pianist

About the Artist. . .

Our remarkable Lucas Jones, a sixteen year old high school freshman, began his studies with Joe at the tender age of six, nine and one-half years ago.  Lucas is currently the student of greatest longevity in our studio, and is on track to become the first student of all time to spend all twelve years of his pre-college study with us!  Lucas is a prime example of the great things that can happen when one just hangs in there with “true grit”, determination, and persistence.  Lucas was never the phenomenal child “wunderkind”, which can often be more of a hindrance than a help to true and lasting artistic development.  He has worked steadily and deeply over the years and suddenly (of course we know it was not) he burst on the scene two years ago, as one of the top players in the state.  Lucas’ playing has really “come together” as his giftedness and talents are in a very productive balance.

Lucas’ playing is very robust, masculine, open, and healthy.  His playing is very direct and without affectation.  He is developing a powerful, virtuoso technique, and can also “sing” with deep color and lyricism.  Lucas has attended our Young Artist World Piano Festival for the past five years where he is much loved by faculty and students alike.

We are thrilled that Lucas, as the Alternate in the State Division of the Music Teachers National Association National Young Artist Competition, will be representing the State of Minnesota at the West Central Division Competition at the University of Colorado, Boulder, in January.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Finalist – St. Paul Piano Teachers (SPPTA) Concerto Competition.  November, 2011.
• Winner, Alternate – Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Young Artist Competition – Senior Level (age 15-18) – State Division.  October, 2011.
• Young Artist World Piano Festival, 2011, St. Paul, MN.  Selected – Senior Honors Recital; Alessio Bax Master Class; Paul Wirth Master Class; special private lesson with Pavlina Dokovska.  July 2011.
• Selected – International e-Piano Junior Festival Master Class with Jerome Rose. July, 2011.
• Finalist – Schubert Club Scholarship Competition – Junior High Division. March, 2011.
• Honorable Mention - Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition – Senior High Division. March, 2011.
• Finalist – Young Peoples’ Symphony Concert Association (YPSCA) of the Minnesota Orchestra.  Winner of the Schmitt Prize ($500.00). January, 2011.
• Winner, Third Place - La Crosse Symphony Orchestra’s “Rising Stars” Concerto Competition. January, 2011.
  
• Finalist- St. Paul Piano Teachers Association (SPPTA) Concerto Competition. November, 2010.
• Winner, Honorable Mention (Third Place) – Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Young Artist Competition – Senior Level (age 15-18) – State Division. November, 2010.
• Finalist- St. Paul Piano Teachers Association (SPPTA) Concerto Competition (2009). Fall, 2009.
• Honorable Mention – Young Artist Piano Camp UMD Concerto Competition. Summer, 2009.
• Finalist – Schubert Club Scholarship Competition – Junior High Level. Spring, 2009.
• Honorable Mention - Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition – Junior High Level. Spring, 2009.
• Selected – Ilya Itin Masterclass – Young Artist Piano Camp UMD. Summer, 2008.