Piano Lessons for Students in the Charlotte Area

NFMC Festival Cup Program

Purpose: The NFMC Festival Cup Program offers additional incentive to all entrants in the NFMC Festivals Program. Festival Cups are awarded on a point system based on the Area Festival ratings. Participation is optional.

Eligibility: Students ages 4-18

Repertiore: Students perform 2 selections. One from a required list of pieces and one of their choice that meets a certain criteria for their age and level. Students may also chose to participate in other Festival categories such as the Theory Test, Hymn Playing, and Duet Competition.

Point System: Points are based on the Area Festival ratings.
Superior, 5 points
Excellent, 4 points
Satisfactory, 3 points
Fair, 2 points
Needs Improvement, 1 point


Accumulation of Points: When a total of fifteen (15) points has been earned, the First Festival Cup is awarded. For each additional fifteen points, the next larger cup is awarded:

First Cup, 6"cup, 15 points
Second Cup, 8" cup, 30 points
Third Cup, 10" cup, 45 points
Fourth Cup, 12" cup, 60 points
Grand Cup, 14" cup, 75 points
President's Cup, 15" cup, 90 points

letting students soar!

We are pleased to announce the beginning of an exciting program in the Regina Ziliani Piano Studio. Together with the Music Teachers National Association, Mrs. Ziliani's students will be able to take part in a new festival program. Only students of Mrs. Ziliani will be able to participate in the Ziliani Studio Festival.

This nationally sponsored program is open to all students in the studio no matter what their age or level of advancement. Students will recieve supportive critique from a qualified music professional. This is a non-competitive event. Students will receive an official certificate recognizing their participation. This festival is sure to provide motivation and encourage practice among all students!

The Piano Guild, (a division of the American College of Musicians), was founded in 1929 by Dr. Irl Allison. Forty-six entrants participated in the first audition (then called a "tournament") at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Since that time, the Guild has grown to over 118,000 participants who enroll annually in our international auditions, which are held in over 800 locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.

The primary function is to establish definite goals and awards--in noncompetitive auditions--for students of all levels, from the earliest beginner to the gifted prodigy. With the exception of the "special" programs, teachers have the flexibility to choose all repertoire for student auditions. Students are judged on individual merit, by a well-qualified music professional, in the areas of accuracy, continuity, phrasing, pedaling, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, tone, interpretation, style, and technique. The purpose is to encourage growth and enjoyment through the study of piano.


Students are awarded reward pins and certificates for their participation.  In addition to the performance category students can also enter their own original musical compositions in the Composition contest.

In addition to all of the exciting performance opportunities listed above, students of the Regina Ziliani Piano Studio regularly perform in recitals and in community service events throughout the year.

For more information on the Regina Ziliani Piano Studio email: reginaziliani@yahoo.com