The 53rd Annual Piano Festival of the
AMERICAN MATTHAY ASSOCIATION for PIANO

The Matthay Festival is designed to offer participants direct and concentrated access to the Matthay teaching principles as they apply at all levels, including that of the performing artist. Daytime sessions include lectures, demonstrations, performances, and master classes, and a recital is held each evening. On Wednesday, June 9, the program will also feature the annual Clara Wells Scholarship Auditions.

The year 2010 marks the fifty-third annual gathering and special attention will be paid to the bicentennial celebrations of both Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann. In addition, the role of the collaborative pianist will be addressed, with performances of masterworks from the vocal and string literature. Previous Matthay Festivals have taken place at many locations throughout North America, including Philips Academy at Andover, the University of Maryland, the University of Central Florida, the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, San Jose State University, Williams College, Pennsylvania State University, the University of South Carolina, Wittenberg University, the University of Kansas, the University of Richmond, King College, Union University, and East Carolina University.

Festival Location

Columbus State University, with an enrollment of over 8000, a full-time faculty of 301, and support staff of 468 is located in Columbus, Georgia, a city of 364,000, conveniently situated near I-185 approximately 105 miles southwest of Atlanta. All Festival events will be held in the University's new $58 million RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (left), the home of the nationally recognized Schwob School of Music (right). Located in the heart of uptown Columbus, this world-class facility offers a 2000-seat hall for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and touring attractions, a 450-seat recital hall which houses a magnificent 3600-pipe, 65-rank Jordan Concert Organ, and an intimate 150-seat studio theater. Uptown Columbus is a major historical, financial, and commercial center offering many museums and other unique cultural and leisure opportunities. The RiverCenter is also located near the city's beautiful Riverwalk, which overlooks the banks of the picturesque Chattahoochee River.

Festival participants are responsible for securing their own lodging arrangements, but three area establishments are offering special conference rates to those attending the 2010 Matthay Festival. In all cases the registration deadline to receive special conference rate is Monday, May 10, 2010. After that date rooms will be offered on a space available basis for normal rates:


A block of rooms has been reserved at the Howard Johnson Express Inn, 1011 Veterans Parkway, Columbus 31901; phone (706) 322-6641, Fax (706) 322-1999. To obtain the preferred rate of $56 per night (1 bed per room) or $59 per night (2 beds per room), guests should identity themselves as Matthay Festival participants. The room price includes a complimentary breakfast. A convenient walk from the RiverCenter, the Howard Johnson Inn is extremely clean and comfortable.

Conference accommodations may also be had through the Econo Lodge, 1024 Veterans Parkway, 31901: phone (706) 320-0007, fax (706) 256-2769, which is located directly across the street from the Howard Johnson Express Inn. Rates: $59 for a single and $69 for a double per night.



Participants desiring more luxurious accommodations may contact the Columbus Marriott, 800 Front Avenue, Columbus 31901; phone (706) 324-1800, which is located directly across the street from the RiverCenter. The Marriott rate to Festival participants is $109 a night (their normal rate is $179 a night).

Accommodations are also available through the CSU River Park Campus Student Housing Summer Apartment Rental at the Rankin. Rankin Hall is located at 1011 Broadway, phone: (706) 507.8035. Reservations must be paid for at the time of check in. Rates: $72 per night with up to four people per apartment with no taxes applied. These “warehouse chic” apartments consist of two large bedrooms and a large common area with full kitchen. This facility is located directly across the street from the RiverCenter and the price is very economical if apartments are shared. It should be kept in mind, however, that this is not a hotel so there are special requirements placed on users of this facility. Please click here for a complete list.

The banquet has been scheduled for Friday Evening, June 11, at the historic Bludau’s Goétchius House, a lovely home in the heart of the Columbus Historic District, just four blocks away from the RiverCenter. Participants will enjoy pre-dinner hors d’ oeuvres, choice of dinner entrée (Chicken [Coq au Vin] , Red Snapper, or Vegetarian option), salad, fresh vegetable, appropriate starch, fresh baked bread, dessert and non-alcoholic drink. Wine is optional for a small additional fee.. The price inclusive of tax and gratuity will be $30, or with two glasses of wine (Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot), $35. A cash bar is also available.

The Columbus Metropolitan Airport is served by Atlantic Southeast Airlines [ASA: The Delta Connection] which provides shuttle service between the Atlanta and Columbus airports. Cab fare from the Columbus Metropolitan Airport to the conference hotels in downtown Columbus for about $12-15. Ground transportation is also available between Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport and Columbus through Groome Transportation (706) 324-3939. The cost for this is $79 for a round-trip from the Atlanta airport to the conference hotels in downtown Columbus. Discounts apply for multiple riders to the same location. For mote detail, please click here.

For driving directions, please click here, and choose RiverPark campus directions.