Applications for the Keyboard Masterclass will open on August 3!
The PASIC 2026 Keyboard Masterclass will be led by Greg Giannascoli.
About Greg Giannascoli
Marimba artist Greg Giannascoli was the top prize winner at two international young artist competitions. He has performed in recital and as a soloist with orchestras throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Greg performed on the Grammy nominated recording of George Crumb’s American Song Book VII: Songs of the Heartland. His book, Opinions on the Marimba, published by Heartland Marimba Festival Publications, contains interviews with many leading marimba players about what they learned from their teachers, how their approaches evolved over time, and what they now teach their own students.
Reviews of Greg’s performances include:
“Here is music played so well it would capture and hold anybody’s attention indefinitely.” — Classical New Jersey
“Giannascoli’s performance of Miyoshi’s works was nothing less than astonishing, both in terms of artistry and virtuosity… tremendous facility… startling display of clarity and precision.” — Splendid Music Magazine
About the PASIC 2026 Keyboard Masterclass
Led by Greg Giannascoli, the PASIC 2026 Keyboard Masterclass will focus on the music of Clair Omar Musser, one of the most influential figures in the history of keyboard percussion. Musser’s etudes are not only historically significant works, but also valuable teaching pieces that address specific technical and musical challenges.
Selected participants will perform a Musser etude and receive coaching from Greg Giannascoli in a public masterclass setting. Through performance, discussion, and feedback, participants and audience members alike will explore practical solutions to technical and musical issues that can be applied to a wide range of keyboard percussion repertoire. The session will also include a brief introduction to Musser’s life, career, and lasting impact on marimba performance and pedagogy.
The Process
Who can apply?
The Keyboard Masterclass is open to all high school and university/college students. See eligible pieces below.
How to apply?
All applicants must submit an unedited YouTube video performance of one of the approved Clair Omar Musser works listed below. One high school and two university/college applicants will be selected to participate in the masterclass.
Applicants may submit more than one approved work; however, only one piece per participant will be considered for performance in the masterclass. New or previously recorded videos are welcome.
Approved Repertoire:
- Etude in B Major; Op. 6, No. 9
- Prelude in G Major; Op. 11, No. 3
- Whole Tone Etude; Op. 6, No. 8
- Etude in C Major; Op. 11, No. 4
- Etude in C Major; Op. 6, No. 10
- Etude in Ab Major; Op. 6, No. 2
Only the repertoire listed above will be accepted for consideration. No substitutions or alternate works will be permitted.
Participation Details
PAS Membership
All applicants must be current members of the Percussive Arts Society through November 30, 2026. Applicants can join PAS, or renew their membership here.
