Couple teams up with IIYM to support piano students--$50,000 donation to fund increased prizes at the IIYM International Piano Competition

The International Institute for Young Musicians, hosted each year by the University of Kansas School of Music, is pleased to announce a $50,000 donation from Jack and Jan Gaumnitz, of Lawrence, KS, to the IIYM Foundation. This generous donation will go to augment the money available to prize winners in the IIYM International Piano Competition. The size of the prizes will increase by $10,000 each year compared to 2010 prize amounts, over a five-year period.

The new cash prizes, beginning at the 2011 IIYM International Piano Competition, are: First Prize: $8,000; Second Prize: $5,000; Third Prize: $2,500; Audience Prize: $1,000; Finalist Prize: $500.


"Jan and I are delighted to honor these marvelous young artists," said Mr. Gaumnitz. "Their excellence is a shining example of what young people can accomplish with hard work and dedication. We're proud to partner with IIYM."

"This donation is really a tribute to IIYM students," said Dr. Scott McBride Smith, IIYM President and CEO. "The fact that this award recognizes their achievement means a lot to our program."

Mr. Gaumnitz is Professor Emeritus of Finance at the University of Kansas. His wife, Jan, is an internationally recognized visual artist.

About IIYM

The International Institute for Young Musicians L.L.C. is an American organization dedicated to creating world-class opportunities for young musicians from around the globe. IIYM assists participants in translating artistic vision into high performance through direct, practical, and fully involved guidance from internationally renowned professionals.

The IIYM Summer Music Academy, under the direction of Dr. Scott McBride Smith, is an internationally recognized course of intensive study for young pianists, offering instruction to students from around the world who wish to improve their mastery of performance. The 2011 IIYM Summer Music Academy, presented in collaboration with the University of Kansas School of Music, will be held at the University of Kansas School of Music from July 10-29.

For more information, contact Dr. Scott McBride Smith at 785-864-1470 or visit www.iiym.com.