Dean & Carolyn Elder Piano Competition

PMTA's Elder Competition

Dean & Carolyn Elder
Piano Competition

In this event students perform solo repertoire in a recital setting and are adjudicated. All participants receive certificates, and students awarded "Superior with Distinction" or "Superior" win cash awards upon availability. Students awarded "Honorable Mention" may also receive cash awards, if available. All award winners are invited to perform in the Winners' Recital.

  • 2025 Dean & Carolyn Elder
    Piano Competition

    Date

    Saturday, April 5, 2025
    Location

    Steinway & Sons Scottsdale,
    14418 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 184,
    Scottsdale, AZ 85254

  • Elder Competition
    Winners' Recital

    Date

    Sunday, April 6, 2025

    		 Time

    TBA
    Location

    Steinway & Sons Scottsdale,
    14418 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 184,
    Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Chairpersons

Michele Cohen (480) 213-6553
Stuart Foster (480) 458-8856

Registration

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025

Register online or download printable Information & Registration Form.

Student information may be accessed at Student/Parent Info. Please share this link with parents.

Students’ times and places will be announced after registration.

Nonrefundable Registration Fee:

Lower Elementary – $25 / Upper Elementary – $30
Junior High – $35 / Senior High – $40

Eligibility

Teachers and students must abide by the Guidelines for the Dean & Carolyn Elder Piano Competition. Noncompliance will result in disqualification. Student entered must have studied with the current teacher at least three (3) months prior to the event. Teachers may enter any number of students. Chairperson(s) may enter students.

Repertoire Guidelines

Requirement includes two memorized pieces with contrasting styles from any period or era. If a student received a Gold Medal in the Fall Piano Festival, the student may use one piece of the same repertoire for the Dean & Carolyn Elder Piano Competition. Repertoire cannot be changed after registration. Be aware that performances that go over the division time limit will be cut off. Each movement of a sonatina or sonata is considered one solo. WTC Preludes and Fugues by J.S. Bach must be considered as one piece (they cannot be played separately). Variations – the entire set of variations is considered one piece (no cuts). Only original compositions by composers of renown are acceptable. Contemporary American composers such as Alexander or Rollin are acceptable for each division. No simplified versions will be acceptable.

Divisions

  • Lower Elementary (ages 6-8 on the day of the competition, April 5, 2025)
  • Upper Elementary (ages 9-11)
  • Junior High (ages 12-14)
  • Senior High (ages 15-18)