An assistant professor of music at Missouri Western has won a prestigious musical performance competition. Dr. Nathaniel May is the winner of The American Prize in Piano Performance-Solo Division in the professional category 2012.

“I was really excited to have been chosen, and humbled to know of the other pianists who were finalists,” Dr. May said. “This competition provides feedback/evaluation from judges for those who are selected as finalists.”

 

“For me, this represents a unique opportunity to receive constructive criticism on my work from colleagues in the discipline, which I really feel is a validating experience.”

Dr. May has performed recitals throughout the United States and Europe, presenting research on piano music of the modern era at the World Piano Conference and the Euro-Mediterranean Music Conference, with master classes in Turkey, Serbia, the Netherlands and Italy. He is also the founder and artistic director of the soundSCAPE festival in Italy, at which more than 200 new works have been premiered.

Dr. May believes his experience and success as a performer is helpful as he teaches students at Missouri Western.

“It really motivates students to achieve their potential, knowing that they are studying with an active and recognized artist,” he said.

“It is much more evident to them in private lessons that their teacher has the ability to demonstrate, or ‘back up’ his words with performance at the instrument.”

 

The American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually in many areas of the performing arts.  Organizers sponsor a series of new, non-profit national competitions designed to recognize and reward the very best performing artists and ensembles in the country based on recorded performances.

Dr. May was selected from applications from all across the United States.

 

“Most artists may never win a Grammy award, or a Pulitzer, or a Tony, or perhaps even be nominated, but that does not mean they are not worthy of recognition and reward,” said David Katz.

The conductor, composer, playwright, actor and arts advocate serves as chief judge of The American Prize.

“Quality in the arts is not limited to the coasts, or to the familiar names, or only to graduates of the most famous schools. It is on view all over the United States, if you take the time to look for it. The American Prize exists to encourage and herald that excellence.”