Annual Piano Guild Auditions
What is the Piano Guild?
The Piano Guild, founded by Dr. Irl Allison, Sr. in 1929, is also known as the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and is a part of the American College of Musicians.
The Piano Guild is “...the largest nonprofit organization of piano teachers and students in the world!”
Teachers and students volunteer annually to participate in the Piano Guild Auditions. The auditions offer students the opportunity to have their skills evaluated in a non-competitive setting.
Our 2026 in-person Piano Guild Audition dates are April 30 – May 1, 2026, from 8 am – 4:30 pm at Note-worthy Experiences.
What are Piano Guild Auditions?
Piano Guild auditions are not a competition. Piano students audition in front of a single judge and are evaluated based on their individual progress and against a standard of excellence, not against other participants. Participants receive feedback. Some receive awards and recognition, depending on their skill level.
How does Note-worthy Experiences® help piano students who want to audition become successful in their efforts?
Each spring, we work with our piano students, preparing them for the Piano Guild Auditions.
We schedule private mock auditions. The mock auditions are held at our music studio in Sudbury, MA.
We advise students on music choices and performance strategies, and highlight the “best” and “needs-work” areas of the pieces they perform.
Music instructors from outside of our studio are also welcome to bring their students to our audition center each year.
As soon as we request dates for auditions, we announce the “requested” dates here and in our music blog. Dates are not firm until The Piano Guild confirms. (We must request several blocks of dates with Piano Guild Headquarters, and then we are assigned the dates based on when a judge is available.)
Look for an announcement like:
Our 2026 in-person Piano Guild Audition requested dates will be from April 29 – May 1, 2026, from 8 am – 4:30 pm at Note-worthy Experiences.
- We do not conduct virtual auditions unless there is an extreme emergency.
- Guild fees are non-refundable.
- Students with outstanding balances for tuition, books, or fees will not be accepted.
Why should a piano student participate in The Piano Guild Auditions?
- To challenge themselves and grow by putting themselves out there
- To practice receiving constructive criticism – and dealing with it in a mature manner
- To receive feedback from a professional about their skills to learn what needs improvement
Students who participate will receive feedback from a national judge to help them improve their skills and be recognized for their strengths. Participation in adjudications is beneficial for students who are building their resumes and preparing for collegiate applications, while also improving their performance skills.
Why prepare for the auditions with Note-worthy Experiences?
Mostly, OUR EXPERIENCE! Our Studio Director, Renee Bordner, has long-term experience preparing students in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
In 2017, she started the Sudbury, MA chapter of The Piano Guild. Renee is the Center Chairperson for the Sudbury Chapter and is also a Piano Guild Judge.
In 2019, Renee became a member of the Piano Guild Hall of Fame.
Want to learn more about The Piano Guild?
More details about The Piano Guild.
Ready to register for The Piano Guild Auditions?
We look forward to working with you!
Practice auditions are held in springtime, normally during April. Registration for the 2026 Piano Guild Practice Sessions are now closed.
Our 2026 in-person Piano Guild Auditions dates are April 30-May 1, 2026, from 8 am-4:30pm at Note-worthy Experiences.
Accept the challenge!
We’re sorry - Piano Guild Registration has closed.
