Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Music

Virginia Jazz Piano Competition

VCU hosts a Jazz Piano Competition to recognize outstanding high school jazz pianists. Thousands of dollars are awarded in prizes. The event is sponsored by JAMinc, Plan 9 Music, the Richmond Jazz Society, Richmond Piano and the VCU Jazz Students Fund. Learn more about past competitions and winners.

If you have any questions, contact Antonio García at ajgarcia@vcu.edu.

Rules

• Eligibility is restricted to high school students. A signature of a high school official or private piano teacher is required. Previous winners are ineligible.
• All contestants must submit the entry form [PDF], demo CD (no cassettes) and nonrefundable $5 entry fee via check payable to “VCU Jazz Students Fund.” Please note that entry materials will not be returned.
• Though a quality demo CD is required, a studio recording is not. Entries will be judged on the merits of the performance itself, not on the audio quality.
• The audition CD must include at least 10 and no more than 15 minutes of music and be marked with your name and the tune titles. No editing within tracks.
• Repertoire must include the following:
  • Track 1: A solo piano rendition of “Take the 'A' Train.” (The other two pieces may include bass or bass and drums.)
  • Track 2: A swing blues.
  • Track 3: A bossa nova or Afro-Cuban selection.
  • Tracks 2 and 3 may be original compositions.
  • Include within each tune the melody presentation and an improvised piano solo. No solos by other instruments.
• Submissions must be received by October 1. Finalist invitations will be issued October 21, with finalist auditions held the afternoon of November 7, the winner announced by Dec. 1. No winner need be chosen if the judges find that no entry merits the award.

Prizes

First prize

• $2,000 VCU scholarship ($1,000 for the first year or $500 over four semesters)
• $200 cash
• Potential VCU performance opening for a concert and concert recording of same
• Assistance towards additional performances and other media relations

Second prize

• $500 cash
• Assistance towards additional performances and other media relations

Participating students will also receive additional consideration towards a full in-state tuition four-year Jazz Studies scholarship to VCU.

Submissions

To apply for the VCU Virginia Jazz Piano Competition, mail your required CD recording, along with your entry form and $5 nonrefundable entry fee via check made payable to “VCU Jazz Students Fund” to:

Antonio J. García, VCU Jazz
922 Park Avenue
P.O. Box 842004
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2004

Please note that the box number must be included for delivery.

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