For immediate release                                                   April 16, 2008

JOPLIN, MO (SNS) – The Missouri Southern International Piano Competition presents two guest lecturers who will speak to and perform for area schools and college students.  The lecturers appear in conjunction with the 2008 piano competition.


On Thursday and Friday, April 24-25, Justin Kolb will present school programs exploring Why Music Students Excel and Can I Really Make it on Stage?  On Saturday, April 26, Barry Snyder will speak to students planning a career in music.  His lecture is titled, What it Takes to be a Modern Musician.


Justin Kolb is a pianist/recording artist who has appeared in many well-known venues such as Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Chicago’s Orchestra Hall.  In the September 2007 cover story of Clavier magazine Kolb was featured in another facet of his career: his role as an advocate for arts in education. Kolb explains to students the role music plays in their education and in their potential careers.

 
On Thursday morning, Mr. Kolb will address Seneca students exploring Why Music Students Excel. At 12:30 he will appear on stage in Taylor Performing Arts Center at MSSU to address Theater and Music Department students. At that time, in a “how-to” and “hands-on” workshop, he will discuss Can I Really Make it on Stage?  After the workshop, Mr. Kolb will be available for questions and consultation. On Friday, at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Mr Kolb will present two elementary/secondary school programs in Webster Hall.


Barry Snyder is the winner of three major prizes at the 1966 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.  He has since gone on to international acclaim as a concert pianist and teacher in venues that span the globe.  He has recorded nearly 40 CDs and collaborated with many well-known artists in chamber music groups over his four-decade career.
Mr. Snyder's program is directed toward students and others wishing to pursue a career in music.  He will appear in Webster Hall at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. 

 
Lectures are free of charge and open to the public.  For further information contact the MSIPC office (417) 625-9755, msipc@mssu.edu, or visit the website www.mssu.edu/msipc.


The 12th Missouri Southern International Piano Competition will be held April 21-26. All competition rounds and lectures are free of charge and open to the public. For the Opening Recital and Gala Concert, April 21 and April 26, tickets are $15.   Students and seniors 60+ may obtain a free pass to attend these concerts. 

             For additional information and concert tickets, contact MSIPC at 417‑625‑9755, email msipc@mssu.edu.