An Interview With 2011 Honens ProAm Champion David Dixon

When I was a Contributing Writer for Suite101, I had this opportunity to speak with David Dixon, the winner of the 2011 Honens Piano Competition for Amateurs. A reservoir engineer for Nexen Inc., David immerses himself in music after hours. This talented pianist discussed his musical studies, the Honens ProAm, jazz music, composing and life lessons gained from music.

I also interviewed Linda Kundert-Stoll, David's piano teacher, via email. Linda shared her thoughts about David's musical development and talent.

Photos were taken by Boon Ong Photography. Photo permission was granted by Honens.

David Dixon on Music Lessons and Musical Influences

“I was diddling around on the piano before I had any official lessons,” David said. Formal piano lessons began at the age of eight, under the tutelage of his mother.

When he was approximately 10 years old, David's mother began teaching him intermediate-level repertoire. “She said, 'Well, he's in Grade 5 in school, so I'll try and teach him a Grade 5 piano piece',” David reflected. “She bought the Grade 5 RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) books and taught me a few pieces.”

David quickly progressed to more challenging repertoire. “She taught me Für Elise. I learned that in a weekend,” he said. “I learned that pretty quickly, so I just kept on going with it.”

Perhaps another contributing factor to David's rapid development were the ingenious challenges his parents gave him when began studying piano. “My dad said that if I could learn the middle movement of the Pathetique Sonata, he'd pay me a hundred dollars.” With a chuckle, he added, “Now that's some encouragement there!”

After a brief hiatus from lessons, David resumed his piano studies as a teenager. He studied with Calgary-based instructors Dr. Peter Jancewicz, Dr. Lana Henchell and Mila Brandman. For the past three years, David has been studying piano with Linda Kundert-Stoll.

David Dixon on the Honens ProAm Competition

David first became involved with the Honens ProAm in 2008, when he was declared the alternate competitor in the event of a competition withdrawal. “I got to play in a bunch of the events and enjoyed it,” he recalled. When event organizers asked David whether he would like to participate in the 2011 Honens ProAm, he eagerly agreed.

David drew from pieces he prepared for his associateship through the Royal Conservatory of Music. “I did my ARCT back in August, so I already had the repertoire learned,” David said. “I already had them at a high level so I thought I might as well keep on playing them.” For his Honens recital programme, David performed Claude Debussy's La Danse de puck and Frédéric Chopin's Scherzo in E major, op. 54, no. 4.

The Honens ProAm is a fundraiser for the Honens International Piano Competition. It is named after philanthropist Esther Honens.

David Dixon on Life Lessons Learned from Music

There are numerous life lessons that David Dixon has learned through his musical studies. “Obviously discipline,” he said. After a few moment's thought, he added, “Appreciating subtleties and nuances of music...attention to detail.”

David is quick to admit that learning music has helped him enjoy music all the more. Music lessons help him “understand it enough to better appreciate it.”

David Dixon on Jazz Music and Creative Music

“I've always improvised at the piano,” David said. “That's what drew me to it [jazz] – being able to be more creative.”

David has also composed music for piano and small chamber music ensembles. “It's just a different way to express yourself,” he remarked.

David Dixon on Musical Outlets

David is involved with several musical projects. He plays in a jazz big band called Southern Stardust and accompanies the One Accord Choir. “That's a good outlet,” he said.

David also performs in several smaller music ensembles in Calgary. “I like the smaller groups,” David admitted. “You get a bit more freedom, a little bit more soloing space and communicating a little bit more dynamically.”

As the 2011 Honens ProAm Champion, David gained another musical outlet. His performance earned him a weekend residency at the Banff Centre.

Piano Instructor Linda Kundert-Stoll on David Dixon

In August 2011, David Dixon successfully completed his ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. David earned First Class Honours with Distinction.

“He played several ARCT programs while he was working to complete his theory,” commented Linda Kundert-Stoll. “From a playing level, he could have taken his ARCT earlier, but we thought it best that he finish the theory first.”

As a teacher, Linda couldn't be any happier. “I have enjoyed having him in my class immensely,” she said. “He is a huge talent: great ears, excellent facility, he learns fast and he has a great memory.”

Just how good is David? “He has what it takes to be a professional musician, should he choose to go that route,” added Linda.

David Dixon's employer can rest easy. For now, David is quite content to stick with his day job. He is even contemplating working on his MBA.

Musically, he's open to new challenges. “I'm just trying to figure out what to do next.”

Originally published on Suite101.com on November 9, 2011.

Honens ProAm Piano Competition for Amateurs 2011 Review

This unique piano competition held Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Calgary, Alberta raised over $100,000 for the 2012 Honens International Piano Competition.

Four amateur pianists went head-to-head on Saturday, October 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at Theatre Junction GRAND at this unique music competition. Nearly every seat was full when Daniel Yang, Andrew Hoffmanns, Colin Edie and David Dixon performed their solo recitals.

Amateur Musicians Perform for a Good Cause at Honens ProAm

The Honens ProAm Piano Competition is the brainchild of Calgary-based philanthropist Jenny Belzberg. This unique event is a fundraiser for the Honens International Piano Competition. The first year the ProAm was held was in 2008.

This music competition is open to recreational pianists who play at a high-calibre. In other words, all competitors must have careers outside of music. Each of these amateur musicians performed a 15-minute recital from memory.

In addition to their recital preparations, they strove to raise a minimum of $25,000 each. Prior to the event, they collected pledges from family, friends, employers, colleagues and music aficionados.

The competitors were judged by three music experts: Bob Clark, Charles Foreman and Mélanie Léonard. Clark is a performing arts writer for the Calgary Herald. Foreman, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary, has performed around the world as a solo pianist and chamber musician. Maestra Léonard is currently the resident conductor for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Honens International Piano Competition Searches for the "Complete Artist"

Out of the many prestigious piano competitions throughout the world, the Honens is unparalleled in two areas. First, competitors must perform solo and chamber recital programmes in addition to a movement of a piano concerto. Jurors are tasked with finding the “complete artist”.

Secondly, Honens Laureates participate in an extensive artistic and career development program. This is above and beyond the prize money they receive. Some of the benefits include assistance in booking engagements, recording CD's and developing press kits.

The Honens was the brainchild of the late Esther Honens. She was a Calgary-based philanthropist who endowed $5 million dollars in 1991 to launch an international piano competition in Calgary.

All proceeds from the Honens ProAm goes towards the Seventh Honens International Piano Competition. The next Honens will take place in Calgary from October 17 to 26, 2012.

ProAm Competition 2011 Contenders Deliver Four Exciting Performances

The 2011 ProAm got off to a colourful and romantic start with Daniel “Marathon Man” Yang's performance. Yang, sporting a purple tux, opened with Prelude in b-flat minor, op. 28, no. 4 by Polish composer Fréderic Chopin. He then delivered a sensitive interpretation of Edvard Grieg's Notturno. This was followed by another popular Chopin piece, Nocturne in E-flat Major, op. 9, no. 2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's “Rondo alla Turca” from his Sonata no. 11 in A Major, K. 331 rounded out the programme.

Yang is a Reservoir Specialist for Canadian Natural Resources and the CEO of Borealis Geopower. He holds a Ph.D. In Natural Sciences and studies with Calgary-based piano instructor Ann Davidson.

The second ProAm contender, Andrew “Dutchie” Hoffmanns, hails from the Netherlands. He moved to Calgary last year and works as a financial analyst for Shell Canada Limited. He studies piano with pianist, teacher and clinician Gabriella Jonas of Calgary.

Hoffmans performed two contrasting works which showcased his warm, rich tone. He began with Sergei Rachmaninov's Prelude in c-sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2. He concluded his programme with selections from Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) by Robert Schumann.

Colin “Jock” Edie drew loud cheers when he strode confidently on stage in his light grey-blue tux and matching hat. That confidence rang through throughout his entire recital programme, in which he demonstrated a strong tone, good phrasing and balance.

He first performed “Allegro moderato” from Sonata in E-flat Major, No. 62 Hob. XVI52 by Franz Joseph Haydn. This was followed by La Cathédral engloutie by Claude Debussy. For his final work, Edie performed Chopin's Revolutionary Etude.

Edie works for Encana Corporation as a Petroleum Engineer. He has his Grade 10 certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music and studies with Allen Reiser, a Calgary-based piano teacher, writer, performer, adjudicator and clinician.

The evening drove towards a dramatic climax with David “Big Band” Dixon's performance. This jazz fan performed two challenging works: La Danse de Puck by Impressionist composer Claude Debussy and Frederic Chopin's Scherzo in E Major, op. 54, no. 4.

Dixon, a Reservoir Engineer at Nexen Inc., displayed a strong command of the piano. His technique was solid, while his phrasing and dynamics were well balanced. He elicited a standing ovation from the audience.

David recently earned his ARCT Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He studies with pianist, teacher, adjudicator and clinician Linda Kundert-Stoll in Calgary.

Honens ProAm Competition 2011 Declared a Resounding Success

The fundraising goal for this year's Honens ProAm was $100,000, which as exceeded. This year's Top Fundraiser Award went to Daniel Yang, who raised $43,000.

The audience was concurred with the event's jurors. David Dixon was declared the Audience Choice Prize winner and the 2011 Honens ProAm Champion. He won a gift certificate to the seafood restaurant Catch, the entire Honens CD library and a weekend residency at the Banff Centre for the Performing Arts.

The 2011 Honens ProAm Competition for Amateurs was held at Theatre Junction GRAND on Saturday, October 15, 2011. With four dynamic performances delivered to nearly a full-house and the fundraising goal surpassed, this original fundraiser for the 2012 Honens International Piano Competition is a resounding success.

Originally published on Suite101.com on October 18, 2011. Updated May 13, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Fifth Honens International Piano Competition Begins in October

This is a special year for pianists and piano music lovers. It marks the Fifth Honens International Piano Competition. Held every three years, young pianists from around the world audition to qualify to compete What sets Honens apart from other competitions is the professional development assistance provided to the Honens Laureates. Honens presents over 50 concert, education and outreach events in Calgary and across Canada annually. This year's competition and musical celebration runs from October 19 - November 3. To find out more about the competition, the celebration concerts and student master classes, please visit the Honens website.

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