Pre-College Piano Institute

UH Pre-College Piano Institute for Students

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• About the Institute

  June 16 - June 21, 2025

  Description:
  An intensive one-week summer institute where pre-college students grow as artists. This immersive experience goes beyond the ordinary, giving students the opportunity to engage with musicians from other backgrounds. Join seasoned professors for one-on-one lessons; make music with other talented musicians in ensemble sessions; share your artistry through a traditional piano recital and a pop showcase at the end of the week. 
  

  What to look forward to:

  • Applied lessons with piano faculty and piano teaching fellows 
  • Masterclasses with nationally renowned teachers 
  • Pop music arranging classes
  • Special access to Texas Music Festval events, including performances and masterclasses 
  • Piano duets and other ensemble experiences  
  • The Institute culminates in an exciting traditional Recital and a Pop Showcase

  Lead Faculty:

  • Dr. Todd Van Kekerix
  • Timothy Hester

  Students Apply Here

• Application Requirements

  Application Requirements:

  • Open to 7th-12th grade piano students (Students must be entering 7th grade for fall 2025) 
  • Video recording links (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) of 1-2 pieces that demonstrate your best playing. (you may submit a video from a recent public performance of 1-2 solos) 
  • Completed submission of the form below

  Students Apply Here

  Students should have the following for the Institute:  

  • 1 piece performance ready 
  • 2 – 3 pieces in-progress 
  • List of 3 popular song options to learn at the instutute and potentially perform in the Pop Showcase 

• Tuition and Fees

  Tuition & Fees	Registration Deadline	Includes
  $450	Early Bird: 3/10/25	Tuition and lunches
  $500	Priority: 4/1/25	Tuition and lunches
  $550	Late: 5/1/25	Tuition and lunches

  (Once your application is processed, we will email you with your invoice and any additional information needed. Invoices with a link to payment will be sent from caa@central.uh.edu within 3-5 business days of your acceptance notice.)

  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.

• Important Dates

  Important Dates
  

  • APPLICATION DEADLINE (including video submission): Thursday, May 1
    
    • EARLY BIRD PAYMENT DEADLINE: March 10
    • Priority Payment Deadline: April 1
    • Late Payment Deadline: May 1
      
      
  • First day of the institute: June 16, 2025
  • Traditional Recital: Friday, June 20, 2025, 4 PM
  • Pop Showcase: Saturday, June 21, 2025, 11 AM

  Students Apply Here

• Schedule and Location

  Schedule: 
  Commuters: Check-in begins daily at 8:30 a.m., followed by activities and events from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  Each day, students will enjoy lunch at the dining hall, with regular activities and events from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Detailed daily schedules will be provided in the student handbook.

  Location:
  University of Houston, Moores School of Music
  3333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204  

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  FAQ:

  Is there a residential option?

  • No, we will not be providing on-campus housing this summer. All students register for our commuter camp. Please see tuition and schedule for more details.

  Can my child carpool with another student to/from camp? What if someone else needs to pick them up? 

  • Students are allowed to carpool or be picked up by someone other than their listed parent/guardian ONLY if the authorized person is listed in our records. That list can be updated anytime by emailing caa@uh.edu, subject: Piano Institute Pick Up Authorization

  Can my child drive themselves to/from camp? Can they drive with another student?

  • Students are allowed to drive, carpool, or be picked up by someone other than their listed parent/guardian ONLY if the authorized person is listed in our records. That list can be updated anytime by emailing caa@uh.edu, subject: Piano Institute Pick Up Authorization

  Do you offer any discounts? 

  • We encourage students to take advantage of our Early Bird and Priority Registration deadlines for discounted tuition.

  How/when do I pay? 

  • Once your application is processed, we will email you with your invoice and any additional information needed. Invoices with a link to payment will be sent from caa@central.uh.edu within 3-5 business days of your acceptance notice.
  • Payment deadlines are listed.

  What is your refund policy? 

  • A $100 non-refundable deposit is due for all students upon acceptance into the institute. This covers non-refundable administrative and meal costs.
  • We can provide partial refunds to those who withdraw from camp prior to May 1.
  • We cannot refund tuition after May 1 for any reason. 
  • If a student leaves camp early, becomes ill during camp, or chooses not to attend, tuition is still due and we cannot offer a refund after May 1.

  When will I receive a detailed schedule and student handbook? 

  • Our staff will share detailed information with parents and students in the weeks leading up to camp. 

  Who do I contact with further questions?

  • Please email caa@uh.edu with any additional questions or concerns.

  Students Apply Here