Karels, Mueller, and Thaden Perform at National Piano Playing Auditions

Isabelle Karels, Macy Mueller, and Natalie Thaden – accompanied by their instructor Sheila Dailie –  participated in the National Piano Playing Auditions in Brookings. The event was sponsored by the American College of Musicians and the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Each student performed a four to six-piece program and received a written critique of their performance, a pin, and a certificate. Lori Jessen of Dakota City, Nebraska, was this year’s adjudicator. 

The National Piano Player Auditions are held annually in hundreds of cities throughout the nation and abroad. Any current guild member is eligible to enroll their student(s) in auditions at any established guild center, regardless of age or level of expertise. 

The non-competitive event is designed  to encourage students to attain goals offered using a standardized piano curriculum. Students are judged on an individual basis during a private session. Upon successful completion of the audition, each student is awarded membership in the National Fraternity of Musicians for one year, plus a certificate, lapel pin, and report card with comments and details of their audition. In addition to yearly adjudications, students can work toward various diplomas, scholarships, and composition contests, including – but not limited to – the Bach Medal, Sonatina Medal, Five-Year National Roll, Ten-Year National Roll, and Paderewski Gold Medal.