Young Artists
Key Dates
Application Deadline for Performers
For other program options, visit the Active and General Observers Page for more information
Young Artists Program Starts
Program Dates: June 4 - 25 , 2026
Young artists Program
Application Opens December 15, 2025
Highly challenging and stimulating, the PianoTexas Young Artists Program offers aspiring young pianists intensive training and performing opportunities at a top professional level.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Abundant Performance Opportunities: Concerto performance with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with professional conductor.
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 from leading guest artists from major conservatories worldwide.
Professional Media Package: Receive high-quality video recordings and photos of your performances.
Artist Interactions: Engage in insightful conversations with guest artists.
Please scroll down to read a detailed description of all aspects of the Festival & Academy.
Who can apply?
Performers: born on or after June 1, 1998
Active and General Observers: No age limit.
See the Active & General Observers Page for more info.
How many performers selected?
24 performers will be selected, each receiving a $3000 scholarship toward their total
tuition of $4000. The selected Young Artists performers will be responsible for covering
the remaining $1000 of the tuition.
Young Artists Program Features
Performers
Audition required, 24 Chosen.
Upon acceptance, Performers agree to the required residency of the PianoTexas: June
4 - 25, 2026
Active & General Observers: Audition not required, automatic acceptance
(see Active & General Observers Page for more info)
Application Fee for Performers: $135.00
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Performers
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Active Observers |
General Observers |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Tuition - The total tuition is $4000, a scholarship of $3000 is offered to each of the 24 participants. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian |
$1000
Parent Fee $1000 |
$1500 |
$1000
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Housing at the TCU dormitory. (Housing does not include meals) |
Double $1710 |
Double $1710 |
Double $1710 |
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Admission to all master classes, recitals, conversations, Distinguished Artist Concert Series & Concerto Concerts within the duration of the program chosen |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
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3 private lessons |
✔ |
✔ |
not included |
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Performance in 2 master classes |
✔ |
not included |
not included |
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Number of recital performances |
3 |
1 |
not included |
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Eligible to participate in the Concerto Competition for a chance to be a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony |
✔ |
not included |
not included |
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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:
- Before April 10, 2026, full tuition and housing costs refunded, less the non-refundable tuition deposit of $500.
- From April 11 to April 26, 2026, 50% tuition is refunded, less the non-refundable tuition deposit of $500.
- After April 26, 2026 no refund will be given for tuition and housing under any circumstance.
The experience of performing with an orchestra is of paramount importance in building a career in the music profession. With this in mind, PianoTexas is one of a few International Festivals in the world that collaborates with a professional orchestra to perform with selected Young Artists a complete concerto.
The Concerto Competition will be held to select two to three performers for the Concerto Winners Concert. Performance of a complete concerto is required with a second pianist. Rehearsals with the second piano will be arranged. Judges for the Competition will be announced at the festival.
Young Artists Concerto Winners Concert
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 5:00 pm
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU
Rehearsal: TBD
Concerto Repertoire list
Johann Sebastian Bach:
D minor, BWV 1052
A major, BWV 1055
F minor, BWV 1056
Joseph Haydn:
D major, Hob.XVIII:11
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
No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73
Felix Mendelssohn:
No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
Frédéric Chopin:
No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
Robert Schumann:
A minor, Op. 54
Edvard Grieg:
A minor, Op. 16
Franz Liszt:
No. 1 in E-flat major, S.124
No. 2 in A major, S.125
Camille Saint-Saëns:
No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
No. 4 in C minor, Op. 44
No. 5 in F major, Op. 103
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:
No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23
Johannes Brahms:
No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83
Sergei Rachmaninoff:
No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 1
No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30
Sergei Prokofiev:
No. 1 in D-flat major, Op. 10
No. 2 in G minor, Op. 16
No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
While participation in the Concerto Experience is not mandatory, PianoTexas strongly encourages all the Young Artists to come prepared to perform.
PianoTexas provides exceptional opportunities for participants to perform in state-of-the-art concert venues renowned for their superb acoustics and inspiring atmosphere.
Solo recitals are arranged for Young Artist performers and take place in the distinguished concert halls on the Texas Christian University campus. These performances form the core of the festival, offering participants invaluable experience in presenting their artistry on a professional stage.
All recitals are open to the public, recorded, and livestreamed worldwide, extending each performer’s reach to a global audience. Each Performer may choose to perform in three 12-minute programs, or one 24-minute program and one 12-minute program. Programs are curated by the Artistic Director, whose decisions ensure artistic balance and excellence throughout the festival.
Repertoire submitted for PianoTexas may be utilized for both master classes and recital performances, allowing participants to explore and refine their interpretations across multiple settings.
High-quality video recordings of the recitals will be available for purchase through the Media Package, providing participants with a lasting record of their festival experience.
PianoTexas offers participants the rare opportunity to study with world-class artists through a series of engaging and inspiring master classes. Each performer will receive two master classes with different 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. All repertoire must be performed from memory.
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.
High-quality video recordings of each master class will be available for purchase through the Media Package, providing participants with a lasting record of their work with some of the most distinguished artists of our time.
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Young Artist performers at PianoTexas receive three 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.
Audition Video Recording Repertoire Requirements
• Recording Date: All audition videos must be recorded within the past 12 months.
• Length: A minimum total duration of 20 minutes is required. Applicants may submit as many
pieces as they wish, and the repertoire must include at least two contrasting styles.
• Required Work: Each applicant must include either:
– A Classical sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, or Schubert, or
– A concerto (one movement is acceptable for either a sonata or a concerto).
The concerto does not need to be from the Classical period; however, at least one
submitted work must be from the Classical period.
• Selection Process: Only 24 performers will be chosen. Invited participants are expected to perform at the highest artistic standard. All festival performances will be open to the public, live streamed, and recorded.
• Your audition repertoire does not need to match the repertoire you plan to perform in Master Classes or Recitals during the festival. If accepted, you will receive a separate survey to update your intended performance selections.
Repertoire for the Festival
PianoTexas is dedicated to offering Young Artists a rigorous and rewarding professional experience. To maintain the festival’s high artistic standards, each participant is expected to prepare a recital program consisting of three substantial works, supplemented by several shorter pieces suitable for both recitals and master classes.
Participation in the Concerto Competition is optional but strongly encouraged, as it is an important component of the festival’s artistic environment.
All works performed during the festival must be memorized and chosen to highlight each performer’s highest level of artistry, musical maturity, and technical command.
The 24 selected Young Artist Performers must accept the rules, regulations and expectations governing the receipt of a tuition scholarship to attend the PianoTexas International Festival & Academy. The duration of residence specified on the top of this webpage is required and non-negotiable.
In accepting an invitation and scholarship to PianoTexas, Young Artist performers confirm their understanding of, and compliance with, the Program’s rules and regulations for the duration of the Festival.
The Mission of the Festival is to provide a professional experience in support of a musician’s training for a demanding career. The program is based on the required high level of performance at all times. It is expected that participants attend the participants’ recitals, master classes and the Distinguished Artists recitals.
In the pursuit a realistic professional atmosphere during the Festival, we will invite any Active Observer to replace a performer who is unable to fulfill his/her participation. This includes the concerto, solo recitals and master classes.
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.
Young Artist Performers 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.
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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 is 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.
Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU
3029 Sandage Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Performers are required to be present during the entire duration of the festival as
part of the scholarship award agreement. The Concerto Competition rehearsals begins
on June 5th, and the competition will take palce on June 7 & 8.
Check-in: June 4, 2026, 4 - 6:00 pm only. All participants must attend orientation
meeting at 6 pm.
Check-out: June 25, 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 5 at 9 am.
Welcome to TCU
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.