School of Music
PianoFest
TTU Pianofest
February 6 - 7, 2026
We invite you to join us for our annual TTU PianoFest, hosted by the TTU School of Music. PianoFest offers a welcoming environment for young pianists and their dedicated teachers to engage in exciting opportunities, including student competitions, master classes, workshops, and more.
PianoFest features a Piano Festival for PreK-12 young piano students and a Middle and High School Piano Competition for advanced students. This year, we’re thrilled to offer High School Piano Competition winners the opportunity to work closely with our esteemed TTU Piano Faculty in an inspiring master class.
For the latest updates, please follow the Texas Tech University Keyboard Area on Facebook. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning participants for an uplifting and inspiring musical experience!
SCHEDULE
Februay 6, Friday
5:00pm Virtual Master Class with TTU Piano Faculty via Zoom and SpirioCast
8:00pm Piano Extravaganza Concert
(Hemmle Recital Hall)
February 7, Saturday
9:30am PK-12 Piano Festival
(East and West Rehearsal Rooms, Classroom 251)
10:30am PK-3 Workshop with TTU Pedagogy Majors
(Piano Lab)
11:30am Middle and High School Competition
(East Rehearsal Room)
12:30pm Reception for TTU PianoFest Participants
(Hemmle Foyer)
2:00pm Winners Announcement & Winners Concert
(Hemmle Recital Hall)
3:30pm Master Class with TTU Piano Competition Winners & TTU Piano Faculty
(Hemmle Recital Hall)
PIANO FESTIVAL FOR PREK-12
Rules, Eligibilty & Repertoire
3 Categories
- Elementary (grades PreK-5)
- Junior-high (grades 6-8)
- Senior-high (grades 9-12)
Repertoire
- Any pieces for solo piano. Presentation by memory is recommended but not required
- No concertos allowed
- Performance length: Maximum 10 minutes without repeats
Winners Concert
Students selected from each category will perform at the Winners Concert.
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL PIANO COMPETITION
Rules, Eligibility & Repertoire
Open to junior-high (grade 6-8) and senior-high (grades 9-12) students in Texas and neighboring states.
Repertoire
- Two solo works from different eras (e.g., one Baroque and one Romantic piece), presented from memory.
- No concertos allowed.
Performance length
- Minimum 5 minutes
- Maximum 15 minutes
Awards/ Prizes & Winners Concert
1st-3rd place winners (and honorable mentions, if applicable) will perform at the Winners Concert.
- 1st prize: $500
- 2nd prize: $300
- 3rd prize: $200
Winning students who are high school seniors will be recommended for piano major scholarships
at TTU.
Audition for TTU School of Music Undergraduate Admissions
High school seniors taking part in the High School Piano Competition have the option to use their competition performance as part of their undergraduate audition. Following the competition, an audition for an additional piece and an interview will be arranged on the day of PianoFest.
- More information about undergraduate auditions.
REGISTRATION
Fees
Due Date
All registration is due by January 31st.
Registration Fee
$15 Registration fee for the Piano Festival participants
$25 Registration fee for the High School Piano Competition participants
On-site payment available on the day of the PianoFest (cash, check and debit/credit
card accepted).
Checks payable to "Texas Tech University MTNA".
Send to:
TTU School of Music
Attn. Dr. Carla Cash
PO Box 42033
Lubbock, TX 79409.
Teachers: If sending a group payment or several payments in one envelope, please list the FULL NAME of each student on the check along with the payment.
Program Highlights
FAQS
Registration/Preparation
Can a homeschooled student participate in the PK-12 Piano Festival and Middle and High School Competitions?
Absolutely! Any student in grades PK–12 is welcome to join us.
Do I need to check in before my performance? Where can I pay the Middle and High School registration fee?
Yes, please check in at the registration table near the main entrance of the School of Music. TTU piano students will be there to help with check-in and payment.
Are the PK-12 Piano Festival and Middle and High School Competitions open to the public?
Yes, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the performances!
For Performance
Do I need to bring sheet music?
Yes, please bring your sheet music to the festival or competition. If you perform a piece from memory, please provide a score with numbered measures for the judges. You can bring the original score in a book, the sheet music you legally purchased online or public-domain music from IMSLP (make sure it’s the correct version).
Is memorization of the music required?
Only for Middle and High School Competition participants. PK-12 Festival participants are encouraged to play from memory, but it’s not required.
Is there any space available for warm-up? Can participants try the piano at Allen Theatre before their performance?
Yes! You can warm up in a practice room on the second floor of the TTU School of Music for 10-15 minutes. TTU piano students at the registration table will show you where to go. You can also briefly try the piano in the hall for about 10 seconds before your performance - scales, chord progressions, or a short warm-up piece are perfect.
Can I choose which piece to start with in the Middle and High School Competitions?
Yes, you can play your pieces in whatever order feels best for you.
After Performance
I will participate in the PK-12 Piano Festival. When will I know if I’ve been selected for the Winners Concert?
If you are chosen, you’ll get a text message by 12:30pm on the day of the festival. If you don’t get a message, it means you weren’t selected this time.
When will I get feedback/critiques from the adjudicators?
Comments will be emailed to you a few days after your performance.
Where and when will the Winners Concert take place?
The Winners Concert will be held at the Hemmle Recital Hall on February 7th, the day of performance, at 2pm.
Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to seeing you all at the 2026 TTU PianoFest!
School of Music
-
Address
2624 18th Street | Box 42033 | Lubbock, TX 79409-2033 -
Phone
806.742.2274 -
Email
schoolofmusic@ttu.edu