Has anyone ever heard of the Piano Guild? I think that it is a national piano competition. I don't really understand how it works though.

I perform in the Piano Guild Auditions every year. This year I'm specializing in Bach, and they will judge me on the Bach Preludes that I have picked.

They judge you with a little report card; C's are good, A's are not so great. If you have the amount of C's needed to pass, you get a medal in the area you chose to audition in. For example, I could get a Bach medal and plaque. (if I do good enough )

Last year I won in state competitions. You can choose district, state, or national, etc and the larger you choose, the more number of pieces you must perform. Also you can choose the level of music you wish to sign up for.

Most piano teachers should know about this; mine signed me up for it.

If you want more information, I have a packet. I can give you a number or addy or something. =0) Just let me know.

Zeldah

So is there like a winner or just many people that get good scores? Do you have an address for it?

Amy, Guild Auditions are far more like MTA Festivals than competitions. Each participant is a "winner" based on having set and achieved a goal to prepare and present a program of a set number of pieces. As Zeldah mentioned, you can choose only a couple or up to about 20, I think.
It is just you and the judge; you play, the judge fills out a "report card" indicating areas that are especially commendable (C's) or that need attention (A's). Your score is calculated based on the number of C's versus A's.
Your teacher must be a Guild Memeber and pay her dues before she can enroll any of her students in auditions. This should be done ASAP. For special programs like Zeldah's all Bach, the program must be submitted and approved, sometime in December I think, even though auditions are usually held around May. Other programs can be submitted the first of the year through early spring.
My daughter has participated in Guild auditons for the last 3 years at the 15 piece level. I participated last year with a 7 piece program. It has been very valuable for her, and it was very encouraging for me as well. As an adult with a lot to learn, I very seldom get to play for anyone except family and my teacher. The judges we have had are not anywhere near as critical as I am of myself; the comments they write are very motivational and constructive.
If what you want is an opportunity to "win" a competition, Guild isn't it. If what you want is an opportunity to stretch yourself to learn and play the best you are able, then Guild is a good choice. I encourage you to pursue it. But don't wait to long to get started. I'm already working on my pieces for next May.

Beth