June 22-27, 2025

杏吧原创

The Young Composers Program offers an exceptional five-day journey for emerging composers, featuring personalized lessons, masterclasses, workshops, and a dedicated composer concert. Throughout the program, participants will immerse themselves in the world of contemporary music, working closely with resident musicians and receiving expert mentorship from renowned faculty members.

This program welcomes young and emerging composers at different stages of their learning to refine their artistry, expand their musical vision, and engage in a collaborative environment. By fostering creativity and connection, this program offers an invaluable opportunity to grow as a composer while contributing to a thriving, supportive community.

2025 Faculty

, Creative Partner, GRAMMY庐 Award-winning composer, violinist, and educator
Alex Cooke, Head, Core Curriculum Division, Director of Electronic Music, Music Theory Faculty, Conservatory
Jenny Conner, Composition & Music Theory Faculty, Academy

Program Highlights

Next Gen Division: Ages 18-28

  • 1 private lesson with Jessie Montgomery
  • 1 private lesson with assigned faculty member
  • Masterclasses
  • Each selected composer will be asked to write a new 8-10 minute work for string quartet or piano trio, to be workshopped, performed, and recorded  
  • Music business workshops
  • Jam session (optional)

Young Innovators Division: Ages 12-17

  • 2 private lessons with assigned faculty
  • Masterclass with Jessie Montgomery
  • Each selected composer will be asked to write a new 5-7 minute work for string duo to be workshopped, performed, and recorded  
  • Musical enrichment classes
  • Jam session - must bring instrument to the program
  • Community building activities

Dates: June 22- 27, 2025

Arrival: June 22 (Welcome Session, 7pm)

Final Concert: June 27, 11am

Tuition & Fees
Tuition: $1250
Housing: $490
Dining: $350

All travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

*Note: To foster a strong sense of community and build lasting musical relationships, all attendees are required to stay in on-campus housing. The only exception is for Young Innovators, aged 12-17, who are local to Cleveland and commuting from home. Commuting students are required to pay dining costs to cover meals provided during the program. 

A limited amount of financial aid will be awarded based on a combination of both need and merit, with the primary emphasis being on demonstrated need. Need-based aid is based on your family's financial information while merit aid is based on the student's potential, including their application and audition.

Upon receipt of an acceptance letter to the program, you will be provided with details on how to apply for financial aid.

Discounted Application Fee by March 14 : $60

After March 15: $75

Application deadline March 24

Admissions decisions will be sent by April 18

 

Portfolio Submission: 

Portfolio including scores and recordings of 2-3 recent compositions (MIDI realizations acceptable; files uploaded to 杏吧原创 application)

Additional Materials: 

Application for financial support (optional) 

Personal statement (optional)

 

All travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant.