Blog
Announcing new members of our board
American Pianists Association enthusiastically welcomes new board members Hillary Egan, Christia Hicks and Deborah Hearn Smith, each of whom has agreed to help advance our mission over the next three years!
Drew Petersen in "Music Moves"
American Pianists Awards winner Drew Petersen joins Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for Music Moves, a collaborative celebration showcasing Ravel, Bernstein, Brahms, Handel and Kilar.
Welcome Leigh Ann Hirschman!
This month we welcome a new staff member at the American Pianists Association. Meet Leigh Ann Hirschman, our new Director of Advancement!
Chatting with Michelle Cann
Ahead of her performance for the American Pianists Association on May 15, 2022, Michelle Cann spoke with Lee Clifford about her musical education, Florence Price and her concert program:
Talking Margaret Bonds, Michelle Cann and more with Joshua Thompson
We caught up with pianist and music sociologist Joshua Thompson to talk about Margaret Bonds, Michelle Cann's upcoming concert and more.
Cécile McLorin Salvant's "Ghost Song"
Amid the excitement over the announcement of the 2023 American Pianists Awards finalists, some astute observers noticed another bit of big news: three-time Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant will perform at the American Pianists Awards Gala Finals on April 22, 2023!
Kenny Broberg Appointed at Reina Sofía School of Music
Reina Sofía School of Music Announces Appointment of Kenny Broberg as Deputy Professor to Piano Chair Stanislav Ioudenitch starting in the 2022-2023 academic year
Announcing the 2023 Awards finalists!
INDIANAPOLIS [For Immediate Release - Thursday, March 10, 2022] – American Pianists Association (APA) announces the five finalists of the 2023 American Pianists Awards.
Chatting with Sara Davis Buechner
American Pianists Association's Lee Clifford chatted with Sara Davis Buechner about winning the first American Pianists Awards, the serendipity of sight-reading and the diverse set of composers she will feature in her upcoming concert.
Remembering Victor Borge
“I only know two pieces; one is 'Clair de Lune' and the other one isn't.” – Victor Borge
Franz Schubert's Impromptus
In his short life, Austrian composer Franz Schubert (born January 31, 1797) wrote over 1000 pieces of music. Let’s take a minute to focus on his piano impromptus.
Dave Meder's Unamuno Songs and Stories
Catching up with 2019 American Pianists Awards finalist Dave Meder as he releases his new album, "Unamuno Songs and Stories."
Exploring two-piano duo
Nothing summons bright moments like two pianos on a single stage. Nuance reigns. And subtle changes have resonating impact.
Concerto Curriculum Returns!
American Pianists Association announces the return of its educational outreach program, Concerto Curriculum, featuring residencies at five area high schools.
New Works by Sean Chen and Dan Tepfer
Our first concert of the season concluded with two unannounced pieces: new works by American Pianists Awards winners Sean Chen and Dan Tepfer!
Introducing Peter Mraz
Join American Pianists Association President and CEO, Peter Mraz, for a chat about his background, training as a pianist and his favorite piece to play in part one of a series.
Grand Encounters 2021-2022
We are thrilled to announce our 2021‐22 Grand Encounters season, featuring performances by famed pianists Sara Davis Buechner and Michelle Cann as well as music from multiple American Pianists Awards winners, including 2021 classical winner Kenny Broberg.
Celebrating Joel Harrison
American Pianists Association CEO/President and Artistic Director, Dr. Joel Harrison, retired July 31 after nearly 21 years with the organization. In interviews with the Indianapolis Star, NUVO and International Arts Manager, Joel reflected on this time.
Announcing Our New CEO
We are pleased to announce Peter Mraz will be the new President and CEO of American Pianists Association!
Choosing Competition Repertoire in a Time of Pandemic
Choosing repertoire to play in a competition always requires some thought. The 2021 American Pianists Awards presented challenges we have not had previously—and do not want to have ever again!
Alluvion continues the tradition
New music has played an important role in the American Pianists Awards dating back to APA CEO Joel Harrison’s installation as artistic director in 2001.
Playing Jenga at the American Pianists Awards!
The five finalists of the 2021 American Pianists Awards take a break from media day to play a game of Jenga.
Joel Harrison To Step Down from American Pianists Association
Harrison retires on June 30, 2021, after a nearly 21-year tenure
Five Questions with 2021 Awards finalist Mackenzie Melemed
Mackenzie Melemed recounts finding out he was selected as a finalist for the 2021 American Pianists Awards, then shares stories of his youth and current interests.
Five Questions with 2021 Awards finalist Kenny Broberg
2021 American Pianists Awards finalist Kenny Broberg answers five questions accompanied by his performance of Chopin's Mazurka in F-sharp Minor.
Five Questions with 2021 Awards finalist Dominic Cheli
2021 American Pianists Awards finalist Dominic Cheli tells us why Baby got Bach, about hanging out with a drummer and more!
Hommage to Chopin
2013 Awards winner Sean Chen explores the influence of Chopin on fellow composers in a concert program he calls "Hommage to Chopin."
Five Questions with 2021 Awards finalist Michael Davidman
American Pianists Awards finalist Michael Davidman dishes about choosing repertoire for competition, the origins of "Puccini MD" and the best place for opera in NYC's K-Town!
Robert Schumann and the Piano Miniature
While Beethoven and Schubert are considered transitional composers between the Classical and Romantic Eras, Robert Schumann emerged in the first generation of quintessentially Romantic composers.