Texas Music Festival
College Piano Institute
Join us, young musicians, for a life-changing, career-launching experience at the Texas Music Festival. Apply today to the TMF College Piano Institute!
TMF College Piano Institute
University of Houston – Moores School of Music
The Texas Music Festival (TMF) at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music offers young professional musicians identity-transforming, career-expanding training in America’s fourth-largest city.
Many world-class pianists, teachers, and artist/entrepreneurs call Houston home, because Houston offers emerging professional musicians unparalleled opportunities for career advancement, so join us for a summer learning experience that will change your life:
- Level up! All Piano Institute fellows enjoy extensive study and mentorship with our of prestigious faculty, and masterclasses with international concert artists HieYon Choi and Nancy Weems.
- Take flight! Compete in the Cynthia Woods Mitchell-Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition for cash prizes and solo appearances with the Festival Orchestra. The winner will be invited to perform as a soloist with the Houston Symphony.
- Explore! All students enjoy opportunities to study chamber music (small ensembles and sonatas with players from the TMF Orchestral Institute students and faculty, four-hand repertoire), and study/perform on the fortepiano.
Join us for a summer learning experience that will change your life.
For other inquiries, please email caa@uh.edu or call (713) 743-3398
College Institute Details & Requirements
Lead Faculty:
To be considered for the Texas Music Festival College Piano Institute, students must submit the following:
- A video recording (YouTube or Vimeo link) with two full movements of solo piano literature, reflecting your best playing
- Completed submission of the online application below
Applications are open to pianists age 17 - 30
Apply Here| Tuition & Fees | Includes | Cost (Payment Due May 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter | Tuition only (no lodging or meals) | $1,200 |
| Residential Housing (Standard) |
Room & Board: Standard accommodation with one roommate (sharing a bathroom with 3 other students) |
$1,100 |
Prices above are per item; total costs for standard housing and tuition is $2,300. Single room available for an additional fee.
Optional/Misc. Fees:
- Mitchell-Hogg Competition Registration Fee (optional): $50
- J-1 Visa Fee: $250 (Required for applicable international students, due on acceptance)
Once your application form is processed, a confirmation email with your payment link and additional details will be sent from caa@central.uh.edu. If you don’t receive a confirmation, please contact caa@uh.edu to update your email address.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due for all students. This is included in the total price of tuition and covers non-refundable administrative and meal costs.
Institute Experience:
Students participate in up to 35 hours per week of immersive training, including:
- Dance and movement for the stage
- Techniques in dramatic interpretation
- Diction and language
- Daily individual and ensemble coaching
- Scene staging
- Opera scenes performance
- Guest master classes and lectures
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline (including video): April 15
- Payment Deadline: May 1
- Arrival Day: Saturday, May 29, 2026
- Final Performance: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Dorm Move-Out: Sunday, June 14, 2026
A detailed schedule and student handbook will be provided prior to the institute.
Location:
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
3333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Q: I am entering my freshman year of college. Can I apply?
A: Yes, the college piano institute is open to students ages 17-30.
Q: Is there a residential option?
A: Yes, this institute is open to both residential and commuter students.
Q: Can I park on campus?
A: Yes—students may drive and park on campus, but parking permits contacts must be purchased in advance. Students must abide by all UH Parking rules and regulations; TMF is not responsible
for parking tickets.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: After acceptance, invoices with payment links will be sent via email from caa@central.uh.edu. Please watch for it and reach out if you don’t receive it.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: A $100 non-refundable deposit is included in tuition. Partial refunds are available
before May 1. No refunds will be issued after May 1.
Q: When will I receive more info?
A: Our staff will send a detailed schedule and student handbook in the weeks before
the institute.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: Email caa@uh.edu with questions about the application process, payment, or housing.
Questions about programming or admissions should be directed to Timothy Hester at
thester@Central.UH.EDU.
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