Information on Performing Participants
Master Classes
Concerts

Amateurs Program (June 2 – 11)

Regardless of your age, profession and background, as long as you are an amateur pianist who loves playing the piano, we warmly invite you to join us in this 10-day event. The Amateurs Program is designed for adult non-professional pianists who have aspiration to keep learning and to experience the art of performing. You are here to be a student again, to study with professional musicians and to share with other fellow amateurs. Depending on the different levels and objectives of each individual participant, the program can be either fun and entertaining, or highly intensive and demanding. For the past 10 years since the inception of this program, participants who, at the beginning, were unsure of themselves have now expressed their gratitude for being totally inspired and encouraged. They return repeatedly to our program with growing confidence and fresh repertoire, not to mention the remarkable progress they demonstrate year after year. The camaraderie with other amateurs also creates a friendly atmosphere and a wonderful experience.

Performers

Twenty-one applicants are accepted as Performers, based on the audition recordings that they submit. In this status, every performer plays in one master class and receives three private lessons, each with a different artist/teacher. They also perform in recitals open to the public. In master classes, private lessons, and recitals Performers may play from memory or with music, and the repertoire is entirely free choice. Pieces represented in each event may also be the same or different. The director is responsible for allocating the master classes and private lessons with the artist/teachers, and his decision is final. All participants are free to attend all other events, including the Young Artists Program and Master Artist Recitals listed on the calendar during your enrollment.

Concerto – with the FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

A unique opportunity for any amateur pianist around the world is the extraordinary chance of performing concertos with a professional orchestra. We give this option to all performers who would like to take up this challenge. During the program, rehearsals with an accompanist are arranged prior to a competition that is open to the public. Between six to eight amateurs are selected. Further coaching on the concerto, meeting with the conductor plus a full rehearsal with the orchestra are scheduled, followed by an evening public performance. Only one movement of concerto is required. For concerto repertoire selection please refer to Concerto Repertoire. This list includes the required concertos for the final round of the piano amateur competition Berlin which will be inaugurated September 19 – 23, 2006.

Active Observers

Active Observers may attend all events listed on the calendar plus they receive two private lessons, each with a different artist/teacher. Upon the recommendation of the artist/teachers, they may be selected to perform in one recital. Applicants not chosen as performers are highly encouraged to attend as Active Observers.

General Observers

Anyone interested in the program is most welcome to apply. During the program, General Observers are welcome to approach any artist/teacher of their choice for private lessons at additional cost.

Practice Facilities

Practice rooms with grand pianos are assigned to performing Amateurs for a minimum of four hours per day. Active Observers also have access to these practice rooms. Other practice rooms with upright pianos are also available to everyone on a first-come-first-served basis. All practice rooms are open 24 hours a day.

Accommodation

The TCU dormitory, conveniently located right next to the music building, is newly renovated offering spacious bedrooms with semi-private baths, comfortable lounges, large common kitchens and laundry rooms. All bedrooms are provided with linens and towels, and equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave oven, and phone jacks. University cafeteria and other places to eat are all within easy walking distance. Cost of single room is $40 per night, and double room is $28 per person per night. For more details on the dorm facilities please visit TCU Residential Services.

Program Fees

Performers - $750

If selected for concerto performance – additional $500

Active Observers - $400

General Observers - $250

Application Deadlines

Performers

March 6, 2006 postmarked (U.S.A. and Canada)

March 1, 2006 postmarked (overseas)

Active Observers

April 17, 2006 postmarked (both U.S.A. and other countries)

General Observers

May 15, 2006 postmarked (both U.S.A. and other countries)

Application