PTNA Piano STEP, inaugurated in 1996, will organize 'Special STEP for 15th Anniversary ' on November 27th at Hamarikyu Asahi Hall in Tokyo. It will invite public participation on the first-come-first-served basis, but ensemble groups will be given priority. Three professional advisers will be Yuko NINOMIYA (Professor of Toho Gakuen School of Music/ Vice Chairperson of PTNA), Yukio NOMOTO(Associate Professor of College of Art at Tamagawa University, Authorized member of PTNA) and Sonoko HAYASHI (Pianist, Councilor of PTNA).

PTNA Piano STEP allows every participant to play on stage and receive commentaries from professional advisers. In the past 15 years, the number of participants grows steadily.

Besides the 23 STEP subdivided into introductory to advanced levels, participants can choose 'Free STEP' which enables them to play solo as well as ensemble at any level. Due to the rise of ensemble performances, it begins to accept group registration from this year. Each group can freely declare its orientation and objectives; some focus on chorus, some on chamber music, piano and sign language, etc.

The Special STEP in November will invite applications for three times (1.for group 2.for group 3. for solo), and the first deadline is July 29th.