PianoTexas International Festival & Academy
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PianoTexas Festival

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  • Distinguished Artist Concert Series
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    • Young Artist Recitals
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    • Juniors Recitals
  • Master Classes
    • Young Artist Master Classes
    • Teachers & Amateurs Master Classes
    • Junior Master Classes

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PianoTexas Academy

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Active & General Observers

Key Dates

April
15

Application Deadline for Active & General Observers

June
4

Three Program Date Options

June 4 - 25 | June 11 - 22 | June 12 - 29 | General Observers 7-day Pass

 

Active & General Observers Registration

Active & General Observers

Applications Open December 15, 2025

 

PianoTexas opens its doors to pianists of all ages and levels who may not seek the performance spotlight, yet still crave artistic renewal at the highest level. As Active Observers, participants step into a world-class environment where inspiration is constant—surrounded by dedicated piano lovers and guided by some of the most distinguished performers and pedagogues of our time. Active Observers programs include private lessons and may request the chance to perform in one recital.

Observers of every level gain front-row access to the Festival’s artistic heart: transformative masterclasses taught by world-class artists, the renowned Distinguished Artists Concert Series, breathtaking concerto and solo concerts, and intimate Conversations with Guest Artists.

For those seeking even more personalized growth, additional private lessons with guest artists may be arranged, based on availability. These sessions offer rare, one-on-one insight from artists whose expertise shapes the world’s major stages.

 

Who can apply?
Pianists and Piano enthusts of all ages and levels. All Active & General Observer registrants are automatically admitted.

 How many participants are admitted?
To maintain the quality of the program, PianoTexas admits a limited number of Active and General Participants.
Spots are first-come-first-served.

Program Features

Investment & Program Offerings

Active & General Observers

 

 

Active Observers

6/4 - 6/25
Dates aligns with the Young Artists Program.
All ages may register

General Observers

6/4 - 6/25
Dates aligns with the Young Artists Program.
All ages may register

Active Observers

6/11 - 6/22
Dates aligns with the Teachers & Amateurs Program.
All ages may register

General Observers

6/11 - 6/22
Dates aligns with the Teachers & Amateurs Program.
All ages may register

Active Observers

6/12 - 6/29
Dates aligns with the Juniors Program.
All ages may register

General Observers

6/12 - 6/29
Dates aligns with the Juniors Program.
All ages may register

Tuition

An adult must accompany all participants under the age of 18. The adult participants are required to pay the parent fee. 

$

$

 $

$

$

 

Housing 

Housing does not include meals. Participants under the age of 18 must stay in a double room with a parent or a legal guardian.
All fees are per person.

Single $

Double $

Single $

Double $

Single $

Double $

Single $

Double $

Single $

Double $

Single $

Double $

Admission to all master classes, recitals, discussions, Distinguished Artist & Concerto Concerts within the duration of the program chosen

✔

✔

✔

✔

✔


✔

Number of Private Lessons included

3

0

2

0

2

0

Performance in Masterclasses

not included

not included

not included

not included

not included


not included

Number of recital performances

1

0

1

0

1


0

Eligible to participate in the Concerto Competition for a chance to be a soloist with the Fort Worth Symphony

not included

not included

not included

not included

not included


not included

PianoTexas Refund Policy:

  • Before April 10, 2026, full tuition and housing costs refunded, less the non-refundable tuition of $500.
  • From April 11 to April 26, 2026, 50% tuition is refunded, less the non-refundable tuition of $500.
  • After April 26, 2026 no refund will be given for tuition and housing under any circumstance.

 

General Observer 7-Day Pass

Experience the full excitement of PianoTexas with our 7-Day General Observer Pass—your all-access invitation to an inspiring week of exceptional music-making. Immerse yourself in world-class master classes, participant recitals, engaging Artists Conversations, and unforgettable performances from the Distinguished Artists Concert Series and Concerto Concerts featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Choose any 7 days that suits your schedule and join us for seven days of artistry, insight, and musical excellence!

Recitals

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 Performers and Active Observers and take place in the distinguished concert halls on the Texas Christian University campus. Active Observers are offered to perform in one of the recitals, however, it is not mandatory.

All recitals are open to the public, recorded, and livestreamed worldwide, extending each performer’s reach to a global audience. Each participant is allotted up to 12 minutes of performance time. Programs are curated by the Artistic Director, whose decisions ensure artistic balance and excellence throughout the festival.

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.

Master Classes

PianoTexas provides participants with a unique opportunity to observe and learn from world-class pianists and distinguished pedagogues through a series of enriching master classes. These master classes offer exceptional insight into interpretation, technique, and artistic expression.

Private Lessons

Active Observers at PianoTexas receive private lessons (each 50 minutes in length) with 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.

Conversations

“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.

Media Package

Active Observers 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.

Accommodation & Meals

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.

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. 

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

Arriva & Departure Timeline

For Participants attending dates June 4 - 25, 2026:
Check-in: June 4, 2026, 4 - 6 pm only. All participants must attend orientation meeting at 7 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.

For Participants attending dates June 11 -22, 2026:
Check-in: June 11, 2026, 4 - 6 pm only. All participants must attend orientation meeting at 7 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.

For Participants attending dates June 12 -29, 2026:
Check-in: June 12, 2026, 4 - 6 pm only. All participants must attend orientation meeting at 7 pm.
Check-out: June 29, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Christian University

Welcome to TCU

PianoTexas International Festival & Academy is presented by the School of Music, TCU.

The TCU School of Music is a nationally recognized, award-winning institution that features distinguished faculty and talented student body of 325+ majors and hundreds of non-majors. As a vital component of TCU and one of the largest units in the College of Fine Arts, the School of Music creates an exciting musical environment where students grow as artists, educators, and individuals.

PianoTexas joins the School of Music in the endeavor to become a world-class university school of music, acknowledged as one of the finest in the country.

Apply to Program

Application to PianoTexas is made through the online platform getacceptd.com. The Application Form must be completed online, along with the electronic provision of the required supporting materials.

Should there be any problem with the Application, the “green help” link is available.

PianoTexas requires that a parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 18. Texas Christian University requires accompanying adults to apply as General Observers in order to be eligible to stay in University housing.

Apply Today

Phone: 817.257.7456
info-pianotexas@tcu.edu
Special Thanks to
PianoTexas International
Festival & Academy
Physical: Ed Landreth Hall 120 2800 South University Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76109
Mailing: TCU Box 297456 Fort Worth, Texas 76129
Special Thanks to
TCU School of Music Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
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