School of Music
PianoFest
TTU Pianofest
January 31 - February 1, 2025
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.
This year, we are honored to welcome Professor Marilyn Nonken as our distinguished guest artist for a recital and master class. Acclaimed as “one of the greatest interpreters of new music” (American Record Guide), Professor Nonken has been celebrated worldwide for her artistry and commitment to contemporary repertoire. With over 30 recordings and performances at major venues, she brings a wealth of experience and insight. Currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions at New York University, she is known for her exquisite voicings, virtuosity, and passion in every performance.
PianoFest is free for all festival participants, with a separate $20 registration fee required only for students entering the High School Piano Competition. 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
January 31, Friday
4:30pm Virtual Master Class with TTU Piano Faculty via SpirioCast
5:30pm Collaborative Piano Virtual Session - Nataliya Sukhina
8pm Guest Artist Recital - Marylin Nonken (Hemmle Recital Hall)
February 1, Saturday
9:30-11:30am PK-12 Piano Festival (East and West Rehearsal Rooms, Classroom 251)
11:30am-1:00pm Middle and High School Competition (East Rehearsal Room)
10:30-11:15am PK-3 Workshop with TTU Pedagogy Majors
11:15am-12:00pm K3-5 Workshop with TTU Pedagogy Majors (Piano Lab)
12:50 Reception for TTU PianoFest Participants (School of Music Main Lobby)
1:30-3:00 Winners Announcement & Winners Concert (Hemmle Recital Hall)
3:30-4:30 Master Class with TTU Piano Competition Winners and TTU Piano Faculty (Hemmle Recital Hall)
3:30-5:00 Guest Artist Master Class for TTU Piano Students (East Rehearsal Room)
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
Free of Charge for the Piano Festival participants
$20 Registration fee for the High School Piano Competition participants only
On-site payment available on the day of the PianoFest (cash, check and debit/credit card accepted).
Checks payable to "Texas Tech University MTNA".
Sent 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.
Due Date
All registration is due by January 24th.
Online Registration
Please register via the link:
Program Highlights
FAQS
Please refer to the following Q&As for the Piano Festival and High School Competition:
Do I need to check in before my performance? Where can I pay the High School Competition registration fee?
Yes, you must check in at the registration table at the School of Music main lobby. TTU MTNA Collegiate Chapter students will assist with your check-in and payment of the competition registration fee.
Do I need to bring sheet music?
Yes, you must check in at the registration table at the School of Music main lobby. TTU MTNA Collegiate Chapter students will assist with your check-in and payment of the competition registration fee.
Is memorization of the music required?
Yes, only for High School Competition participants. Piano Festival participants are encouraged to perform from memory, but it’s not mandatory.
Are the Piano Festival and High School Competition open to the public?
Yes, these events are open to the audience.
Is there any space available for warm-up before the performance?
You can warm up in a piano practice room on the Second Floor of the TTU School of Music for 10-15 minutes before your performance. TTU MTNA Collegiate Chapter students at the registration table at the School of Music main lobby will guide you to the practice room.
You may also briefly try the piano in the hall for about 10 seconds before starting your performance. For example, you can play scales, chord progressions/cadences, or a short warm-up piece.
Can I choose which piece to start with in the High School Competition?
Yes, the choice is yours. Please feel free to present the music in the order that works best for you.
When will I receive critiques from the adjudicators?
Your comments will be sent via email a few days after your performance.
Where will the announcement of winners take place?
The announcement will be made at the Hance Chapel. We encourage all participants to attend the winners’ announcement to receive their certificates and join a reception afterwards.
School of Music
-
Address
18th and Boston Avenue Box 42033, Lubbock TX 79409-2033 -
Phone
806.742.2274 | Fax: 806.742.2294 -
Email
schoolofmusic@ttu.edu