Composition Program, July 3 - 26, 2010

Limited to a small number of composers (usually less than ten), the Composition Program carefully tailors instruction for each participant through at least eight one-hour private lessons. Each emerging composer experiences all stages of the compositional process: sketching, planning, and development of musical ideas, score and parts preparation, rehearsal, and performance. Additionally, all participants meet daily to discuss compositions from a variety of genres, to consider problems they encounter in the preparation of their works, and to review program concerts from a composer's viewpoint. Emphasis is placed on the production of a score that accurately communicates the composer's intentions.

The program culminates in performances devoted to the premieres of the newly written works by Performance Program ensembles that the composers have had an opportunity to coach. High quality audio and video recordings are made of all concerts. Each summer, we invite a renowned composer to work with emerging composers; in the past, we have been proud to host Chen Yi, George Tsontakis, Gabriela Lena Frank, Bright Sheng, and Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, among others. Compositions by faculty and guest artist composers are performed in a special concert highlighting chamber music.

Sample Composition Program Schedule:

Monday - Saturday
8:30am	Breakfast
9:00-12:30pm	Private Composition Lessons. Class meets daily to discuss organizing and development of ideas, scoring, study of landmark works, and students' works in progress.
12:30pm	Lunch
1:30-4:00pm	Independent creative work; score and parts preparation.
4:00-6:15pm	Free Time/Recreation (swimming, soccer, crafts, socializing, walks, local shopping excursions, etc.)
6:15pm	Dinner
7:30-11:00pm	Master classes, student performances, concerts, mix & match chamber music, games, social activities, walks, movies, etc.
Sundays	Free Time, special concerts, field trips.