Music Conservatory of Texas - Rising Star Music Competition.

The competition was broadcast live on the Internet, January 16th, 2010 at 1:00pm.

Open to MCOT music students at two age levels: 9-13 years old, and 14-18 years old. Instrument Divisions include Piano, Guitar/Bass, Drums, Violin and Voice.

The purpose of the Competition is to recognize talented young musicians. Contestants are judged on their overall stage performance, musical excellence and "WOW FACTOR" - so turn on the charm on stage!!!

First place winners performed at the Rising Star Honors Show following the preliminary rounds on competition day where the Best of Show Winners were chosen.

The Judging Panel was selected from area musicians and people involved in the entertainment industry.

Ryan Michael Galloway:

Indie-music author, speaker, and veteran performing songwriter, formerly published by Columbia/Screen Gems Music and Sunbury/Dunbar Music (RCA) and signed by TK Records.

He is also the most prolific music career advisor on the Internet, with nightly video blogs at www.WeDontNeedNoStinkingRecordCompany.com, which you can also follow at www.facebook.com/nostinkingrecordcompany.

He was nominated for 2009 Texas State Musician, and performs regularly in North Texas, and other regions around the US.

His latest release is "Rock the Big House Down" - find free downloads and performing schedule at www.RyanRocks.com.

If you are interested in his books and other products, as well as free article downloads, go to www.GigsterClinics.com.

"As a judge, this was a very challenging job. With so many talented (and brave) performers, it was very difficult to decide on our winners. Thank you, everyone, for such an entertaining afternoon!"

Graham Richards:

Pianist, composer, and small-business owner currently living in Denton. He has a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Composition and Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music in Boston and a Masters' degree in Jazz Studies, Piano Performance, from UNT.

Graham has performed and recorded with pop, rock, country, and jazz musicians including Donald Bailey, Brad Leali, Ray Price, and Lee Oskar.

His compositions and keyboards can be heard on the soul LP "New Vintage" by his band of the same name, available on iTunes (KID-FRIENDLY!!! The lyrics are primarily about playing music with your friends and having a good time!).

Here in Frisco, Graham teaches Jazz 201 and has pioneered the successful "Jazz 101" program aimed at developing jazz theory and teamwork skills in elementary-to-middle-school children.

His booking company, www.RichardsBrosMusic.com, is responsible for hiring musicians for many DFW enterprises including the Vaquero Club and several Hilton and Doubletree hotels."

"I was honored to adjudicate the Rising Star competition. All of the kids performed so well, it was really difficult to pick a winner. I am proud of everyone who participated."

AWARDS: FIRST, SECOND and THIRD PLACE awards were given in each age category for each of the five instrument divisions at the discretion of the judges: BEST OF SHOW PRIZE WINNERS: One BEST OF SHOW winner was selected at the Rising Star Honors Show from the first place winners for each age category. Best of Show (9-13 years old): Nivedina Sarma Best of Show (14-18 years old): Serene Boachie

The world needs music! Are you playing your part?

Our FRISCO location (Preston at Main Street) serves our surrounding communities of Plano, Allen, McKinney, Celina, Prosper, Little Elm, The Colony and Dallas.