WCU Magazine Summer 2025

KEY NOTES: WELLS SCHOOL OF MUSIC MARKS A MILESTONE WITH THE 35TH ANNUAL PRECOLLEGIATE NATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

The WCU Wells School of Music (WSOM) celebrated a milestone when a symphony of youthful talent took over the Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center for the 35th Annual Pre-collegiate National Piano Competition, held over two days in May.

Nearly 80 pianists in three age groups from states as far away as Massachusetts and Ohio competed for $5,500 in prizes. There are no geographic restrictions; past participants have come from as far away as Europe.

The competition was founded by longtime WSOM faculty member and Assistant Professor of Organ Anita Greenlee, who rescued the event from cancellation by a neighboring borough. Under her vision and guidance, the event has evolved and flourished.

My dream is to expand this event to include a collegiate age group and to attract even more students nationwide.

 

“We wanted to provide young piano students, ages 9 to 18, with performance opportunities that would help elevate their artistry,” Greenlee reflects. “Whether it’s playing an instrument or throwing a ball, learning a skill develops the brain.”

Greenlee adds that another perk includes helping students build a resume.

“Performing for a live audience is a very different skill from practicing at home. Competitions give students experience, which is vital if they’re considering a career in performance.”

On May 17, students performed privately for judges, presenting two or three selections of standard classical repertoire in contrasting styles and periods. Older students were required to perform longer and more complex selections. Renowned judges included musicians and university professors from WCU and institutions such as Lebanon Valley College, Rowan University, Tulane, SUNY Potsdam, and Immaculata.

On May 18, two events were open to the public. WCU Assistant Professor of Piano and Chamber Music Igor Resnianski hosted a master class with the honorable mention winners from each age category. Later, a winners’ recital showcased the talent of the first- through third-place prize winners in each age category, followed by an awards ceremony. The first-prize winner in the 16- to 18-year-old category received a $2,000 cash prize.

Over the years, the competition has morphed to increase accessibility. Now helmed by Resnianski, this year’s competition was compacted into one weekend and scheduled for mid- May to attract more out-of-state talent. It is a requirement that contestants be available for the winners’ recital to receive a cash prize.

“My dream is to expand this event to include a collegiate age group and to attract even more students nationwide,” says Resnianski. “I want to host more public lectures and master classes and attract a naming sponsor so that our support of these young artists can continue and grow.”