YouTube piano competition puts spotlight on wide variety of amateur talents

Score one for amateur pianists everywhere.

One of the world's most presitgious piano competitions, the Van Cliburn, has put up a gallery of 58 amateur audition clips up for a public vote on YouTube. The vote closes Nov. 24.

The winner will be automatically included in the 2011 Van Cliburn Competition for Outstanding Amateurs, and not have to pay the entry fees. I was sent my ballot because I'm on the organization's mailing list. You can get your ballot by signing their guestbook.

I scrolled through the candidates and gave a handful a quick listen. Many of these people have very nice pianos to play on. If only they could do their instruments justice.

Then there are people like Kam Morrill, who must have the worst piano in this fun little competition. But have a listen. You don't need a Fazioli to make good music.

Comments

[Angus]

This is my first time reading your blog and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I will continue to read it on a regular basis.