• Time: 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
• Details: The festival concludes with a special recital by Cameron Akioka, the 2022 President’s Prizewinner, followed by the awards ceremony and presentation of the 2024 SIPF laureates. Cameron’s program will include works by Schubert, Debussy, and Bach, offering a masterful conclusion to the weekend’s events. The ceremony will honor the competition’s top performers, celebrating their achievements and hard work.
• Admission: $44 general, $34 seniors, and $34 students

Venue Information

All events will take place at: Illsely Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
Benaroya Hall
200 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101
(Entry through box office at corner of Union & 3rd)

Why You Should Attend

For students in Issaquah and Sammamish, attending the SIPF not only fulfills your concert attendance requirement but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of piano performance. You’ll see firsthand the level of excellence that’s achievable through dedication and hard work, and you’ll be inspired to push your own limits as a musician. Plus, your participation in voting for the “Audience and Teachers’ Favorites” awards adds a personal touch to the event, allowing you to directly influence the outcome.

Tickets are available now, and they’re going fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event!

🎟️ Link to tickets

For any questions regarding your concert attendance requirements or if you need help selecting which events to attend, please feel free to reach out to your instructor. We look forward to seeing you at the Seattle International Piano Competition!

The post SIPF Lineup Schedule for September 21-22 appeared first on Chopin Academy of Music.

The Importance of Live Performance

At CAM, we emphasize the importance of attending live performances for several reasons. First, it allows you to observe professional musicians at the peak of their craft, offering a real-time education that recordings simply cannot provide. Watching a skilled pianist handle challenging passages, interpret complex emotions, and engage with the audience can be incredibly inspiring and informative.

For exam track students, attendance at two professional concerts is a requirement to earn your annual certificate. This requirement isn’t just a checkbox; it’s an integral part of your development as a musician. By attending the SIPC, you fulfill this requirement while being exposed to a wide range of styles, interpretations, and levels of pianistic mastery. Each performance you attend will deepen your understanding of the music you study and help you develop a more nuanced approach to your own playing. Besides, how often do we have the chance to hear the greatest aspiring pianists in one place. I guess we are lucky! We can do that every two years.

Why the SIPC is a Unique Opportunity

The Seattle International Piano Competition is a renowned event that attracts some of the most talented pianists from around the world. This year, the competition features over 250 participants from 17 different countries, each bringing their unique cultural and musical perspectives to the stage. Whether you’re listening to a Youth category finalist who is only a few years older than you, or a seasoned Professional Artist performing a challenging repertoire, you’ll gain insights into the level of dedication and skill required to excel in the world of classical music.

It can be daunting sometimes to cross the water from Issaquah and Sammamish to downtown Seattle, but this year’s SIPC offers an experience that’s well worth the trip. Moreover, the SIPC’s commitment to a 100% blind jury process ensures that the competition is merit-based, with each performance judged solely on its artistic quality. This level of fairness and professionalism is something you should witness firsthand, as it underscores the importance of hard work, authenticity, and the pursuit of excellence—values that are also at the core of your education at CAM.

Participate in the “Audience Favorite” Award

One of the most exciting aspects of attending the SIPC is the opportunity for you and your family to actively participate in the event by helping to elect the “Audience Favorite” in each category. As a member of the audience, your voice matters! This award allows you to support the performers who resonate with you the most, based on their artistry, technique, and emotional connection. It’s a unique way to engage with the competition and feel directly involved in the outcomes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

The Highlight: Cameron Akioka’s Recital and Awards Ceremony

One of the most anticipated events of the SIPC is the recital by Cameron Akioka, the 2022 President’s Prizewinner. Cameron, a young and dynamic pianist, has been praised for her “impressive aplomb and virtuosity” and has already made significant strides in her career. Her recital on September 22, 2024, will feature works by Schubert, Debussy, and the monumental Bach-Busoni Chaconne, showcasing her versatility and deep musical insight. Even our violin students should find this performance riveting!

Following Cameron’s recital, the festival will transition to the awards ceremony, where the winners of the 2024 competition will be announced. This ceremony is not just about the prizes; it’s a celebration of all the competitors’ hard work, dedication, and passion for music. Attending this event will give you a glimpse into what it takes to compete at an international level and the rewards that come with perseverance and excellence.

The atmosphere will be electric as the names of the laureates are revealed, and the audience shares in the joy and triumph of these remarkable young musicians.

How to Get Involved

As a student of CAM, you are strongly encouraged to attend at least one event of the SIPC. Not only will this help to satisfy your concert attendance requirement, but it will also connect you to a broader musical community. You’ll have the chance to witness history in the making, as some of these young artists will go on to become the leading pianists of their generation. Plus, by attending, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite performances, making your experience even more interactive and memorable.

While the trek from Sammamish or Issaquah might seem long, the cultural enrichment and inspiration you’ll gain from attending this event will make it more than worthwhile. Tickets for the Seattle International Piano Competition are available now, and we recommend securing your spot as soon as possible. The events are held at Benaroya Hall, a world-class venue that offers an exceptional listening experience.

🎟️ Link to tickets

For any questions regarding your concert attendance requirements or if you need help selecting which events to attend, please feel free to reach out to your instructor.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a significant cultural event that will inspire you and enrich your musical journey. If you do, you will understand why attending the Seattle International Piano Competition is a must!

The post Why Attending the Seattle International Piano Competition is a Must appeared first on Chopin Academy of Music.

We are also proud of our students and teachers. CAM students garnered a whopping 160 awards at festivals and competitions during the 2017-18 academic year alone. Congratulations on this tremendous feat!

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Last night, eleven-year old Chopin Academy student, Julian Frank displayed his passion and virtuosity in a striking performance of the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D minor, K. 466. A violinist with the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra, last night at the Meydenbauer Center for Performing Arts he demonstrated that he is more than just a violinist, after winning the orchestra’s concerto competition at a astonishingly young age.

Even more so, Julian is a prodigious and prolific composer with interests that span conducting, orchestration, and far more.

A former student of Dr. Oksana Ejhokina before attending the Chopin Academy of Music under Dr. Bowlby two years ago, Julian already has a stunning number of awards, accomplishments, and performances, having performed already at age ten in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall. Already immersed in a high school program, with broad interests in language, literature, and math, one wonders, do we have a Doogie Howser on our hands?

Julian is a consummate musician, with a penchant for Scriabin and Beethoven. Dr. Bowlby noticed uncommon qualities when he first came into contact with Julian. “The boy could sit down and play all 32 Sonatas by Beethoven — the beginnings of them, at least. It’s not every day you find a young musician with such passion and motivation to absorb all that literature,” said his teacher.

Still anticipating bigger hands to be able to handle bigger repertoire, Julian’s enthusiasm nonetheless drives him to accomplishments previously thought to be the sole domain of the mature artist.

“I remember last year when he came begging to play Op. 109,” said Dr. Bowlby, referring to Beethoven’s magnum work for solo piano. “109 challenges even the most mature concert artists. Given that Julian will probably be ABD by the time he’s 16, I imagine that sonata will be attainable for him in the not-so-distant future…”

Congratulations to Julian for a phenomenal performance to standing ovation last night.

The post CAM Student’s Solo Debut with BYSO appeared first on Chopin Academy of Music.

Not everyone was.

This festival is one of the most difficult area competitions, now attracting students of very prominent teachers from other parts of the country. There were approximately 30 competitors in each category.

It is great to be chosen. However, there’s 1,001 things that go into it. Alex, for example, dreamt of getting the gold at the NW Chopin Fest. He’s been with us for ten years, worked hard, and happened to be at the right place and right time when it happened for him on Saturday. He’s also been going religiously since 2008, often playing very well, but not always being remembered. Having 30-50 participants makes it very hard to be remembered even by the most experienced judge.

Getting the gold takes more than just practice (but it takes a lot of it!). To be competitive, it takes practicing as much or more than others. It takes great guidance and instruction (obviously), but it also takes confidence, multiple run-throughs in public, sacrifice (prioritizing music), listening, immersing oneself in music, and not least of all… luck!

A performer is only in control of what he/she can control. That is preparation, discipline, passion, sacrifice, and coaching. As if that’s not already difficult enough, it also takes someone to recognize those qualities in us, and to appreciate and connect with that performance. This is where subjectivity comes in. There are hundreds of factors (psychology, personal taste, random performing order, feeling sick) about which we can do nothing but accept. As much as it is hard to swallow, there’s no guarantee the listener is going to like or agree with what they hear. This is why we have to be at the right place and right time when we have done everything possible that we can ultimately can control. Then, we must be grateful when it does happen.

In the end, it is the same for those who get decorated, and those who do not… we simply go back to practicing, and go back to enjoying music. Because, ultimately, who cares if some Mr. or Mrs. “X” like our playing? It’s we, ourselves, who experience the music from minute to minute, day by day, throughout our entire lives. And, like one of our friends says, “Competitions are like buses. If you miss this one, there’s always another one coming in five minutes.”

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Upon reflecting back to 2015, we realize that CAM students have already made an achievement. Since September alone, CAM students have already garnered an impressive 84 awards at local, state, and international competitions and festivals. We wish to congratulate these students for their hard work.

We hope 2016 can bring as many momentous exploits in music, and not just in competitive events…

2016 NW Chopin Festival

Gold Medal: Alex Camai
Gold Medal: Jonathan Staley
Gold Medal: Kevin Yip
Silver Medal: Nile Camai

2015 Crescendo International Music Competition 

First Prize: Alex Camai
First Prize: Nile Camai
First Prize: Jonathan Staley
Second Prize: Nicholas Chin
Second Prize: Odelle Huang
Second  Prize: Annika Renganathan
Second  Prize: Anaya Sahoo
Second  Prize: Tiffany Zheng
Third Prize: Rio Koya
Third Prize: Amanda O’Brien
Third Prize: Eugene Yuan

2015 Classical Viennese Festival 

First Prize: Alex Camai
First Prize: Julian Frank
First Prize: Claire Gong
First Prize: Eileen Kim
First Prize: Erica Li
First Prize: Jeremy Lin
First Prize: David Neese
First Prize: Taissia Thesmann
First Prize: Maxwell Wang
First Prize: Arthur Yan
Second Prize: Miles Chanbai
Second Prize: Esther Liu
Third Prize: Rio Koya
Third Prize: Michelle Lee
Third Prize: Travis Lee
Third Prize: Caroline Oei
Honorable Mention: Sanjana Chava
Honorable Mention: Claire Ching
Honorable Mention: Veronica Cifuentes
Honorable Mention: Kunal Manish
Honorable Mention: Colin Sica
Honorable Mention: Bradley Tian
Honorable Mention: Winnie Wu
Honorable Mention: Eugene Yuan
Honorable Mention: Jacob Yuen

2015 Seattle Int’l Piano Competition

Gold Medal, ages 9 and under: Rebecca Sun
Top-Ranking Semi-finalist, ages 9 and under: Travis Lee
Semi-finalist, ages 14 to 18: Alex Camai
Semi-finalist, ages 14 to 18: Robert Yan

2015 WSMTA Outstanding Artist Competition (Senior Division)

Second Prize: Robert Yan
Third Prize: Alex Camai

2015 CWU’s Sonatina Festival 

First Prize: Jeremy Lin
First Prize: Emma Zheng
Honorable Mention: Annika Renganathan

2015 American Protégé Romantic Music Competition

Second Prize: Alex Camai

2015 Bach Festival

First Prize: Oyku Calargun
First Prize: Alex Camai
First Prize: Nile Camai
First Prize: Crystal Chen
First Prize: Julian Frank
First Prize: Eileen Kim
First Prize: Emily Koya
First Prize: Shichu Liu
First Prize: Levente Major
First Prize: Jonathan Staley
First Prize: Rebecca Sun
First Prize: Taissia Thesmann
First Prize: Robert Yan
Second Prize: Miles Chanbai
Second Prize: Naomi Chau
Second Prize: Travis Lee
Second Prize: Jeremy Lin
Second Prize: Catherine Oei
Second Prize: Matthew Shang
Second Prize: Radley Timajo
Second Prize: Maxwell Wang
Second Prize: Robert Yee
Second Prize: Tara Young
Second Prize: Olivia Yuan
Third Prize: Sophia Beams
Third Prize: Sanjana Chava
Third Prize: Chloe Cho
Third Prize: William Hartshorn
Third Prize: Ryan Hu
Third Prize: Ivan Penev
Third Prize: Anika Samuel
Honorable Mention: Claire Gong
Honorable Mention: Ashlyn Huber
Honorable Mention: Rio Koya
Honorable Mention: Angela Lin
Honorable Mention: Yilong Tang
Honorable Mention: Arthur Yan
Honorable Mention: Eugene Yuan

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Each year, dozens of Chopin Academy of Music students get top prizes during the annual Bach Festival and competition in October. Last year, CAM students garnered 19 prizes, many of which were gold medals. Perhaps for a few months out of the year, the Academy truly earns the name, “Bach Academy of Music.”

The Bach Festival was founded by Jennifer Bowman, who has been one of the most passionate supporters of recent pianistic culture in Seattle. Bowman, who is herself a superb pianist, recognized the need for piano students of the area to be more immersed in the music of JSB. And so, the Bach Festival was born! Organizing a kid-friendly festival with many prizes was one of the ways she promoted this important music in the younger generations.

Why is playing the music of Bach is so important? And why is it so difficult?

Aside from a purely musicological perspective, the music of JSB calls for the ultimate independence of voices, which in pianistic technique essentially means the independence of arms. The “tune” moves from one voice to another, and the expressivity of the left hand must be as flexible and lyrical as the right. At the same time, this physical challenge must be executed with freedom and artistic inspiration, while projecting the affekt (main emotion) of the piece.

Even the simplest pieces from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach are not easy! Note that most teachers keep students on a staple of modern American methods, such as the countless sources sitting side by side on the shelves of your local music store, and keeping students there for years. Even after three or four years on these books, children still can’t play a simple minuet with flair! Why is that? Well, because our contemporary American methods and their tunes are really composed by modern teachers who try to make it very easy for the students—essentially making the inaccessible invisible and unknown by avoiding or simplifying such challenges.

Well, Baroque composers did not care about making it easy as do our contemporary teacher-composers. They expected much more from young performers. Polyphony (the practice of multiple simultaneous independent musical lines), after all, was often called the LEARNED STYLE—the style you need to study to understand, not the style you get from spoon-fed sugar-coated materials. And you know what? Our modern youngsters are fully capable of overcoming these challenges and moving on.

Aside from coordination, why is the music of Johann Sebastian Bach so difficult?

I would say it is because of its necessary CLARITY. Pianists can’t cover up everything with pedal. There are not millions of little notes in a cascading wash of indistinct textures. Every note counts, and has to be played just the right way, just the right time, and with just the right amount of artistic and expressive engagement. There are not many opportunities for throwing one’s hands in the air, holding down the pedal, and looking like a showman. One ultimately must be able to control each speaking sound.

The difficulties with the music of JSB do not end here… There are many, many, many issues of style. Some pianists and teachers completely ignore any stylistic knowledge that we have passed down from the treatises and knowledge of instruments that Bach played. Some try to imitate Glenn Gould as the ultimate idol or paragon of the way Bach is, while some just play however the edition tells them (and there are MANY awful editions in the USA). Some want to play everything staccato, and others with everything enveloped in Romantic Rubato as if were BACHOFF. As we will never know how Bach WOULD have played his music on our modern piano, the search for the ideal performance of Bach’s music must start with the study of his intricate polyphony, and, if nothing else, trying to understand the basic issues of articulation, clarity and style.

Now we remember one important statement by C.P.E. Bach (J.S. Bach’s son): “DO NOT PLAY LIKE A TRAINED BIRD!”

Students of the CAM learning Bach have the opportunity to participate in a workshop to help prepare for the upcoming Bach Competition presented by Dr. Kaminska-Bowlby on September 10 at 5 pm in the Chopin Recital Hall of the CAM. Dr. Kaminska has researched the issues of Baroque Performance Practice through many years of her graduate and doctoral work, and presented a dissertation on Baroque Performance Practice in relation to the modern piano.

With opportunities like this, it is no wonder that students of the Chopin Academy of Music win many top prizes in the Bach Festival every year! This Bach workshop is free for all students of the CHOPIN ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

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