About us
The School 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.
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. Students accepted into the Honors College receive full tuition and housing.
Personal Attention
With approximately 275 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.
Degrees Offered and Audition Requirements
- Bachelor of Music with a Concentration in Piano Performance
- Bachelor of Music with a Concentration in Piano Pedagogy
- Bachelor of Science in Music Education (With Certification) ~ Piano Principal
- Master of Music in Piano Performance
- Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy
Audition Information
All applicants applying for an undergraduate degree must complete a successful audition that includes the following repertoire:
- Three memorized pieces in contrasting styles (Baroque, Classical, romantic, Impressionism, 20th or 21st Century)
- Major and minor scales (Selection)
- Arpeggios (Selection)
- Sight-reading
All applicants applying for a graduate degree must complete a successful audition that includes the following repertoire:
- A 20-30 minute audition that includes at least three works from different style periods. All selections must be memorized
- Sight-reading
Note: Students interested in an undergraduate or graduate degrees in Piano Pedagogy degree must also complete an interview with the keyboard faculty.
Audition Dates
February 22, 2025
March 1, 2025
March 8, 2025
April 5, 2025
Piano Academy
The Piano Academy at Texas A&M University-Commerce was created in 2008 to offer a learning opportunity to children and adutls in our community. It also provides hands-on experience for our students as they work under the tutelage of Dr. Luis Sanchez and Ms. Libby Vanatta.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Dr. Luis Sanchez
Texas A&M University-Commerce
School of Music
2024-2025 Piano Academy Schedule
Fall Semester: September 2 through December 3
No lessons September 2 and November 25-29
Spring Semester: January 27 through May 2
No lessons March 10-14
Cost per semester: 13 individual lessons each:
30-minute lessons: $320
45-minute lessons: $440
60-minute lessons: $540
The cost of music, other materials, and festival fees that will be needed during the semester are not included in the tuition. All fees are non-refundable.
Make-up Lessons
There are no make-ups for lessons missed without prior notification. Each student may make-up one lesson during the semester, if the teacher is given 24-hour notice. There are no refunds for missed lessons and make-ups are not guaranteed. Lessons scheduled on legal holidays will be made-up as well as those lessons canceled due to instructor unavailability or if A&M University-Commerce is closed due to inclement weather or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Musical Expectations
Students are expected to develop consistent practice habits to enjoy the benefits of piano lessons. Parents are encouraged to assist students in planning their weekly schedules to incorporate practice sessions on a daily basis.
2025 Yvonne Clements Sonata/Sonatina Competition
Yvonne Clements was a loyal supporter of the Sonata/Sonatina Competition since its creation in 2012. Following her passing in Decemer 2023, I have decided to name this annual event in her name to honor her unconditional and entusiastic support of not only the competition but the piano division at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The 2025 Yvonne Clements Sonata/Sonatina Competition has been scheduled for April 26, 2025 on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce.
ELIGIBILITY
Any students, kindergarten through 12th grade, may enter the 2025 Yvonne Clements Sonata/ Sonatina Competition.
COMPETITION GUIDELINES
The Sonata/Sonatina Competition is divided into 18 levels. Each contestant may enter only ONE level and perform the specified piece from memory and without repeats. Please refer to the REPERTOIRE LIST for the required sonata/sonatina for each level. The editions listed are simply a suggestion.
AWARDS AND RECITAL
No more than two students from each level will be chosen to perform in the Finalists Recital. At the recital, the judges will award the grand prizes and the trophies for all winners. All participating students will receive a Certificate of participation and a critique sheet. Judges decisions are final.