Piano Studies
Overview
The piano concentration curriculum emphasizes interpretation, musicianship, thorough grounding in established solo and collaborative repertoire, music theory, music history, and piano education.
Past graduates are presently enjoying careers:
- On college music faculties
- As faculty members/directors of music preparatory schools
- Accompanists
- Church musicians
- Music educators
- Established private studio teachers
Performance Opportunities
The piano program includes regular masterclasses and performances by internationally acclaimed pianists, such as Yakov Kasman, silver medalist in the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Traditionally, Tarleton has maintained a relationship with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Performance and professional opportunities are available on campus with Music Teachers National Association and Music Educators National Conference. Additional cultural and performance opportunities are nearby in the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex.
Program Objective
- Provide an intimate environment for talented pianists.
- Provide intense one-on-one teaching of the highest quality.
Coursework Highlights
The Piano Studies concentration option offers several career-focused courses, such as:
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| MUSI | 1116 | Aural Skills I |
| MUSC | 1311 | Music Theory I |
| MUSI | 3226 | History of Music I |
| MUSI | 3229 | World Music |
| MUSI | 4211 | Piano Literature |
| MUSI | 4248 | Scoring and Arranging for Ensembles |
| MUSI | 4251 | Piano Pedagogy |
Facilities and Features
The piano program instrument collection includes
- two nine-foot concert Steinway grand pianos
- the Waggener Memorial Organ – a tracker two-manual pipe organ
- a Richard Kingston harpsichord
- and several Steinway grand pianos
that are designated for piano majors to practice on.
The piano program is part of the Department of Fine Arts, housed in the elegant Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center, one of the top performance venues among colleges and universities in the Southwest. This multi-purpose fine arts complex contains three theatres:
- a 243-seat recital hall
- an 805-seat auditorium
- and the workshop theatre
Dr. Leslie Spotz, Professor of Piano at Tarleton State University, has been the recipient of numerous awards as an outstanding educator. Dr. Spotz enjoys an international performing career that spans four continents and four decades.