Composer Fellowship Program

The innovative, multi-year program offers students a high level of consistent and intensive focus on the process and production of music composition, giving them the tools and freedom necessary to shape the future of concert music.

Designed by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky, this tuition-free program is administered by the LA Phil, under the direction of CFP Program Director Andrew Norman, Assistant Director Sarah Gibson, and Teaching Artist Daniel Allas.

Fellows are guided through the creative process from start to finish by internationally acclaimed composer and Composer Fellowship Program Director Andrew Norman. Students work with LA Phil musicians and guest artists in frequent reading sessions; hear their pieces performed by the LA Phil, chamber groups, and other orchestras; attend more than 20 concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl each year; and engage with many of the world’s greatest living composers.

CFP on YouTube

Program Highlights

• Study with faculty Andrew Norman, Director; Sarah Gibson, Assistant Director; and Daniel Allas, Teaching Artist

• Tickets to more than 20 LA Phil concerts each year, including the Green Umbrella series*

• Opportunities to compose works for readings and performances for ensembles such as the LA Phil, the Lyris Quartet, Calder Quartet, American Youth Symphony, Southeast Symphony, and wild Up*

• Meetings with important composers of our time. Past visits have included artists such as John Corigliano, John Adams, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Kaija Saariaho, Michael Giacchino, Caroline Shaw, Magnus Lindberg, and Ludwig Göransson.

• Access to LA Phil rehearsals*

• Access to composition software and other resources

• A supportive community of peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds

• Fellows build a rich portfolio of professionally recorded works performed by members of the LA Phil and other professional musicians

• No fee for participation; all costs are underwritten by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

*Subject to social distancing guidelines set forth by state and local health officials

Composer Fellowship Program
Application Information

Applications for the 2024/25 season will be accepted in the Spring of 2024. Read below for application requirements, commitment, and more.

All applications are submitted through the Acceptd platform. Create an account or log in to the Acceptd platform to begin your application.

Eligibility 

The ideal composer fellow is creative and curious and desires to learn in community with other young musicians. The following guidelines are intended to ensure the best possible experience for participating composers and fulfill the LA Phil's commitment to increasing access to world-class learning opportunities for the Los Angeles community.

Applicants should:  

• Be in grades 10-12 beginning in Fall 2023. (Ninth graders are welcome to apply to be considered for master classes and future CFP admissions). 

• Live in Greater Los Angeles 

• Have some composition experience OR the desire to pursue compositional training with dedication; prior composition experience or lessons are not required

• Have some familiarity with symbols commonly used in classical music 

• Be currently active as a musician (including but not limited to private lessons; composition lessons; participation in an ensemble such as orchestra, concert band, jazz band, choir, or musical theater; participation in music production and technology; or other individual study) 

• Have reliable transportation to and from Walt Disney Concert Hall  

• Have access to email

Application Requirements 

• Biographical information 

• Educational background 

• Letter(s) of recommendation (1 required, up to 2 additional will be accepted) 

• Short essay responses

• Musical samples: At least two (2) of the following options:

  • An original music composition (audio or video, MIDI accepted)

  • An additional music composition (audio or video, MIDI accepted)

  • A performance on your instrument (audio or video)

  • Solo improvisation or a short original composition performed by you on your instrument (video only)

• Optional: Accompanying materials for the original music submitted above (scores, sketches, drawings, etc.)

Program Commitment

The Fellow Year runs from September to early June. Availability and participation on all scheduled program dates are required as a fellow in the Composer Fellowship Program. Accepted fellows are expected to commit to scheduled programming, including but not limited to group sessions, community events, readings and performances of fellows' works, and LA Phil concerts. Accepted fellows are expected to work on their compositions and review class materials outside of scheduled programming.  
 
Here's a sample of what a fellow year might look like (note: this is a sample only).

Overview of scheduled programming: 

• 2-3 Saturday sessions/community events per month (total time each Saturday is about 3-4 hours depending upon scheduled events) 

• 5 Tuesday evening concerts per year* 

• 5+ additional evening concerts per year (schedule varies depending upon concert calendar)*

• Readings and performances of Fellow works each semester* 

*Subject to social distancing guidelines set forth by state and local health officials.