THE LUKE RACKERS AWARD FOR BEST COMPOSITION (ANY STYLE) WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY THE CONTESTANT

For this prize category, judges will be evaluating the quality of both the performance and the composition itself.

Original compositions may be in any style for piano solo, two pianos (including concerto movement with orchestra part as second piano reduction), or three pianos. If possible, please write out neatly or print by computer. If composition is somewhat improvisatory, the piece may be written out in some form of shorthand representation and/or innovative notation (e.g., "fake chart," some kind of structural diagram, etc.). It would be ideal to make one copy for each judge. It's all right if original compositions have already been played in other competitions. However, we do not allow contestants to play repertory that they have played in previous years, unless the piece is a very different version, and/or the performance is significantly altered in some way. If in doubt, contact Dr. Houle.

If a contestant opts to write a concerto movement, the orchestra part must be arranged as a 2nd piano reduction. Contestants are responsible for securing a 2nd pianist to play this reduction.

Contestants are also responsible for securing a 2nd pianist for four-hand duets, two-piano works, etc.

It is certainly expected that students will get constructive guidance from teachers and others on their original compositions (help with theory, form, extra-musical imagery, etc.). However, we are relying on the integrity of teachers, parents and students to insure that original works are principally, if not wholly, the product of the student's own imagination and unique creative abilities.

Contestants may choose to play more than one original piece. There is no minimum length to compositions, but keep in mind that contestants are limited to a maximum total playing time of 15 minutes.

For fledgling composers and improvisers, we recommend the Pattern Play Series. For more advanced students with a classical background, we recommend: Improvisation at the Piano by Brian Chung and Dennis Thurmond

Houle technique resources:

For help with understanding theory and musical forms:

Other highly recommended books on composition for students:

This book is a must-read for all who wish to get in touch with our real traditions: "After the Golden Age: Romantic Pianism and Modern Performance" by Kenneth Hamilton Reviewer Susan Tomes writes: "Throughout the 'golden age' of Romantic piano-playing, it was not usual to perform whole sonatas as these were thought too severe. Improvisation was popular, as was the habit of 'preluding', or making up musical links between items. Players might give themselves breaks while they chatted with friends in the audience. Most pianists were also composers, and routinely included their own pieces. Playing from memory was not required, and sometimes even frowned on." In his book, Hamilton points out that "anxiety over wrong notes is a relatively recent psychosis, and playing entirely from memory a relatively recent requirement."

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