Blog

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!

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.

This month we welcome a new staff member at the American Pianists Association. Meet Leigh Ann Hirschman, our new Director of Advancement!

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:

We caught up with pianist and music sociologist Joshua Thompson to talk about Margaret Bonds, Michelle Cann's upcoming concert and more.

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!

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

INDIANAPOLIS [For Immediate Release - Thursday, March 10, 2022] – American Pianists Association (APA) announces the five finalists of the 2023 American Pianists Awards. 

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.

“I only know two pieces; one is 'Clair de Lune' and the other one isn't.” – Victor Borge

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.

Looking back on 2021 elicits many emotions.

Catching up with 2019 American Pianists Awards finalist Dave Meder as he releases his new album, "Unamuno Songs and Stories."

Nothing summons bright moments like two pianos on a single stage. Nuance reigns. And subtle changes have resonating impact.

American Pianists Association announces the return of its educational outreach program, Concerto Curriculum, featuring residencies at five area high schools.

Our first concert of the season concluded with two unannounced pieces: new works by American Pianists Awards winners Sean Chen and Dan Tepfer!

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. 

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.

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.

We are pleased to announce Peter Mraz will be the new President and CEO of American Pianists Association!

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!

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.

The five finalists of the 2021 American Pianists Awards take a break from media day to play a game of Jenga.

Harrison retires on June 30, 2021, after a nearly 21-year tenure

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.

2021 American Pianists Awards finalist Kenny Broberg answers five questions accompanied by his performance of Chopin's Mazurka in F-sharp Minor.

2021 American Pianists Awards finalist Dominic Cheli tells us why Baby got Bach, about hanging out with a drummer and more!

2013 Awards winner Sean Chen explores the influence of Chopin on fellow composers in a concert program he calls "Hommage to Chopin."

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!

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.