By popular demand, we are pleased to offer a week of intensive study of the classical guitar through the Texas Music Festival at Moores School of Music, University of Houston. Under the leadership of faculty members Randall Avers, Benoit Albert, Matt Gould, Edel Muñoz, Lynn McGrath, Michael Nicolella, Frank Wallace, and Valerie Hartzell. Participants will explore a rich area of repertoire with private lessons, master classes and Guitar Orchestra. For tuition information, please download the application. We have created different package deals to meet as many needs as possible.
Competitors can choose to either participate in just the competition or in both the festival AND competition. Competitors must submit a competition form and/or the festival form. Junior competitors MUST do both the festival AND competition.
The goal of this festival is to increase each student's sight-reading abilities, gain ensemble experience through the Guitar Orchestra Class and of course, reach individual goals through the private lessons and/or master classes. There will be two Guitar Orchestras. One will be the Classical Guitar Orchestra Level 1 (advanced students and adults - 14 and above) under the directorship of Andrea Cannon and the other will be the Kindermusik Guitar Orchestra, directed by Eric Gracia and Jordan Taylor.
Anrea Cannon and Eric Gracia will give two 45 minute classes during the lesson time for students under 13 yrs old. The Kinder Guitar Guitar Class will work on technique, solo pieces, and ensemble pieces. The Kinder Theory Class will focus on music theory, sight-reading, and composition. This year we will offer both a beginner Kinder Guitar Class and an Intermediate Kinder Guitar Class. The Theory classes will also be divided into two levels. Only intermediate and advanced level students under the age of 13 will receive private lessons.

The 5th "Classical Minds" Competition will take place June 15-17, 2012. (NO professional management, GFA International Competition 1st Prize Winners, or Professional Recording Contracts)

Prizes for the Competition are subject to change:
Division 1 (all ages):
$800 1st Prize and a guitar from Aquiles Torres
$400 2nd Prize
$300 3rd Prize
$200 4th Prize

Division 2 (High School Division - ages 13-18):
$500 First Prize
$300 Second Prize
$200 Third Prize

We have added a Junior Division (ages 8-13)
$100 First Prize, gift certificate, and other prizes
$75 Second Prize, gift certificate, and other prizes
$50 Third Prize, gift certificate, and other prizes
Fourth Prize, gift certificate and other prizes.

Vendors welcome to Houston!!!
Exhibitions will take place in Room 108 and 188 of the Moores School of Music Bldg. on the University of Houston campus. These rooms are spacious enough for many vendors to comfortably showcase their guitars. Also, vendors are welcome to bring music, strings, and any other materials they wish to showcase. Forms must be sent in by June 2nd

Exhibitor Form

'Classical Minds' needs the community's help raising funds for both the competition prizes and for scholarships. All donations are tax deductible.  Below is the Proposal Presentation which explains what donations/prizes are needed and how much needs to be raised.  If you would like to donate, please write a check to University of Houston Foundation along with the filled out donation form.

This can be sent to:
Texas Music Festival – Attn: Melissa McCrimmon, Assistant Director
‘Classical Minds’ Guitar Festival and Competition
120 School of Music Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4017

Proposal Presentation
Underwriting Form