For other program options, visit the Active and General Observers Page for more information
Program Dates: June 11 – 22, 2026
Established in 1991, the PianoTexas Teachers Program is a one-of-a-kind intensive festival designed for university and private teachers. It uniquely combines opportunities to perform with the chance to learn from and collaborate with eminent artists, fostering growth and inspiration for educators committed to both teaching and performing.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Abundant Performance Opportunities: Concerto performance with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with professional conductors.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Instruments: Perform at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall
or the PepsiCo Recital Hall.
24/7 practice room access with grand pianos.
Masterclasses & Private Lessons: Study with the leading guest artists from major conservatories worldwide.
Professional Media Package: Receive high-quality video recordings and photos of your performances.
Artists Conversations: Engage in insightful conversations with guest artists.
Please scroll down to read a detailed description of all aspects of the Festival & Academy.
In response to requests by former participants, the Teachers and Amateurs Programs will be combined.

Audition required
Active & General Observers: Audition not required, automatic acceptance
(see Active & General Observers Page for more info)
Application Fee for Performers: $135.00
|
Performers |
Active Observers |
General Observers |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
$1775 |
$900 |
$500 |
|
Housing at the TCU dormitory. (Housing does not include meals) |
Double$940 |
Double$940 |
Double$940 |
|
Admission to all master classes, recitals, discussions, Distinguished Artist & Concerto Concerts within the duration of the program chosen |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
2 private lessons |
✔ |
✔ |
not included |
|
Performance in 1 master class |
✔ |
not included |
not included |
|
Number of recital performances |
2 |
1 |
not included |
|
Eligible to participate in the Concerto Competition for a chance to be a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony |
✔ |
not included |
not included |
|
Media Package - including recital performances, masterclasses, and the concerto performance if participant is a winner of the concerto competition. |
$160 on or before Tuition due date, $180 after |
$160 on or before Tuition due date, $180 after |
N/A |
PianoTexas Refund Policy:
The hands-on understanding of performing with an orchestra is important for teachers who give advice on “the art of concerto playing” to their students. The experience of performing with an orchestra is exhilarating and rewarding and PianoTexas is one of the very few International Programs to feature teachers in a public concert with a major professional orchestra. Whilst participation with a concerto is not mandatory, we encourage teacher performers to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Memorization is optional.
The beautiful Van Cliburn Concert Hall with its superb acoustics will be the home of the Teachers/Amateurs Concerto Competition and Winners Concert.
The Concerto Competition - Soloists to perform with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be selected through a competition with a second piano. Rehearsals will be arranged.
Choose any one movement from the following Concerto Repertoire (with the exception of the Mendelssohn Concerto in G minor, Op. 25.)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271
No. 13 in C major, K. 415
No. 15 in B-flat major, K. 450
No. 17 in G major, K. 453
No. 19 in F major, K. 459
No. 20 in D minor, K. 466
No. 21 in C major, K. 467
No. 22 in E-flat major, K. 482
No. 23 in A major, K. 488
No. 24 in C minor, K. 491
No. 25 in C major, K. 503
No. 26 in D major, K. 537
No. 27 in B-flat major, K. 595
Ludwig van Beethoven:
No. 1 in C major, Op. 15
No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19
No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
No. 4 in G major, Op. 58 (2nd or 3rd movement only)
No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 (2nd or 3rd movement only)
Felix Mendelssohn:
No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25 (1st or 2nd and 3rd movement)
Frédéric Chopin:
No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 (2nd or 3rd movement only)
No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
Johannes Brahms:
No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 (2nd or 3rd movement only)
No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83 (2nd or 4th movement only)
Robert Schumann:
A minor, Op. 54 (1st or 3rd movement only)
Edvard Grieg:
A minor, Op. 16
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:
No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 (2nd or 3rd movement only)
Camille Saint-Saëns:
No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
No. 4 in C minor, Op. 44
No. 5 in F major, Op. 103
Sergei Rachmaninoff:
No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1
No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 (1st or 3rd movement only)
Sergei Prokofiev:
No. 1 in D-flat major, Op. 10
No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16
No. 3 in C major, Op. 26

Audition Video Recording Repertoire Requirements:
Repertoire for the Festival:
PianoTexas is dedicated to providing Teacher performers with a warm, yet challenging
and rewarding professional experience. To ensure the highest artistic standard, participants
are expected to prepare a recital repertoire consisting of two substantial works and
several shorter pieces suitable for both recitals and master classes.
Participation in the Concerto Competition is optional but strongly encouraged, as it forms an integral part of the festival’s artistic environment.
For master classes, recitals, and the concerto competition, Performers may choose to perform either by memory or with music.
Solo recital programs will be arranged for the Teachers performers. These recitals take place in the superb acoustics of the three concert halls on the TCU campus. They are the heart of the program and provides excellent experiences during the festival.
All recitals are open to the general public and are recorded and streamed over the Internet. Each performer offered to perform in one recital with a 24-minute program or two recitals with two 12-minute programs. The Artistic Director is responsible for programing these recitals and his decision is final.
Repertoire submitted for PianoTexas may be used for your master class and recitals.
Video recordings of these recitals will be available as part of the Media Package for the participants to purchase.
PianoTexas offers participants the rare opportunity to study with world-class pianists and distinguished pedagogues through a series of engaging and inspiring master classes. Each performer will receive one master classe with a distinguished guest artists, gaining valuable insights into interpretation, technique, and artistic expression.
To maintain a balanced and diverse program, applicants are asked to submit three or more substantial works. Concerto repertoire may be included; however, the piece chosen for the Concerto Competition may not be performed prior to the competition. You may choose to perform the repertoire either by memory or with music.
Comprehensive works such as complete concertos, sonatas, and suites are highly encouraged. Due to time limitations, it is at the guest artist’s discretion to determine which movements will be heard during the session.
The Artistic Director oversees all performer assignments and repertoire selections, ensuring artistic integrity and consistency throughout the festival.
Master classes are open to the public, recorded, and livestreamed internationally, allowing audiences everywhere to experience these exceptional learning moments.
Teacher Performers at PianoTexas receive two private lessons (each 50 minutes in length) with different guest artists, offering an extraordinary opportunity for personalized, in-depth musical guidance. These sessions allow for a thoughtful exploration of both artistic interpretation and technical development, fostering growth at the highest professional level.
While participants are free to select their own repertoire, it is recommended that works be chosen with care, ensuring meaningful discussion and focused artistic progress.
The Artistic Director oversees the allocation of all private lessons, maintaining balance and artistic integrity throughout the program.
Additional private lessons may be arranged, subject to the availability of guest artists and at an additional cost. Scheduling and fees for these lessons should be discussed directly between the guest artist and the participant.
Please see the Active & General Observers Page for More information
PianoTexas warmly welcomes Teachers who prefer to play less often in public but wish,
as Active Observers, to enhance their pianistic skills through experiencing the methods
and ideas of renowned guest artists. Active Observers receive two private lessons
and if requested a performance opportunity in one recital.
By joining the Festival, both Active and General Observers will have the opportunity of hearing the teaching of many different artists of international standing, attending the Distinguished Artists Series, concerto and solo concerts, as well as enjoying the “Conversations with Guest Artists” during the Teachers program.
Depending on the availability of the guest artists, private lessons are possible, at extra cost. Schedule and fees should be discussed directly between the guest artist and the participant.
PianoTexas ensures that all participants have access to practice facilities, creating an ideal environment for artistic preparation and focused study.
Practice rooms equipped with grand pianos are available exclusively for performing participants, offering excellent instruments and acoustics for daily rehearsal. Active observers are welcome to use these rooms when they are not occupied by performers. In addition, a number of practice rooms with upright pianos are available and open to all participants, including general observers, at any time.
All practice facilities remain open 24 hours a day, allowing participants the flexibility to practice and refine their artistry according to their individual schedules.
“Conversations” are light-hearted affairs, in which PianoTexas’ vastly experienced guest artists share valuable information along with entertaining stories and anecdotes of a life in music.
These highly popular, informal question-and-answer sessions provide excellent opportunities for constructive interactive dialogues on such important topics as the music profession, careers, recording, performing, practicing, competitions and understanding of styles.
Performers of the Teachers Program have the option to purchase the PianoTexas Media Package. This is a collection of each participant’s recorded performances, master classes and photos.
Personal video or audio recording equipments are not allowed during all PianoTexas events.
At the conclusion of the Program, these Media Packages will be individually uploaded and distributed.
PianoTexas provides accommodations in the TCU dormitories. Participants are strongly encouraged to stay on campus to fully experience university life; however, they may also choose to arrange lodging at nearby hotels or through Airbnb options.
TCU dormitories are conveniently located close to the School of Music. They are fully air-conditioned, with comfortable lounges, large common kitchens, laundry rooms, and spacious bedrooms. Although many include a shared en-suite bathroom, most occupants will share conveniently located communal bathrooms. Each participant will receive a set of linens consisting of a pillow, thermal blanket, pillowcase, top and bottom sheets, 1 bath towel, 2 washcloths, 1 hand towel, and a TCU laundry bag. All bedrooms are equipped with a small refrigerator and a microwave.
For 2026, no meals are included in housing cost if you opt to stay in the TCU dormitory. If you wish to have meals at the TCU cafeteria, you may pay at the door. The meals ranges from $12 - $16 plus tax.
Numerous restaurants are also situated within easy walking distance.
At the conclusion of the program, participants may keep the set of linen provided. However, if they leave it behind, they will be donated to the Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth.
≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈
In partnership with the Hyatt Place, a limited number of rooms are available for confirmed participants with tuition paid in full.
Due to World Cup events happening concurrently with PianoTexas in 2026, the availability of hotel rooms are limited and prices are higher due to high demand. We strongly encourage booking your accommodations early.
The Hyatt Place will be offering a 20% discount for our participants. Invited participants to PianoTexas will receive a code and may reserve a room directly with the hotel. Rooms are first-come-first-serve, we encourage you to make reservations as early as possible as availability is limited.
Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU
3029 Sandage Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Check-in: June 11, 2026, 4 - 6 pm only. All participants must attend orientation meeting
at 6 pm.
Check-out: June 22, 2026 before 12:00 pm
Late arrival outside of the specified check-in window will have to find separate accommodation as the next check-in is available on June 12 at 9 am.

All accommodations in TCU dormitories are conveniently located close to the School of Music. They are fully air-conditioned, with comfortable lounges, large common kitchens, laundry rooms, and spacious bedrooms. Numerous restaurants are also situated within easy walking distance.