Mission:

This festival is the only one of its kind in the world, combining both classical and jazz idioms in a constructive, educational setting. Students compete for unique prizes that promote neglected but important creative and innovative skills and repertory -- e.g., classical embellishing and improvisation, versatility, lyricism, original compositions, works by female composers, transcriptions, original concerto cadenzas, etc.

We seek to foster diverse and well-rounded joyous musicianship that goes beyond the "autonomic wizardry" that is often overemphasized in other competitions. Above all, pianists are urged to develop and showcase their unique talents and perform with individuality, personality, exuberance, originality and spontaneity.

We hope this festival will serve as a catalyst for competition and curriculum reform in academic and private teaching music communities. The piano festival is only one "focal point" of a larger educational mission to promote creativity skills in applied keyboard studios, classrooms and higher education.

We advocate "whole" musicianship that will lead to greater appreciation for the creative arts by everyone. For young pianists considering professional careers in music, this festival provides incentives for them to develop as resourceful, jubilant musicians, armed with the kinds of skills that will help them succeed in our increasingly multifaceted, ever-changing and competitive world.