About the Competition

The Kathleen T. and Philip B. Phillips, M.D. Jazz Piano Competition is a nationally recognized jazz performance competition sponsored by the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, and made possible by the generosity of the Phillips family. The annual competition attracts outstanding young musicians and judges from around the country and is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, ages 17-35, at colleges and universities throughout the United States. The competition will be held at the Historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola, April 13, 2012.

Guidelines

Preliminary:
Competitors must submit the following no later than March 16, 2012:

1. Letter of recommendation from the student's applied teacher.
2. Audition CD or videotape (not to exceed 30 minutes) to include pieces representing at least three different jazz styles.
3. Verification of age and student status (transcript or other verification). Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, ages 17-35, at colleges and universities throughout the United States

Finals

Five finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and notified by March 23, 2012. Finalists will arrive in Pensacola on April 12, 2012 in preparation for the competition, Friday, April 13, 2012. Each finalist will receive a $500 stipend for travel and housing. The competition will be open to the public. Each finalist will be allowed twenty (20) minutes in which to present their competition repertoire. Finalists are responsible for arranging their own travel and lodging.

Prizes

All finalists’ prizes will be awarded as follows:                    
            First place:       $5,000
            Second place:  $3,000
            Third place:     $1,500
            Finalist:           $250
            Finalist:           $250

        
Judges

The Judges will represent prominent musicians and educators in the field of jazz.

Competition and Performance

The finals of the Kathleen T. and Philip B. Phillips, M.D. Jazz Piano Competition will be held as a free public performance and will take place at the Historic Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, Florida, Friday, April 13, 2012. This event will coincide with Pensacola's JazzFest. The winner of the competition will present a concert for Pensacola JazzFest, on Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Additional Links:

• Guidelines and Application
• Poster (PDF)