Pianist-in-Residence

Overview

Each year, the Festival for Creative Pianists (FCP) selects one pianist to serve as the Pianist-in-Residence to promote solo piano works from the Abundant Silence (AS) catalogue. This role is designed to foster a collaborative partnership with FCP and includes the following key opportunities:

• Solo Recital: Perform a 60-minute solo recital at the summer in-person festival in Vermont, featuring new music and highlighting the partnership with FCP.

• Commissioning New Work: Collaborate with a composer from AS to commission a new work, contributing to the dynamic exchange between artist and composer.

• Online Engagement: Participate in various virtual activities hosted on the FCP online community throughout the year, including interviews, events, posting, and the creation of performance videos.

FCP is committed to celebrating diversity and invites pianists of any race, ethnicity, age (18+), gender, or ability to apply. We seek artists who can inspire the next generation of creative pianists and act as ambassadors for AS, the new music publishing imprint of FCP.

The Pianist-in-Residence will receive an award of $1,000. Additional stipend(s) may be provided if Pianist-in-Residence designs learning activities for our online community and/or offers a workshop or intensive activity for our in-person festival program. Travel reimbursement will be provided for the in-person requirement, with housing provided by local volunteer hosts.

Interested pianists are encouraged to complete our Pianist-in-Residence Application (below). Applications must be received by December 1st to be considered for the following year. Those not selected are welcome to reapply after three years. Applications are reviewed by a panel typically consisting of three pianists and two composers from the FCP board of directors.

Benefits:

• Publicity on FCP and AS website and social media

• $1,000 award provided in two installments

• Travel expenses reimbursed for in-person festival (airfare/train or mileage, lodging (could be volunteer hosted), food per diem for 3 days)

• $250 voucher to the solo piano digital editions in AS catalog (no time limit for using)

• Collaborate with an AS composer on the commissioning of a new work (commission paid for by FCP/AS)

• Opportunity to deliver a masterclass, workshop, or intensive activity for the in-person FCP program held in August in Vermont (additional stipend provided)

• Opportunity to design learning activity for the online FCP community (addition stipend provided)

Criteria and Eligibility:

• Demonstrated passion for new music

• Age 18+

• Must reside in US 

• Performance ability at advanced level

• Experience with stage performance

• Willing to engage with a diversity of pianists via the online FCP community and post motivational or educational content once a month (similar to social media posts)

• Skills and access to equipment to produce video (example: Zoom Q8 or similar quality) 

• Social media presence a plus

Application:

Please complete the application form below to apply for the designation of FCP/AS Pianist-in-Residence. Applications are accepted year-round but must be received before December 1st to be considered for the following year. Applications will be considered for two years (e.g., applications received before December 1st, 2024, will be eligible for the 2025 and 2026 Festivals). We encourage pianists to reapply after three years if they remain interested. FCP welcomes applications from pianists age 18+ of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, and abilities.

Purpose of the Opportunity

This residency is designed to foster a collaborative partnership between the Pianist-in-Residence and FCP/AS. Rather than focusing solely on emerging pianists, this opportunity emphasizes a meaningful partnership that includes the following elements:

• Performance: A 60-minute solo recital at the in-person Festival in Vermont, featuring at least three pieces from the AS catalog.

• Collaboration: The chance to commission a new work from a composer on the AS roster, enhancing the artistic dialogue between the pianist and composer.

• Online Engagement: Participation in online activities such as an interview with the commissioned composer and the creation of three performance videos featuring pieces from the AS catalog, which may or may not include those performed at the in-person recital.

The residency aims to build a dynamic relationship between the pianist and FCP, providing a platform for creative exploration and mutual growth. During the residency, the pianist will have reasonable access to the AS catalog and is expected to attend as many Festival events as possible.

Timeline:

Applications will be accepted through December 1st (11:59pm ET) to be considered for the following year. Selection process will begin in December and a Pianist-in-Residence selection will be announced in February. The new Pianist-in-Residence will be granted access to the AS catalog starting in February and will begin preparing performance pieces throughout the spring, and will then perform a 60-minute concert during the in-person festival program in Montpelier, VT in early August (official dates announced before the end of the year). Following the in-person performance, the Pianist-in-Residence will select a composer for the AS roster to work with directly on commissioning of a new work (paid for by FCP). This commission process will take place throughout the summer and fall, with a final virtual event to present the new work and process in October or November. This final virtual event will culminate the residency. If the Pianist-in-Residence does not utilize their entire voucher before the end of the year, they can continue to download workshops from the Abundant Silence store until their voucher runs out. We encourage and hope that the Pianist-in-Residence will continue to perform new works after their term!