Yamaha Artist Services to Host 2019 American Jazz Pianist Competition
The 5th annual American Jazz Pianist Competition will take place April 15, 2019 at Yamaha Artist Services in Manhattan. Between now and March 18, 2019, pianists aged 18-25 are invited to apply to participate in the prestigious program, which showcases outstanding pianists in both solo and trio formats.
More than $20,000 in prizes will be presented, including a Grand Prize valued at $8,300. Jim McNeely, Jeremy Siskind and Elio Villafranca comprise the panel of luminary judges at this year’s Competition, while bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Adam Nussbaum will accompany each contestant during the trio section. Bösendorfer is the official piano of the AJPC.
“Yamaha Artist Services New York is thrilled to host the American Jazz Pianist Competition,” said Bonnie Barrett, director, Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. “In addition to the cash awards, the winner will also have the opportunity to record a full-length album in our studios and have a New York City debut at a renowned jazz club.”
“The AJPC has definitely helped my career,” said Yamaha artist Emmet Cohen, winner of the 2014 AJPC. “There’s a lineage of competitive piano in this idiom, going back to when Fats Waller, Willie “The Lion” Smith, James P. Johnson and Thelonious Monk got together in apartments in Harlem and took turns showing what they could do. The AJPC harkens back to that. I got to hear so many great pianists, each one with a unique concept and voice, and I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of them. The Competition is a good foundation for young musicians who want to build their community.”
The American Jazz Piano Competition is open to North American Citizens (US and Canada) age 18-25 before March 18th, 2019. Pianists who wish to take part must submit a recording (CD) of 15 minutes consisting of four tracks selected from the competition repertoire categories, which includes The Great American Songbook and compositions by jazz musicians and composers. The recording must contain examples of trio and solo playing.
“Our competition does more than offer prizes and acclaim. It builds a community of the pianists who will carry American jazz into the next decade,” said Jamie Younkin, vice president, American jazz Pianist Competition.
Pianists interested in applying for the competition can visit http://www.AmericanJazzPianistCompetition.org. Tickets to attend the event at Yamaha Artist Services (689 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan) on Monday, April 15 can be purchased on the AJPC website and by calling (321) 768-2221.
