Keyboard study at Texas A&M University - Commerce

The Department of Music at Texas A&M University-Commerce offers a thorough academic foundation and encourages creativity, developing aesthetic awareness in students at every level.  The keyboard department strives to develop the unique interests of all keyboard majors and to expand their horizons.  Our undergraduate and graduate students receive personal attention and are provided with the tools to develop, sharpen, and expand their keyboard skills through performing, teaching, composing, and studying of standard literature.  Our outstanding faculty is committed to nurturing students on a one-on-one basis.

Piano students receive weekly private lessons, and participate in weekly studio classes.   Our comprehensive curriculum supplements the keyboard studies with diverse music courses including those in literature, history, theory, conducting, jazz studies, as well as accompanying.

There are numerous performance opportunities for students, whether their emphasis is piano or organ.  Our piano students earn valuable experience participating in chamber music ensembles and accompanying in applied studios or in one of our ensembles.   Master classes, workshops, and lectures by visiting artists are an added bonus in our students’ learning experience.  

We are blessed to have received a gift of two Imperial Bösendorfer pianos for our concert Hall and an additional 9ft. Bösendorfer for one of the piano studio.  Most recently, the new music building, a $22.5 million project was approved by the Texas Legislature. 

Our Goals

Our goal is to provide students the guidance and encouragement to advance in their musical careers.  In today’s competitive world, it is crucial to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge to succeed.  Our faculty is devoted to helping students find the program that better meets their educational and professional needs.

Scholarships and Assistantships      

There are many sources of scholarships available to students depending on the result of the audition.  All applicants need to complete their online applications to the university and audition before May 1 of the academic year to be fully considered for scholarships.  Students pursuing a graduate degree may be eligible for a graduate assistantship.  The amount of the awards varies according to the student’s talent, and potential contribution to the department.  Typically, scholarships range between $2000 and $3000 per year plus an additional $1000 waived for housing.  Students accepted into the Honors College receive full tuition and housing. 

Personal Attention   

With approximately 150 students, the music department offers a low 4:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and frequent one-on-one instruction.  Every student works closely with his or her mentor, a faculty member who serves as the student’s artistic and academic advisor. 

Audition Dates

• January 25, 2008
• February 22, 2008
• March 28, 2008
• April 18, 2008
• Other days are available upon request

Audition Requirements:

Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance

-  Three pieces of contrasting styles.  (Baroque, classical, romantic, impressionism, 20^th or 21^st century art music).  All selections must be memorized.

-  Major and minor scales and arpeggios.

-  Sight read a short piece.

 Bachelor of Science in Music (with Certification) Piano as a Principal Instrument

-   Two pieces of contrasting styles.  (Baroque, classical, romantic, impressionism, 20^th Century, or 21^st century art music).  All selections must be memorized.

-   Major and minor scales and arpeggios.

Master of Music in Piano Performance

-    A virtuoso etude

-    A movement of a sonata by Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven

-    A representative work from the romantic, impressionism, 20^th, or 21^st century

-    Sight-reading

Contact Information

For additional information or to schedule a visit or audition, please contact:

            Dr. Luis Sanchez

            Office: 903-886-5287

            E-mail: luis_sanchez@tamu-commerce.edu