Monica Yant Kinney: A fine and delicate balance

by Monica Yant Kinney
The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Six months ago, Carson Atlas’ entire piano repertoire consisted of “Amazing Grace,” a song he taught himself noodling around on his family’s Baldwin.

On May 8, the 8-year-old third grader from Haverford will put on a tiny tuxedo and take the stage at the Annenberg Center for the finals of a hard-fought national “Classical Music Idol” competition in which the newcomer has outplayed performers twice his age who’ve been studying longer than he’s been alive.”   More…

Nelly Berman School of Music holds finals of Young Classical Music Idol

Main Line Times

“The NBS Classical Music Institute, a nonprofit sector of the Nelly Berman School of Music that provides scholarships to young musicians, held auditions for Young Classical Music Idol on March 21. Over 180 students descended upon the school to audition for this one-of-a-kind competition. In its first year, Young Classical Music Idol has reached young musicians not only in the Philadelphia area, but in Virginia, Michigan and Nevada! Students are vying for the top prizes of $2,200 to participate in Golden Key Vienna and a $5,000 Cunningham piano. Only one student will be crowned the first-ever Young Classical Music Idol.”  More…

‘Idol’ competition with a classic twist, something Brendan likes

by Ruth Rovner
Daily Times

“The mood will be suspenseful and full of drama this Saturday, and competition will be intense to choose a new “American Idol.”

But this is a new version of the popular contest. It’s the Young Classical Music Idol competition, and the competitors are talented young musicians who have reached the final round in this first-ever event.”   More…