What Sets the PianoArts North American Competition Apart from the Rest?

PianoArts is known as a "competition with a difference." Founder Sue Medford shares in the program booklet:

From the beginning, we built into the competition a strong collaborative program with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra musicians. Another unique initiative was the requirement that competitors speak about their music, deepening the musical experience and, ultimately, building audiences for classical music. 

The "behind-the-scenes" learning experiences brought PianoArts its international recognition.

Catherine Kautsky coaches semifinalists on speaking about music.

Gretta Assaly coaches the semifinalists on mental preparation for a performance.

Jill Zager coaches the semifinalists on preparing to perform for an audience.