Junior Composers Institute

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Which one is right for you?
There are a number of things that make composers and songwriters different from each other even though they use many of the same creative and musical skills. Junior Composers now offers an Institute for you whether you like to compose or write songs. 

Here is what you can expect if you attend either of the Institutes:

• Composition instruction
• 2-hours of daily music theory/ear-training
• Compose and perform new compositions
• Daily “salons” with guest artists
• Field trips to exciting music locations in the Twin Cities
• Music technology lab, practice rooms
• Room and board
• Readings of your music by the Minnesota Sinfonia (see Feature Opportunity: New Symphonies)

Junior Composers Institute
July 15-21, 2012
A week-long residential summer music camp for students age 14-20 who want to explore music composition. Limited to 20 students.

Core features: three composition tutorials during the week, 2-hours of music theory/ear-training every day, readings of new orchestral works by the Minnesota Sinfonia, hear a premiere of your composition, perform in at least one new work, daily salons with guest artists, field trips.

Feature Opportunity: New String Quartets

The 2012 Institute features an opportunity to compose a score for string quartet prior to arriving at camp and to receive a reading of that work by the Artaria String Quartet. Scores for Artaria must be submitted by June 1, 2012.

Jay Fishman, Artistic Director of the Minnesota Sinfonia, has extended a  call for submissions to the 2nd annual Orchestra Composition Contest.  This opportunity is available exclusively for Junior Composers students enrolled in 2012 programs.  The winning string orchestra piece will be part of the Sinfonia's Young Artists Week, culminating in a performance at the orchestra's Summer Concert Series performance on Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis.

Submissions must be 5-7 minutes in length, must be notated in Finale or Sibelius notation software, and have the following instrumentation: violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, and double bass.

Eligibility: composers born after July 1, 1993 who are either Junior Composers alumni or current students. Deadline: email the Finale score and a complete set of parts to Seth Custer by June 1, 2012. Questions: Seth Custer (sacuster@hotmail.com)