Opportunities for Competitions & Evaluations
Challenge. Grow. Achieve.

At Alyssa Young's Piano Studio, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of performance evaluations and competitions throughout the academic year. These events provide invaluable opportunities to apply technical and artistic skills in a focused setting, receive constructive feedback from professional adjudicators, and build confidence as performers.

Each event is selected not only for its prestige but also for its developmental value, aligning with our studio’s mission to nurture well-rounded musicians who can perform with poise, purpose, and expression.

1. Fall Solo Evaluation

When: Annually in October or November
Where: Local venues in Davis and Salt Lake Counties
Purpose: Early-year performance goal and artistic assessment

This non-competitive adjudicated event allows students to prepare and perform a polished solo work for written and verbal feedback. It’s an excellent way to set a focused musical goal in the first half of the academic year and identify areas of strength and growth.
Participation helps students build stage confidence and refine interpretive skills in a supportive environment.

2. AIM (Achievement in Music) & Federation Evaluations

When: Spring (typically March–April)
Where: Various local music schools and universities

These evaluations serve as structured end-of-level assessments covering performance, technique, sight reading, theory, and ear training. Students are tested according to their level and receive scores and certificates upon successful completion.

  • AIM (Achievement in Music) – A comprehensive evaluation system designed to track student progress in all musical domains.

  • National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Festival – Students perform for rating and receive certificates and points toward Federation trophies.

These programs provide a sense of progression and are particularly beneficial for students following the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) or other curriculum-based paths.

3. Private Studio Competitions

When: March
Where: Throughout Davis and Salt Lake County
Purpose: Competitive performance experience with awards

In March, students may participate in multiple private competitions hosted by regional music associations, independent festivals, and adjudicated showcases. These events allow students to compete by age and level for medals, trophies, and scholarship awards. Performance is evaluated based on interpretation, technical control, and overall musicality.

Participation in these events helps students:

  • Develop poise under pressure

  • Receive feedback from varied professional adjudicators

  • Set high-level goals and celebrate achievement

Advanced and intermediate students especially benefit from the discipline and polish required for these events, but all levels are welcome and encouraged.

Why Competitions and Evaluations Matter

While not every student will pursue music professionally, the process of preparing for an adjudicated performance fosters valuable life skills: discipline, resilience, self-expression, and attention to detail. These events are not about comparison—they are about personal excellence, measured progress, and the joy of sharing music.

Each student will receive guidance on which events are appropriate for their level, schedule, and goals. I take great care in selecting repertoire and preparing students thoroughly so they feel empowered and ready to succeed.

Let performance be your proving ground.
With the right preparation and support, competitions become more than a challenge—they become a celebration of progress and potential.