DD, who is currently a sophomore, is interested in exploring composition as a major for college and it seems to be quite competitive at most of the schools she has looked at. How does one prepare to apply for this degree? Are any of the music festivals better than others for composition? Are there any that aren’t 6 weeks long? If anyone has gone to one for composition, was there enough time to continue practice on your primary instrument as well? I want to give her the opportunity to work towards being a competitive candidate without losing her ability to apply for performance as well (plus have time to just be a “kid” and continue to explore who she is). As a non musician myself, I am quite overwhelmed on what she needs to do! Thank you for any advice!!!
Oh, I should also ask, what schools are known for quality composition programs? Thank you again!
My son just started as a transfer student at Berklee, where he plans to major in Composition and Film-Scoring. But Berklee auditions are based on the applicant’s primary instrument, and students don’t declare their majors until (I think) their second year (or maybe second srmestet). They’re required to take at least four semesters of private lessons on their instruments, in addition to ensembles, etc., and the classes required for the major once it’s declared.
So, at least at Berklee, she would still be doing plenty with her instrument, in addition to her work as an aspiring composer! I assume that’s true in most schools, but I’m not certain. Others here can speak to that. But good luck with it all!
Some composition students never even touch an instrument, and only interview for a spot at the college level. Some audition on an instrument and are required to play in ensembles throughout undergrad. There is a range.
I would suggest first that you read the Double Degree Dilemma essay by David Lane that is posted closer to the top of this music forum, which discussed different ways to study music.
Composition can be studied as part of a general music major in a BA program (1/4-1/3 music classes) at a college or university.It can be a strand within a BA music major (see Brown for an example). Or of course it can be part of a BM at a conservatory or school of music, which would be 2/3-3/4 classes in music.
Some BA programs have a performance component or at least lessons and extracurricular performance. BM programs are performance-oriented and are basically immersive in terms of music. BA students take gen eds and electives outside of music.
You sound like a great parent. Love that you say you want your daughter to be able to be “just a kid.”
At the sophomore level, she could study some music theory and piano (these can be taught be the same teacher; she can also look into online classes or even better, a conservatory prep, if your school does not have a good music program. She should probably have a private composition teacher. Resources are grad students or professors at colleges or conservatories, sometimes via Skype. Does she have some scores and/or recordings to share?
Walden School in Dublin NH is 6 weeks but there is also time to play and some perform. There are classes all day and a two day festival with student pieces played by world-renowned musicians.The students also hike and dance and have fun but it is pretty serious musically.
Boston Conservatory has a shorter program (2 weeks I think) in which students write a few pieces and have one played by a resident ensemble and recorded for portfolio purposes.
BUTI (BU Tanglewood Institute) is a really good one and Yellow Barn is one of the top programs, and two weeks long.
Check out Brevard too. Summer programs in general provide valuable recordings for applications and really help with development, conversations with teachers and peers and so on.
I can PM you schools but first would need to know if your daughter is more interested in conservatory/school of music/BM or a college BA program.
sent you PM anyway 
The best way to prepare, as @compmom said, is to start writing music. With the guidance of a private teacher. And the next thing is to start getting the works performed. She can write solo works for her own instrument, and works to perform with friends. Summer programs, and pre-college conservatory programs can be great - but they’re not essential. Working with a teacher, and hearing the music performed live is. And listening to lots and lots of music. And, preferably, some of that music should be composed in the last 50 years. There are online streaming listening lists which can be great for exposure to new music - from radio stations, and services like Spotify Prime. Check out this site with some incredible Spotify lists of contemporary music:
http://everynoise.com/everynoise1d.cgi?root=american%2021st%20century%20classical&scope=all
http://everynoise.com/everynoise1d.cgi?root=21st%20century%20classical&scope=all
http://everynoise.com/everynoise1d.cgi?root=contemporary%20classical&scope=all
I think the program @compmom recommended - Walden School is where I would send my son if I had it to do all over again. But he never wanted to be away that long in the summer - but now, knowing what I do, I would have pushed for that particular program.
You have plenty of time to narrow down the choices for college. Much more important for your daughter to develop a sense of herself as a composer first. Then the college choices will sort themselves out.
@SpiritManager , I’ve also recently discovered the “New Sounds” station here, on the site for a long-time NYC Classical radio station.
I’ve heard some really interesting newer work (when they played something by Arvo Part, with whom I’ve kind of fallen in love, they hooked me 
).
New Music Box can be interesting, online.
@AsMother - Yes New Sounds is great. I used to love WQXR’s Q2 online New Music station - but they replaced it with New Sounds. The internet has lots of great options for exploring the new world of classical music.