For several years the San Antonio based Ramar Music Institute, under the direction of Marsha Perkins, has entered students in various piano competitions, including the American Music Scholarship Association International Piano Competition. These students have always been well prepared, winning top awards.
In 1998, it became apparent to Miss Perkins that music competitions had begun to focus more on business than on the music and the competitor's performance. Critique sheets were critical and insulting rather than informative and educational. Students became disillusioned and were no longer enjoying their musical experiences.
Marsha wanted to help her students focus more on what the music is saying (to the heart and from the heart). Musicianship grows in layers, and students need to be nurtured as well as taught. She believes that positive reinforcement in all learning situations will help the student to grow in a healthy and positive way.
With the help and encouragement of Miss Perkins, Marynell Maloney founded the Concours International De La Musique in September 1998 for the purpose of establishing an international piano contest for children and adult hobbyists to experience and share the true love of music while learning and growing in music. The goal is to hear and to spread the "Sounds of the Heart Around the World"© through music.
$1,200 in cash prizes were awarded to winners at contests. Grand prize winners debut at Carnegie Hall.
Judge: Ann Mendenhall, Canada. (click here for more details).
International Judge Panel from the U.S., Canada, China, France, Russia and Mexico.
(click here for more details).
"Voices: A Call for Peace Around the World" is the current competition sponsored by CIDLM. There will be $5,000 in cash prizes and an opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall in 2009!