2022 - Junior Piano

Justin Bird

Justin Bird is an acclaimed pianist whose fresh interpretations include an affinity for underrated repertoire. His awards range from winning the New Zealand Kapiti Coast International Piano Competition to the NZ Young Performer of the Year. He has been a finalist in the NZ Young Musician of the year Competition, the MTNA National Young Artist Competition in the USA, and the Kowhai Australasian Piano Concerto Competition representing New Zealand. Justin has also had the privilege to appear with many orchestras including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

As a young pianist Justin started Suzuki piano with Pam Burdette, then Rae de Lisle, then with Bryan Sayer at the University of Auckland. Continuing his studies in the USA with Read Gainsford, he then moved to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music to complete a Doctorate in Music with André Watts. After teaching at Vincennes University, he was appointed Artist Faculty at Omaha Conservatory of Music in Nebraska. Now living again in NZ, Justin teaches a full studio of students in Auckland, and performs piano as well as viola with various orchestras and ensembles.