Guidelines & Application

The application deadline for CAPC 2012 has passed. Please consider applying in 2014!

Qualifications:
I. Applicants must be amateurs: the word amateur stems from the Latin amo, meaning “to love.” From this the PianoForte Foundation has created the following definition of an Amateur Pianist: an enthusiastic pursuer of piano playing for pleasure and dedication to the instrument and its repertoire, rather than professional pursuits or financial benefit.
II. Applicant must be 30 years or older by May 23, 2012.
III. Applicants must not be faculty members at a college/conservatory level music department.
IV. Applicants must not derive a majority of their income from public performances.
V. Applicants must not be actively pursuing a degree in piano performance.
VI. Previous first place winners are not eligible to compete.

Format:
CAPC 2012 will consist of two competitions: solo piano and concerto, although competitors have the option to participate in both simultaneously. The solo piano competition consists of 60 applicants competing, and 20 contestants competing in the Concerto competition. 6 finalists in in the Concerto Competition will perform live with the Chicago Youth Symphony at Orchestras Hall, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Repertoire: Solo piano: Competitors are free to choose their own programs for all solo piano rounds of the competition. However, no works may be repeated in subsequent rounds. Repertoire should reflect a variety of musical styles, periods, and composers. Individual movements of larger works are acceptable. Works do not have to be memorized. The contestant may choose to play one or more pieces during each round.
Concerto: Contestants will choose one of the following below, equaling 15-20 minutes of music. An accompanist will be provided for Round 1.
Concerto options: Schumann: Concerto in A minor, Op.54 I. Allegro affettuoso
Beethoven: Concerto No.3 in C minor, Op.37 I. Allegro con brio
Tchaikovsky: Concerto No.1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Housing: Applicants are free to find their own lodging while in Chicago. Housing options will be included in the Welcome Package to all accepted applicants. Apartment-style dorms at University Center through Roosevelt University are available on a first come/first serve basis. This option is highly recommended and will provide a fully functioning kitchen, living area, individual bedrooms and practice rooms in-building. $60 per person/per night. Please call for more information/to confirm your reservation at 312-291-0291.

*****IMPORTANT NOTE******
Chicago is a large city, and will be hosting the 2012 G8 Summit, as well as the NATO Summit in May of 2012. Chicago’s downtown area will be crowded with visitors during this time. PLEASE MAKE YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS ACCORDINGLY. For more information, click here.

The Chicago Amateur Piano Competition

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For more information, contact: Rhapsody Snyder at rhapsody@pianofortefoundation.org