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 14-20, 2013
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 choral works by VocalEssence, hear a premiere of your composition, perform in at least one new work, daily salons with guest artists, field trips.

VocalEssence: Choral Composition "Call for Scores"

In preparation for our 2013 summer programs, we are formally inviting our students to compose a work for choir (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).  These pieces should be 2-4 minutes in length, and should be submitted electronically to Seth Custer no later than June 1, 2013.  Selected choral works will be read by VocalEssence at the 2013 Junior Composers summer programs.  More details to follow.

Art Song "Call for Scores"

In addition to choral compositions, we are formally inviting our students to compose a work for soprano solist and piano.  These pieces should be 2-4 minutes in length, and should be submitted electronically to Seth Custer no later than June 1, 2013.  A professional soprano soloist will select three pieces written by Junior Composers to perform in a salon during the Junior Composers Institute and Junior Composers Songwriters.

Additional Opportunity: Minnesota Sinfonia Composition Contest

Jay Fishman, Artistic Director of the Minnesota Sinfonia, has extended a  call for submissions to the 3rd annual Orchestra Composition Contest.  This opportunity is available exclusively for Junior Composers students enrolled in 2013 programs.  The winning composer will be awarded $500, and the piece will be featured as part of the Sinfonia's Young Artists Week, culminating in a performance at the orchestra's Summer Concert Series performance on Friday, July 19, 2013 at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis. Click here for full submission guidelines and deadlines.

Please direct all questions to:

Seth Custer - sacuster@hotmail.com