April 26, 2012
Dr. Reid Smith, who has taught piano at MPA for 23 years, will be on the faculty of the 15th Granada Spain International Piano Festival, and on the jury of the 2nd Maria Herrero International Piano Competition which is held during the festival. This is one of the few international festivals and competitions arranged specifically for children and teenagers. He would like to encourage all MPA piano students who are interested in this opportunity to audition. Auditions are recorded at Reid’s home studio in Dellwood.
Students age 6-19 may apply. The festival is from July 17-29, 2012. Annually, one guest teacher from the US is invited to bring students to join the 75-80 students from Europe and Asia who will be attending the festival. Auditions are arranged through Reid and must be completed by June 1. Students prepare a 10 minute program. There are no specific repertoire requirements, so participants choose what they wish to present at the festival. For the audition, music does not have to be memorized, but must be memorized by the festival. Students receive private lessons, master classes, and will perform in various concert halls throughout Granada.
If a student wishes to enter the competition in addition to attending the festival, there are four competitions: age 6-12, age 13-15, age 16-18 and age 19-30. Students prepare 20-50 min. of music at their choice, depending on their age group.
Reid is a graduate of The Juilliard School and is frequently invited to join the faculty of international music festivals and to serve as a juror of international competitions. In the past, students from throughout the Twin Cities have joined Reid at festivals in Serignan, France 2007, Gabala, Azerbaijan 2009, Varallo, Italy 2010, and Norma, Italy 2011. Many MPA students have benefited from these musical experiences.
For more information, contact Reid at DrReidSmith.com. More festival information is also available at DrReidSmith.com. From there, after reaching the Spanish Festival site, click on “USA Students”.
