Piano Festival

It is the time of year for all our JAGS pianists to think of what piece they could play in the Piano Festival. As usual everyone is invited to join in – whatever your age or level. The adjudicator will give you helpful pointers to improve your playing and while certificates will be awarded to many people, the main aim is to encourage you to polish up a piece and then enjoy playing it in the informal company of other pianists.

This year we are very pleased indeed that Paul Smith has agreed to visit JAGS for the first time as adjudicator.

PAUL SMITH has performed throughout the UK as both soloist and accompanist, also making extensive tours of the Far East, including recordings for SBC Singapore. He has broadcast for BBC Radio 3, Classic FM and Capital Radio and has acted as official accompanist for a number of courses including Lake District Summer Music and the International Violin Sonata Course. Whilst studying under Alexander Kelly and Christopher Elton at the Royal Academy of Music he won numerous prizes and awards, including the Christian Carpenter prize for postgraduate accompaniment and the Tobias Matthay Bursary for continued study. As a teacher and accompanist he worked at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Department and, for several years, the Yehudi Menuhin School. He has been Head of Instrumental Studies at Alleyn’s School, Dulwich since 1995.

All girls are encouraged to join in the Festival, whether they learn in or outside school. Performing level will be the deciding factor in every class and age will not be taken into consideration. Because of time pressures entries will be limited to one per applicant plus an ensemble.

Timings of classes will depend on the number of entries and will be notified in advance by JagsPost and on music noticeboards. Parents, teachers and friends are most welcome to attend at any time.

Download an entry form by clicking here.