Regarded as one of the most revered summer piano programs in the world, PianoTexas' Young Artists Program is a supremely challenging and demanding course for gifted young pianists. 24 participants are selected from nations around the world gather here to learn and experience the art and skill of becoming future international concert artists. During the rich and relentless three-week event, our Young Artists develop and grow tremendously as musicians and performers. Friendships are formed and many of them are still in regular contact with us seeking for advice and ideas as they embark on their career as performing artists.

Concerto performance

Of paramount importance for a musician's career is the experience and exposure of performing concertos with orchestras, in particular professional ensembles. PianoTexas is the only program in the world offering two evenings of exclusively concerto concerts, allowing six Young Artists to perform complete concertos with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra - the host orchestra to the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. It is mandatory that all 24 Young Artists take part in the concerto competition, held during the first week. An accompanist is provided for rehearsals and competition. Each of the six winners is offered one private session with the conductor and one full rehearsal with the FWSO prior to the performance. For concerto repertoire choose only from the list provided.

Master Classes

There are almost daily master classes, presenting 14 different guest artists. For maximum benefit of performing experiences, all master classes take place in a recital hall. Each Young Artist is allocated to play in three master classes, each with a different artist/teacher. In order to allow greater variety and flexibility in balancing the prgram a minimum of four or five complete works (concerto may be included) should be submitted when applying. Time allowance for participants for each Master Class is 50 minutes. Although occasionally there may not be sufficient time for the entire work to be played, all participants must prepare them in entirety and leave the choice of movements or portions to the preference of the artist/teacher. All pieces must be played from memory. Special request to play for certain guest artists is permitted and will be considered but granting of such request is not guaranteed. The Executive Director is responsible for the allocation of master classes and the repertoire presented, and his decisions are final. Once the confirmation is made no changes in the repertoire is permitted.

Private Lessons

In addition to Master Classes, each Young Artist receives three 50-minute private lessons and each with different artist/teacher. Therefore, combined with Master Classes, all participants get the benefit of experiencing the teaching of six different guest artists. Pieces presented in private lessons are free choice and need not be submitted or played from memory. Pieces may be the same as played in Master Classes or may be different. This is the perfect time to discuss personal musical and technical matters in details. Again, special request to play for certain guest artists is permitted and will be considered but granting of such request is not guaranteed. Additional private lessons may be possible at extra cost. The Executive Director is responsible for the allocation of all private lessons, and his decisions are final.

Chamber Music with String Quartet

PianoTexas is pleased to announce Menahem Pressler and the Calder String Quartet as the featured guest artists for the Chamber Music component of the Festival. Young Artists wishing to participate in the Chamber Music Master Classes please submit their choice of chamber piece when applying. Standard repertoire for sonatas, trios, quartets and quintets are acceptable. Depending on the number of applicants and the repertoire submitted, it is possible that not everyone can be selected. Announcement of successful candidates for these Master Classes will be posted by May 1. Rehearsals are scheduled with members of a string quartet prior to the Master Classes during the Festival. Chamber music participation is optional for performers.

Recitals

All performing Young Artists are expected to play in recitals. Most of these recitals take place on campus with some of them in art museum and private homes. Repertoire is entirely free choice but must be performed from memory. Concertos may be included and accompanists are provided. All recitals are open to the public.

Presentation on Special Topics

PianoTexas presents several lectures on useful topics originally geared for participants in the Teachers Program. Over the years, the diversity of these lectures has proven to be extremely beneficial and informative for everyone, and so all Young Artists are expected to attend.

Eligibility as Performers

Pianists born on or after July 1, 1978

Active Observers

No age limit. Pianists wishing to be partially active by taking private lessons during the program are welcome to apply as Active Observers. These participants receive three private lessons and on the recommendation of the artists/teachers they may be elected to perform in recitals. No age limit. No audition recording required. Applicants not chosen as performers are highly encouraged to attend as Active Observers.

General Observers

No age limit. Music lovers of all ages and background are most welcome to join in the festivities. Admission includes access to all events listed on the calendar within the duration of their enrollment (June 7 to July 1). During the program, General Observers may 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 facilities. All bedrooms are provided with linen and towels, and equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave oven, and phone jacks. The University cafeteria and other places to eat are all within easy walking distance. Cost of single room is $43 per night, and double room is $32 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 12, 2007 postmarked (U.S.A. and Canada)
          March 5, 2007 postmarked (overseas)

Active Observers

          April 24, 2007 postmarked (both U.S.A. and other countries)

General Observers

          May 14, 2007 postmarked (both U.S.A. and other countries)

Application Procedures