The Composer Institute leads young musicians through the process of creating, developing, refining and ultimately, performing an original musical work. The Composer Institute is a dynamic peer group experience in which young composers learn the skills and techniques that enable them to express themselves and their ideas through music. Working with outstanding faculty and collaborative artists, students learn the building blocks of the compositional craft and have the opportunity to workshop their pieces with artists from such groups as Da Camera of Houston Young Artist Program and Houston Grand Opera’s High School Voice Studio. The twelve-week spring session culminates in a final performance and recording of each student’s work.
Open to composers in grades 8-12, students must submit examples of music they’ve already written (scores and recordings). Applicants should understand that this program is intended for composers of “classical” or “art” music (as opposed to popular styles) and will be more successful in the program if they have some prior exposure to notation and sequencing programs. As a workshop experience, space is limited and all participants should be taking private lessons concurrently. Applicants who are not yet prepared for this program are encouraged to take private lessons in preparation for future offerings. We are happy to recommend private teachers.
