Announcing the winner of the 2026 Pianist Composing Competition

A subscriber to Pianist, Ferguson is a full-time wife and mother to four teenage children, and has been a piano teacher since the age of 16. Music has always been part of her life, she says: ‘When I was two years old, my parents gave me a little miniature two-octave upright acoustic piano for Christmas,’ she explains. ‘I began piano lessons when I was almost eight, with a wonderful teacher, Elaine Beckstrand. She was a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and gave me a strong foundation in technique, theory, rhythm and piano literature.’

As for composing, ‘It has always come very naturally to me,’ says Ferguson. ‘When I started kindergarten, I had a little tape recorder and a stack of blank cassette tapes. I loved singing, making up songs and recording myself so I could go back and listen to them. This is still how I compose today!’ She continues: ‘I loved listening to classical music, and if I turned off the radio mid-song, I felt like – even if I had never heard the piece before – I could continue it in my head and create the entire ending. I’ve composed many pieces for my own students. We like to have themed recitals, so if I can’t find a piece that fits a student’s needs or the theme, I write one!’

Ferguson entered the competition last year with Autumn Brook. ‘I’ll admit that when I entered the second time for this 2026 competition, I actually forgot all about having entered, so receiving the email from Pianist magazine saying I had won the competition was the biggest surprise!’ What inspired her to put pen to manuscript paper again? ‘I love lightning,’ Ferguson says. ‘My family and I enjoy gathering on our covered porch, wrapped in blankets and sometimes with a big bowl of popcorn, to watch a lightning storm roll in. I thought it would be fun to write a piece that captured the fury and energy of a lightning storm. My mother’s first language is Spanish, and although I only speak English, I knew the Spanish word for lightning is relámpago – I’ve always loved that word. That’s how this piece got its name.’

Perfect for the intermediate-level pianist
 

Ferguson says Relampago was quite an easy creative process: ‘It was very quick! Only a few days to get it just right. I love the process of composing; I feel like it’s a beautiful partnership between me and the music. I start with an idea or emotion and explore it on the piano until the piece begins to take life. Many times, the music leads me in a different direction, and I honour that.’

The judges, too, were quick in making their decision. They felt Relampago was an excellent piece for players to learn – for understanding the geography of the keyboard, for hand coordination, for encountering interesting harmonies and for sheer enjoyment. Ferguson is aware of the fun factor as well: ‘I teach a lot of young amateur students. I’m always on the lookout for exciting music that they will enjoy – pieces that are easier yet engaging and empowering for my students so they feel proud and successful of mastering and performing something they love. I have a lot of boys in my studio and I’ve noticed that they love to play fast, so this piece was written for that purpose while intentionally keeping a consistent rhythm throughout the piece so that it can sound clean, steady and even.’

Ferguson received her white Kawai ES520 white piano just a day or so ago, courtesy of Kawai America Corporation. (See picture above, seated, with her students around the piano.) ‘My family and I are already enjoying it so much! I’m already planning to use it for an outdoor piano recital with my piano students this summer.’ She is also keen to explore creating an adult amateur group. ‘Recently I’ve been enjoying the articles inside Pianist about adult amateur programs and groups. This is something I’m interested in starting in my area and I’m getting wonderful ideas of how I could get a monthly amateur adult group together. I believe there are so many adults I know who could enjoy and benefit from opportunities like these. Someday in the future, my dream is to visit and participate in a course at Finchcocks!’

A fan of Pianist magazine

Ferguson tells us she loves reading Pianist magazine: ‘I enjoy reading the lessons from Melanie Spanswick, Mark Tanner, Graham Fitch and others. I get wonderful tips that help me be a better teacher. I love the music scores and really appreciate that the magazine comes with a CD so I can hear all the pieces. In fact, I bought a CD player again just so I could listen to the magazine’s CDs! Pianist has been a wonderful way for me to discover new repertoire for myself, and it also gives me great ideas for lessons and repertoire to introduce to my students. I really enjoy listening to the Pianist Podcast, too; when I received my first call from the magazine editor about winning the contest, I recognised Erica’s voice immediately and couldn’t believe I was talking with her!’

The competition’s runner up was Gavin Littaur with his composition For Tanya. The judges were taken by its filmic quality and its touching ballade-like melody. Relampago will be published in Pianist 150. Thanks to all those who entered competition; they ensured a high standard and a tough day of decisions!

Details of the next 2027 Composing Competition will be appearing soon, so watch this space!

In the meantime, read Melanie Spanswick's tips on how to compose.

Melanie was one of the judges and as a renowned composer herself, she has lots to say.