Piano Day
Saturday, 29 November 2025
Music Building, Bangor University
Come and join in the fun!
A great opportunity for pianists of all ages and abilities to perform in a friendly and positive atmosphere as part of the activities of the Wales International Piano Festival.
The 2025 Piano Day will be held in Bangor University’s Music Building on Saturday 29th November from 9.30am. There are a number of classes (solo and duets) and everyone is welcome to take part in as many as they would like, with the emphasis on performing in front of an audience and receiving feedback from professional pianists. Every pianist who takes part will receive a certificate of participation.
Rather than place performances 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc, the professional pianists will select a certain number of pianists who have made an impression during the day to perform in a concert at the end of the afternoon. Pianists performing in the concert will receive an award from CGWM’s Fund in memory of Ben Muskett.
Professional Pianists
Sioned Webb
Sioned Webb became a national winner on the piano at eight years of age. She studied with William Mathias and Jana Frenklova at Bangor University before receiving accompaniment lessons at the RAM in London. As a tutor, her pupils have become national and international winners and she has just completed her album ‘Sonant’ for two pianos with the musician Sian James, releasing in early 2026. Her music has taken her to prisons and distant islands as well as the concert hall.
Bethan Conway
Originally from Flintshire Bethan enjoys a freelance career as a pianist and harpist. She currently teaches piano at The King’s School, Chester as well as at her home studio in Mynydd Isa. Alongside Bethan’s teaching, she enjoys a busy and varied performing career. She has performed with many orchestras across the UK including NEW Sinfonia, Liverpool Philharmonic and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. A keen chamber musician, she is a member of Hefin Flute & Harp Duo and Trilogy Ensemble. Bethan has also worked as an accompanist for various choirs including NEW Voices, WNO Youth Opera and Cantorion Rhos. Bethan gained a First Class Honours Degree from the Royal College of Music in 2017 and returned to the RCM for postgraduate studies as an Ashley Family Foundation Scholar. Bethan graduated with a Master of Performance with Distinction in 2019 and upon completing her studies was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother Rose Bowl award.
Iwan Llewelyn-Jones
Described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘a pianist of impeccable taste, confidence and stylish sensitivity’, Iwan Llewelyn-Jones has firmly established himself as one of the finest pianists of his generation. He has performed at many of the world’s prestigious concert halls including the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Leipzig Gewandhaus, and the Sydney Opera House. Iwan is the Artistic Director of the 2025 Wales International Piano Festival, having curated the previous two Festivals in 2016 and 2021. He has been the recipient of several awards and honours, including the Sir Geraint Evans Award in recognition of his significant contribution to Welsh music. Iwan is a Steinway Artist and combines a busy international performing schedule with his role as Senior Lecturer and Director of Music Performance at Bangor University.
Piano Day Classes
Graded ClassesABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or London College of Music |
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| Class | Standard (grade) | Requirements | Time limit |
| 1 | Pre-Grade 1 | Two or three contrasting pieces | 2 min |
| 2 | 1 | Two or three contrasting pieces | 3 min |
| 3 | 2&3 | Two contrasting pieces | 4 min |
| 4 | 4&5 | Two contrasting pieces | 5 min |
| 5 | 6&7 | Own choice | 6 min |
| 6 | 8 | Own choice | 8 min |
Period / Style Classes |
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| Class | Class Title | Age | Requirements | Time limit |
| 7 | Baroque 1650-1750 | Under 18 | One or two pieces | 6 min |
| 8 | Classical 1751-1820 |
Under 18 | One or two pieces | 6 min |
| 9 | Romantic 1821-1910 |
Under 18 | One or two pieces | 6 min |
| 10 | 20th-21st Century 1911 – present |
Under 18 | One or two pieces | 6 min |
| 11 | Jazz, Ragtime & Blues | Under 12 | One or two pieces | 3 min |
| 12 | Jazz, Ragtime & Blues | 12-18 | One or two pieces | 4 min |
General Classes |
||||
|
Class |
Class Title |
Age |
Requirements |
Time limit |
|
13 |
12 months or less tuition |
10 years & under |
One or two pieces |
2 min |
|
14 |
12 months or less tuition |
11-17 years |
One or two pieces |
3 min |
|
15 |
Adult: Standard up to Grade 5 |
Over 18 |
One or two pieces |
5 min |
|
16 |
Adult: Grade 5+ Standard |
Over 18 |
Two contrasting pieces |
7 min |
|
17 |
Recital |
Under 14 |
Own choice |
7 min |
|
18 |
Recital |
14-17 yrs |
Own choice |
10 min |
|
19 |
Recital |
Over 18 |
Own choice |
12 min |
Piano Duets |
||||
|
Class |
Class Title |
Age | Requirements | Time limit |
|
20 |
Duet: Teacher & Pupil on 1 piano |
Any age | Own choice Student from beginner to Grade 3 standard |
3 min |
|
21 |
Duet: 1 Piano |
Any age | Own choice | 6 min |
|
22 |
Duet: 2 Piano |
Any age | Own choice | 6 min |
Register to Take Part!
Fee: £10 per person (to participate in up to 3 classes) and then £3 for any additional class(es).
Register here between 13 October and 16 November 2025.
Rules and Further Guidance
- Pianists from any country are welcome to take part in the Piano Day.
- Pianists must be within the relevant age for the class on the day that the Piano Day is held.
- For the £10 registration fee pianists can take part in up to 3 classes (provided they are within the age limits), and then £3 for every additional competition.
- In the graded classes, (classes 2-6) the pieces may be from the ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall or London College of Music syllabus of any year. In the case of class number 1 (pre-grade 1) any pieces that are of pre-grade 1 standard may be performed. We are aware that some pianists are in between grades at present and might be learning other pieces before moving on to the next grade. In this case their tutor should assess which graded class is closest to the level of those pieces.
- The same piece(s) may be performed in more than one class.
- Duets – Only one member needs to register (and pay) but there will be space to enter the name of the other member of the duo on the registration form.
- The decisions of the professional pianists are final and cannot be challenged.
- Make sure you keep within the stated time limit.
- After the deadline the organisers will draw up a timetable considering which classes each pianist is taking part in. The aim is for the pianists to sit in for as much of their class as possible in order to support and learn from each other. At the end of each class the judges will give verbal feedback before moving on to the next class.
- If a pianist pulls out for any reason after registration, the registration fee will not be refunded.
