Music Bridges Program

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We hosted a heartwarming and educational Mock Piano Competition designed to prepare young pianists for the challenges and excitement of formal music competitions. The event, which was aimed at students ages 8-9 years-old, provided a supportive, low-pressure environment for these aspiring musicians to showcase their skills, receive expert feedback, and build confidence ahead of an upcoming Rising Stars Festival performance competition to be held on April 12that the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver.

The students, many of whom have been honing their piano abilities for several years, but have yet to compete in a formal competition, were tasked with selecting two pieces to perform: one classical piece, showcasing their technical precision and musicality, and one light, fun, and bright piece that allowed their creativity and personality to shine. This unique combination allowed the students to not only demonstrate their proficiency with entry-level classical pieces but also show their versatility and joy in music-making and interpretation.

The Mock Competition was structured like a formal event, giving each student the opportunity to perform before a panel of experienced judges. The judges provided detailed feedback, focusing on everything from finger technique and body posture to dynamics, expression, musical understanding and stage presence. Each student was praised for their strengths and offered practical advice on areas for improvement in preparation for their inaugural competition.

While the format closely resembled that of a real competition, the emphasis was on nurturing growth rather than competition. The students were encouraged by the judges’ positive and constructive counsel, leaving the event with renewed enthusiasm for their musical journey. In addition to performance critiques, the judges also shared invaluable competition insights. They spoke about how to prepare mentally and emotionally for a performance, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to embrace the process of learning and improving over time. The young pianists left the event not only with new knowledge about music but also with a stronger sense of self-assurance, ready to approach future competitions and performances with confidence and excitement.

This Mock Piano Competition, which took place in front of an intimate audience of family and friends, was a fantastic opportunity for these young musicians to experience the joys of performing, receive encouragement from seasoned pianists, and develop a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of music. It also offered them a new collaboration model outside the traditional student-teacher lesson format.  It was an uplifting event that highlighted the dedication, passion, and potential of the next generation of pianists. “We believe in the power of music to transform lives,” said Elena Keil, Founder and Executive Director EMPA. “By hosting events like this, we are offering these talented young students the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn from more accomplished musicians, and gain confidence in their abilities. It’s about more than just playing the piano—it’s about developing a deep passion for music and a sense of discipline that will serve them well for years to come.”