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Composition Summer Program for High School Students
Why Take Composition
Composing a new piece of music feels like writing a story, painting a picture, and taking a photograph all at the same time. During this program, world-renowned composers and instructors will guide you through rigorous study of compositional techniques and theoretical training, while helping develop your initial composition idea all the way to performance and professional recordings.
What You'll Learn
This immersive program will help you define and expand your skills. Students take private composition lessons and work in groups and one-on-one with faculty and professional composers. Our curriculum includes:
- Seminars in compositional techniques
- Music theory (waived for qualified students)
- Orchestration
- Concert music since 1900
- Training in Finale and/or Sibelius
- Use of our Technology lab
- Master classes with renowned guest composers
Guest Artists
Our students have the opportunity to work with award-winning contemporary composers. Recent guests include:
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Tan Dun Composer, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"; 2008 Beijing Olympics
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Libby Larsen Grammy-award winning producer and composer
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John Mackey composer
Program Highlights
Performance Opportunities
You will have the opportunity to have your music performed and recorded by the following advanced Interlochen ensembles:
- String quartet
- Woodwind quintet
- Brass quintet
- Saxophone quartet
- World Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Interlochen Philharmonic
- World Youth Honors Choir
- World Youth Wind Symphony
The Music Center
Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios—which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus—multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.
Additional Opportunities
Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers a Composition program for students in grades 9-12, as well as a post-graduate year.
Technology Lab
Students have ample time to work in our state-of-the-art technology lab. It includes Mac computers with MOTU Digital Performer running Native Instruments synthesis software, Finale, and Sibelius.
This summer at Interlochen has been filled with memories I am sure will never be forgotten, friendships that have brought me to new heights of understanding, and mentors that have encouraged me to keep pushing forward to reach the boundaries of my talents and break the barriers that previously held me back.
Emily, Composition