Young Artist Piano Competition
2010 Jurors

Dr. Michelle Schumann

A native Canadian, Dr. Michelle Schumann is a highly sought after solo pianist and collaborative artist both in her hometown of Austin, TX and throughout the US, Canada and Europe. Her performances have been described as “smart, irresistible, and utterly captivating” and have regularly been included among the years’ top arts events by the Austin American Statesman.  Michelle is a fixture in both the local and national music scene. Her appearances have been particularly notable because of her sense of eclecticism, unabashed musical expression, and enthusiasm for communication, integration and collaboration. She has built a reputation for evocative and moving performances that are infused with a unique energy and zeal.  She has performed at international festivals around the world and has collaborated with leading ensembles throughout the US including the Carpe Diem Quartet, Chiara Quartet, Meridian Arts Ensemble, American Repertory Ensemble, Austin Lyric Opera, American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin, and Long Beach Opera.

Michelle is the Artistic Director of the Austin Chamber Music Center where she leads the season programs, Austin Chamber Music Festival, and all educational programs. Additionally a committed teacher, Dr. Schumann serves as Associate Professor of Music and Artist in Residence at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she is the founder and Artistic Director of the Hillman Visiting Artists Series. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin where she studied with Anton Nel and Gregory Allen. and Artist in Residence at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she is the founder and Artistic Director of the Hillman Visiting Artists Series. She received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin where she studied with Anton Nel and Gregory Allen. Additionally she holds a Young Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Performance Diploma from the Vienna Conservatory.

Dr. Ezra Bartz

Dr. Ezra Bartz is a pianist from Eugene, Oregon.  His undergraduate degree is from the University of Oregon.  While attending Oregon, Dr. Bartz was the winner the University Concerto Competition and the recipient of the Petri Scholarship Competition.  Upon graduating magna cum laude, he received Outstanding Performer in Keyboard by the School of Music and Outstanding Performer in Music by the University.

In 2002, Dr. Bartz began his studies at the University of Texas at Austin under the guidance of Professor Gregory Allen.  As a graduate student, Dr. Bartz taught several courses including all class piano sections and applied lessons as an Assistant Instructor of Piano, under the supervision of Sophia Gilmson and Martha Hilley.  In fall of 2007, Dr. Bartz completed his studies and was awarded Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance.