Berry Music STL


THE NATIONAL GUILD AUDITIONS

 2025

MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

HELD DURING THE LAST WEEK OF APRIL OR FIRST WEEK OF MAY 2025




WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL GUILD AUDITONS? (THE SHORT ANSWER!):

A fun event for students ages 3-adult of any skill level memorize 1-20 pieces(Their choice!). Non-beginner students will also play a set of required scales(Technical exercises in the keys of each of their pieces) as well. 

Students who just finished with the NFMC Festival in Mid April already have two piano pieces memorized and can simply use those!!☺

Depending on HOW MANY pieces they memorize, they are classified in a distinct "Program" Which receives a certificate and metal award pin along with their piano-playing-report card.

It is a great opportunity to help students set a musical goal, perform for the adjudicator, and receive helpful feedback.

SPECIFIC DETAILS BELOW!


SEE PICTURES BELOW: 

****2024 Student Pics coming soon!!!


Please read thoroughly to find out specifics on the auditions.

To sum it up quickly: 

STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE THEIR OWN MUSIC(I WILL NOT BE LOANING OUT ANY MUSIC). 

I will help you find the music by sending you specific links. 

Digital downloads are acceptable(when available) as long as you save your purchase receipt and your name is at the bottom of the purchased copy. (I will help you with this as well). Very easy. 

I handle all of the complicated forms and details. You just pay me your registration fees and show up on audition day. Nothing else is required.

Guild auditions take place typically the last week of April or during the first 2 weeks of May at Missouri Baptist University. I do not know the dates until March.

Auditions are held during weekdays between 9-5. There is flexibility in scheduling somewhat, as I am the one creating the schedule once I get my dates and time blocks. 

Students receive a special dismissal form to be excused from school. 

Most student return to school as it only takes 20-30 minutes. 

This is a very fun and all-inclusive event for all ages and skill levels. 

The adjudicator provides friendly feedback and a rating on each students piano playing report card.

 Students memorize as many pieces as they wish, perform for ONLY the Adjudicator (NO AUDIENCE, JUST ONE PERSON!), receive a national certificate, a metal award pin, and a piano-playing report card.  **ALL STUDENTS WHO PERFORM IN THE NFMC FESTIVAL IN LATE APRIL MAY USE THEIR 2 MEMORIZED PIANO PIECES FOR THE GUILD AUDITIONS!**

Registration begins at the end of JANUARY and registration fee's are also due at the END OF JANUARY in the form of Check payable to Berry Music STL or cash. I will NOT be accepting online payments through Venmo, pay pal, etc. 


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WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL GUILD AUDITIONS? (THE LONGER ANSWER!): 

The National Guild Of Piano Teachers(NGPT) is the largest, non-profit organization of piano teachers in the world! The PIANO GUILD, a division of the American College of Musicians was founded in 1929 by Dr. Irl Allison. Since then, student/ teacher membership has grown to over 118,000 participating internationally in the Guild goals and awards each year.


 The American College of Musicians consists of several parts:

1. The National Guild of Piano Teachers

2. The National and International Fraternity of Student Musicians 

3. The international Piano Composition Contest

4. The Raissa Tselentis Johann Sebastian Bach Scholarships


The NGPT, Annual Piano Playing Auditions is one of the largest assessment opportunities available for the youngest learner to the most advanced. 

The primary function of the NGPT is to establish definite goals and awards for piano students of all levels and ages. Goals for the earliest beginner as well as the artistic adult. Goals for the slow pupil and the gifted prodigy. 

The auditions help to measure progress with adjudicated assessments on individual merit (NON-COMPETITION). Students are judged in areas of Accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique appropriate for their skill level.

The over-all rating is based on the number of C's vs. the number of A's the student receives on their report card. C's mean COMMENDABLE, A's mean NEEDS ATTENTION.

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RATINGS

FAMILY CIRCLE RATING: More A's than C's : FAIR

ROOM CIRCLE RATING: No more C's than A's- 6 more C's than A's: GOOD-VERY GOOD

SCHOOL CIRCLE RATING: 7-10 more C's than A's: EXCELLENT

CITYWIDE CIRCLE RATING: 11-27 more C's than A's: EXCELLENT PLUS-SUPERIOR

TOP-TALENT RATING: 28-44 or more C's than A's: SUPERIOR PLUS


All participating students are given a piano playing report card, national certificate, and  metal award pin.

 There are different classifications based on the students level. 

I determine the students classification and register accordingly. 


Here are the classifications:  (I decide the classification)


EA: Pre-Reader


ELEMENTARY A-F: for the very beginning student until the student is able to play, for example, some of the early Bach dances, and earliest Clementi Sonatinas. 


INTERMEDIATE A-F: Capable of playing, for example, the early Bach dances, short Bach preludes and Fugues, Bach Inventions, easier sonatinas by Clementi, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven


PREPARATORY A-D: Capable of playing, for example, Bach Two and Three-part inventions, movements from the French and English suites by Bach, Bach preludes and fugues, and sonatas by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.


SPECIAL PRODIGY Elementary, Intermediate, Preparatory: Exceptionally talented students who are advanced for their age and training and whose repertoire does not "fit" a specific level in the syllabus.


COLLEGIATE: A Program of  Bach preludes and Fugues, French and English suites, Bach Partitas, Fantasies, and advanced sonatas and concerti by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven


ARTIST: A program of Collegiate and above difficulty 

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FEE'S AND PROGRAMS: 

***ALL FEES MUST BE PAID DIRECTLY TO ME IN THE FORM OF CHECK PAYBALE TO BERRY MUSIC STL OR CASH. NO ONLINE PAYEMNTS WILL BE ACCEPTED!! NO ZELLE/VENMO/PAYPAL!***

THERE IS ALSO AN ADDITIONAL $35/ STUDENT PROCESING FEE THAT I ADD FOR THE PROCESSING AND PREPERATION THAT IS INVOLED.

COMPLETE MEMORIZATION IS REQUIRED OF ALL PROGRAMS

STUDENTS MUST OWN OFFICAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE PIECES THEY PERFORM. THIS INCLUDES METHOD BOOKS, SUPPLEMENTAL REPERTOIRE COLLECTONS, OR DIGITAL DOWNLOADS.

I will approve each student program to make sure they are setting realistic goals and choosing a program in which they can perform well. It is not about quantity, it is about quality! **Students EA Classification or higher need to also perform the scales in the keys of the pieces they will be playing. This is called the IMMT. It is the most important part of the program and I make sure they are thoroughly prepared. 

PLEDGE: 1 piece ($33.50-EA-IB)

Bronze pin, report card, certificate, 


LOCAL: 2-3 pieces ($ 34.50-EA-IB)

Bronze pin, report card, certificate 


DISTRICT: 4-6 pieces ($35.50- EA-IB)

Bronze pin, report card, certificate


STATE: 7-9 pieces ($37.50-EA-IB)

Silver pin, report card, certificate


NATIONAL: 10-14 pieces ($39.50-$41.50 EA-IB) *Price based on 10, 11-12, or 13-14 pieces*

Gold pin, report card, certificate


INTERNATIONAL: 15-20 pieces ($43.50-EA-IB)

Gold pin, report card, certificate



*** ALL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE GUILD AUDITIONS WILL NOT HAVE THEIR SCHEDULED LESSON LESSON THE WEEK OF GUILD.

****GUILD AUDITION DATES ARE ANNOUCED LATE SPRING AND ALWAYS TAKE PLACE SOMETIME DURING THE FIRST 2 WEEKS OF MAY.

*Students entering a NATIONAL or INTERNATIONAL program for 5 or more years will also receive a COMPOSERS PIN in addition to their regulars pin. 

They also get their picture and small bio featured in the winter issue of the national guild magazine "GUILD NOTES" 

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2024 AUDTIONS WILL BE IN-PERSON FOR LOCAL PARTICIPANTS AND VIDEO SUBMISSION FOR OUT OF STATE PARTICIPANTS


In-Person Auditions are held at Missouri Baptist University Between April 29- May 10. Specific day/ time assignments TBD.

Typically Auditions are held between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm weekdays only.

**NO SCHEDULED LESSONS DURING GUILD WEEK/ GUILD DAYS!!!

Your Child will receive a special dismissal slip that it acceptable at all schools to permit them to audition during school hours. This is a nationally recognized event. Auditions are held 8:30 AM-5:30 PM during weekday audition days.

I always try my very best to work with families on choosing a time/day that works. The national headquarters gives me a couple of days and blocks of time to work with. As you can imagine,  scheduling  can be a nightmare with such a  large number of students. Your understanding and flexibility is GREATLY appreciated. 

 You will receive your specific time assignment several weeks before the audition**************

**********I DEFINIETLY UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A CHALLENGE FOR SOME TO ARRANGE WORK SCHEDULES ACCORDINGLY. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE A RELATIVE, FRIEND, CAREGIVER BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE AUDITIONS IN THE CASE WHERE YOU CANNOT LEAVE WORK. *********

 NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE AUDITORIUM DURING THE AUDITION AS IT IS FOR STUDENT/ADJUTICATOR ONLY.

I will walk each student into the auditorium and help them get set up properly at the piano to make sure they feel comfortable.

I also will take many of pictures!


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ADDITIONAL STUDENT AWARDS AND HONORS 

The Guild Founders Plaque

The Five Year National Roll

The Ten Year National Roll

The Irl Allison Gold Medal

The Panderewski Gold Medal

Diploma Winners

Bach, Sonatina, Sonata Plaques

Raissa Tselentis Johann Sebastian Bach

The $200 Scholarship

The Top Five $100 Scholarships

The opportunities are endless!

  • HERE ARE THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF STUDENT PARTICIPATION!
  • IT IS NOT MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS TO SHARE IN THESE EVENTS!
  •  Just know this: Students who share their music in national assessment event such as Festival and the National Guild auditions, gain confidence and courage!
  •  This helps them in school when they give presentations in the classroom, and one day in their future careers! 
  • These casual  performance  events I offer encourage students to meet their musical goals, step out past their anxieties or fears to prove to themselves that they CAN Share their gifts with others!

     The LIFE-SKILLS that students attain through performing and/ or doing national assessment events such as NFMC or NGPT Include: 

     DILIGENCE: Even when it seems difficult, students work hard with consistence to make progress on their musical goals. 

     COMMITMENT:  Students set a goal, commit to the goal, and follow-through until the goal is accomplished. 

     TENACITY: When students feel too tired, too busy, too discouraged, too frustrated, or too challenged they continue to receive support and encouragement from their teacher and parents as they stick with it and they DO NOT GIVE UP. 

     ACCOUNTABILITY: Students learn to work together in the "triangle effect" PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT-a team effort. They receive support and feedback as they continue to manage their time and hold themselves accountable to practice effectively. 

     RESPONSIBILITY: With honesty and accountability in mind; students are responsible for their actions of daily practice or non-practice. 

     CONFIDENCE: Students gain confidence and healthy self-esteem as they make progress on their musical goals each week as they approach the event deadline. They begin to believe in themselves, conquer their fears, and set bigger goals! 

  • SPRING 2023 GUILD AUDITION STUDENTS OF BERRY MUSIC STL


  • 3 of my students received the 5 year Panderweski Medal in this years audition year. This honorary award is given to students who play a National Honor Program of 10-20 memorized pieces for 5 years. All of these students performed 10 pieces memorized for 5 years. They also completed their IMMT skills test which include all required scales, cadence chords, and inversion at their assigned level each year. This takes a lot of preparation and consistent practice. I am extremely proud of these three students for achieving this honor. 

  • AMYA SINGLA


  • EVELYN MONZYK


  • CYNTHIA MONZYK


  • I WAS ONCE AGAIN HONORED AS A NATIONAL HONOR ROLL TEACHER!An additional shout-out to the following students for completing an National Honor Roll Program of 10 memorized pieces


  • ARIANA SINGLA


  • ALEXIS ROBERTS


  • ALEXIS HADI


  • BLAKE YOUNG



The Following students worked hard to prepare a State Program (7-9 memorized pieces), a District Program (4-6 memorized pieces), a Local Program (2-3 memorized pieces), or a Pledge Program (1 memorized piece)

Way to go everyone!!


 




SPRING 2022 GUILD AUDITION STUDENTS OF BERRY MUSIC STL





JUNE 2022 - MAY 2023