The Young Artists Program is designed for gifted pianists up to age 30 to experience a three-week intensive and highly competitive training, grooming them to become serious professional musicians in all respects. For this, the program encompasses a comprehensive approach, providing these Young Artists with a wide range of high caliber and wide range of offerings and opportunities they would rarely experience elsewhere in the world. A total of 20 Young Artists will be admitted into the 2006 program.

Concerto performance

First and foremost, concerto performances play an utmost importance in a professional pianist’s career. PianoTexas is unique in offering during the three-week program two concerto concerts, allowing six Young Artists to perform complete concertos with a professional orchestra – the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. These Young Artists undergo a stringent regime of rehearsals with a second piano, followed by a competition that is open to the public. Each of the six winners then meets with the conductor in private sessions. On the day of the concert there is a full rehearsal with the orchestra followed by a public performance in the evening. For concerto repertoire please refer to Concerto Respertoire.

Recitals

Each performing Young Artist is encouraged to perform in recitals. These recitals take place not only on TCU campus but in other venues around town such as The Modern Museum, churches, private homes and retirement communities. This offers the Young Artists greater exposure to the community of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Chamber Music

Janos Starker, recognized as one of the supreme musicians of the 20th century, will be coaching three chamber music master classes. Works presented should be at performance level. Selected Young Artists are then provided with members of a string quartet for rehearsals and master classes. These chamber music master classes are in addition to the three solo master classes scheduled. For repertoire please refer to Chamber Music Repertoire.

Master Classes and Private Lessons

Each Young Artist is allocated to play in three master classes and receive three private lessons, each with a different artist/teacher. Pieces presented can be either solo or concerto repertoire. For concerto, an accompanist is provided and rehearsal prior to the master class is scheduled. Although sometimes pieces cannot be heard in their entirety during a master class, it is encouraged that all Young Artists prepare complete works, allowing the artists/teachers to choose the portions they wish to hear. All master classes take place on stage in the recital hall and, therefore, all pieces must be performed from memory. Private lessons are more relaxed, allowing Young Artists to play from music and portions of works if they wish. When submitting application, Young Artists may request to play for the artists/teachers of their choice and the Festival will do its best to accommodate their wishes, however, it is not guaranteed. The director is responsible for the allocation of Young Artists for different master classes and private lessons, and his decision is final.

Active Observers

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

General Observers

This status is not restricted to Young Artists alone. 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 Young Artists for a minimum of six hours per day. Active Observers may 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 and Scholarships

Performers - $1,100

Active Observers - $600

General Observers - $350

Significant scholarships are available for all Young Artists performers. Scholarships do not cover accommodation or traveling expenses. Limited number of host families may be available, but for total participation we highly encourage everyone to stay in the TCU dormitory.

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