What is Festival?
Our piano studio participates in Festival every March and December. Festival is designed to promote the study of music—especially American music—and to encourage a high standard of musical achievement.
Festival is hosted by the Nampa Musicale, our local chapter of the National Federation of Music Clubs, the world's largest philanthropic music organization. Founded in 1898, NFMC awards over $750,000 annually in awards and scholarships. Over 100,000 students participate in NFMC Festivals each year all over the United States, including about 4500 Idaho students.
Why Participate?
- Festival challenges students to polish and memorize their piano pieces, which encourages good practice habits and develops musicianship skills.
- Students receive a written evaluation from a qualified judge, a certificate, and points toward Gold Cup trophies.
- When the student has earned 15 points in an event, their first Gold Cup is awarded. Over the years, the student continues earning points toward additional, larger Gold Cups.
- Junior high and high school students can audition for cash awards through the Festival program.
Festival is Non-Competitive
Students play their pieces in front of a judge, in a private room. They are evaluated on their individual performance, not by comparison to other students.
| Rating | Points Earned | Compares With |
| Superior | 5 | 90-100% (A) |
| Excellent | 4 | 80-89% (B) |
| Satisfactory | 3 | 70-79% (C) |
| Fair | 2 | 60-69% (D) |
| Needs Improvement | 1 | Less than 60% (F) |
Festival Event Levels
- Pre-Primary (age 8 and under)
- Primary I-IV
- Elementary I-IV
- Medium
- Moderately Difficult I-III
- Difficult I-II
- Very Difficult I-II
- Musically Advanced I-II
Festival Enrollment
Festival occurs each spring and fall, with separate events at each Festival. In each school year, the fee is $15 for the first event, $13 for each additional event, and $9 for the written theory exam.
Our students typically perform in the following events:
- Piano Solo (March)
- Piano Concerto (March)
- Musicianship Theory (March)
- Patriotic/Folk Song (December)
- Piano Duet (December)
- Hymn Playing (December)
Festival Location
Festival is held on the campus of Northwest Nazarene University, in the NNU Fine Arts Building on Dewey St.
Important Tips For Students
- Bring your printed music for the judge to see, even though you will play from memory.
- Dress professionally in slacks, skirt, or dress. No jeans or tennis shoes! Be sure your shoes are comfortable for pedaling.
- Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time, to find parking and find your room.
- The student will play in a private room for a judge ("adjudicator"). Parents may listen outside the door.
- For March theory exams: After your Piano Solo event, go to the theory room to take your test.
- Students are free to leave after they finish their event(s).