<p>You will need to be aware of any institutional requirements for internationals at the grad level, which will vary among institutions. Did you get your undergrad performance degree in the US or abroad? There may be some minor specifics that will need to be addressed accordingly as well. </p>
<p>Financial assistance is institution specific, and can vary widely by discipline, instrument, department, as well as how your skill set and depth of knowledge in specific disciplines fit the needs of a school within their applicant pool. Typically, the top students are awarded fellowships, scholarships, or assistanceships, and the amounts can range fro generous to paltry.</p>
<p>As for how hard is it to get in, I can’t speak specifically to piano, and my knowledge base lies in strings, and chamber.</p>
<p>Generally, Rice/Shepherd is a graduate focused program, historically a very competitive admit both from an audition standpoint and academic criteria. It is historically a top choice for serious high level grad performance and music academic disciplines.</p>
<p>Northwestern is also on a similar plane with Shepherd. Stiff competition both academically and from a talent standpoint.</p>
<p>Thorton at UCLA is also on a similar level, possibly a tad less stringent academically, but I would assume a similarly skilled audition pool. </p>
<p>Texas Christian, Univ of Texas/Austin, Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas are all extremely respected programs. </p>
<p>Current piano faculty at each may increase or decrease the competitiveness of the audition pool. Instructors in high demand may attract the very best, or a sub-specialty may also sway the applicant pool to a specific talent.</p>
<p>I don’t know enough about the piano world to offer concrete assessments of these schools specifically. My comments are based on general knowledge. </p>
<p>Many of the details you seek are extensively covered on each school’s music department graduate admissions websites. They are school specific and vary widely, so the best information is by reading each institution’s requirements, policies, financial assistance/fellowship opportunities.</p>
<p>Visa requirements, TOEFL scores, academic requirements are detailed in depth as well.</p>
<p>Regarding your other thread on a contemporary piece, the choice should be in consultation with a current or recent instructor that knows you and your talent, ability, and skill level.</p>
<p>Perhaps those with piano specific knowledge will add more depth to my comments. </p>
<p>I neglected to mention your knowledge of theory will be tested, and may or may not be a deciding factor in an admissions decision at the Masters level.</p>