Composer Fellowship Program
And Steven Stucky and Sue Tsao Fellow Chairs
2024/25 Applications:
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The Composer Fellowship Program and Steven Stucky and Sue Tsao Fellow Chairs application period is closed.
Explore this page for application requirements, commitment, and more.
Questions? composers@laphil.org
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 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.
Program Highlights
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Study with faculty Andrew Norman, Director and Daniel Allas, Teaching Artist
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Tickets to more than 20 LA Phil concerts each year, including the Green Umbrella series*
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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*
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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.
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Access to LA Phil rehearsals*
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Access to composition software and other resources
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A supportive community of peers and mentors from diverse backgrounds
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Fellows build a rich portfolio of professionally recorded works performed by members of the LA Phil and other professional musicians
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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:
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Be in grades 10-12 in Fall 2024. (Ninth graders are welcome to apply to be considered for master classes and future CFP admissions).
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Live in Greater Los Angeles
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Have some composition experience OR the desire to pursue compositional training with dedication; prior composition experience or lessons are not required
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Have some familiarity with symbols commonly used in classical music
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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)
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Have reliable transportation to and from Walt Disney Concert Hall
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Have access to email
Application Requirements
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Biographical information
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Educational background
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Letter(s) of recommendation (1 required, up to 2 additional will be accepted)
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Short essay responses
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Musical samples: At least two (2) of the following options:
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An original music composition (audio or video, MIDI accepted)
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An additional music composition (audio or video, MIDI accepted)
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A performance on your instrument (audio or video)
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Solo improvisation or a short original composition performed by you on your instrument (video only)
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Optional: Accompanying materials for the original music submitted above (scores, sketches, drawings, etc.)
Program Commitment
The Fellow Year runs from October 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:
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2-3 Saturday sessions/community events per month (total time each Saturday is about 3-4 hours depending upon scheduled events)
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5 Tuesday evening concerts per year*
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5+ additional evening concerts per year (schedule varies depending upon concert calendar)*
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Readings and performances of Fellow works each semester*
*Subject to social distancing guidelines set forth by state and local health officials.
Steven Stucky and Sue Tsao Fellow Chairs
The Stucky/Tsao Fellows will have a unique opportunity to work collaboratively across the LA Phil’s increasingly interconnected, youth-centered programs by composing a new work to be premiered by the LA Phil, as well as for our young orchestra musicians.
The two Fellowship Chair positions have been named in honor of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky, who served as the LA Phil’s new-music curator for more than 20 years and was the visionary founder and initial director of the Composer Fellowship Program (CFP), and long-serving LA Phil Board Member Sue Tsao, a committed champion of music education, new music, and the CFP program.
Program Highlights
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Both Fellows can look forward to collaboration and peer-to-peer learning as well as establishing a creative relationship with the musicians performing their work.
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The Stucky Composer Fellow Chair will a compose a piece to be premiered by the LA Phil.
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The Tsao Composer Fellow Chair will compose a piece for an ensemble from the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) National program.
Eligibility
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The Stucky Composer Fellow Chair is open to alumni of the Composer Fellowship Program and the Associate Composer Program.
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The Tsao Composer Fellow Chair is open only to current graduates of the CFP program.
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Rachel Mugemancuro
Billie Myers
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Marvel Jem
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Luke Sterling
Casey Weisman
Daniel Young
Class of 2020-21
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Cole Brown
Clara Myers
Norah Fong
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Willa Fine Hawthorne
David Hernández
Joey Karz
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Rachel Mugemancuro
Mia Ruhman
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Class of 2019-20
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