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Pianist rejects Honorable Mention prize at International Piano Competition

Today, the results of the 11th Paderewski International Piano Competition in Poland were announced. In a shocking moment at the Laureates’ Concert, Russian pianist Sergey Belvaysky announced that he cannot accept the result of the competition and therefore could not perform at the concert. “Dear friends, I’m very sorry that I have to open my

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November 2019: Jon Batiste

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This month, in honor of his 33rd birthday (born November 11, 1986,) we have selected American musician, bandleader, and television personality Jon Batiste. Jonathan Batiste is a Grammy-nominated musician, TV personality, and bandleader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Though just 33 years old, he has released 11 albums and Eps (including his just-released “Anatomy of

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Stuttering Girl Finds Strength in Music

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“you talk as slowly as making a monthly payment installment.”
Someone said to me once.
When I was a child, I developed a stutter which continued into adulthood, constantly depriving me of proper self-expression and the freedom of speaking.

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October 2019: Paul Badura Skoda

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This month, we honor the late Austrian pianist Paul Badura-Skoda, who would have turned 92 (Oct 6th, 2019) this week. He passed away last week (Sep 25, 2019).

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Juilliard Pianist Always Gets Asked This One Question

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Watch story in video

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College Freshman Finds Redemption at Piano Competition

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I prepared two pieces, and placed…. in none of them. Even worse, I had a memory issue for one of my pieces – my left hand just went blank! Be it nerves or lack of practice, I tasted bitter regret, and drove back repeatedly listening to Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools”.

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Working Chinese Girl Picks Up Piano After Seven Years

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I stopped playing during high school when coursework became too intense, like most of my friends in China who played piano did. After which I was reluctant to pick it up again thinking I’d become too lousy, but the itch for playing again one day was always there.

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September 2019: Alexei Volodin

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This month’s pianist comes from a suggestion from one of our top fans. Here is what was said about the nomination: “Thank you for great publications, Piano League! I have a suggestion for your next “Pianist of the Month”: Alexei Volodin. An outstanding musician, definitely one of the best living today. In 2003 Alexei has

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6 Year-Old Sings and Plays “Let it Go” from Frozen

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”When did you first start playing the piano?“ ”At three years old.“
”What do you love the most about piano?“ ”I love the sound of piano. Playing piano makes me happy.”

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