Hello all, I hoping for input on the Curtis, Boston Conservatory and Eastman composition summer programs. I am new to this forum and have spent a good deal of time reading through some very informative posts on the topic of studying composition and summer programs.
In particular, the Curtis program ranges from age 14 to 22. I wonder how many high school composers attend? Does the faculty give equal attention to undergraduates as opposed to high school students? The Eastman website does not offer much information about what the program looks like for composers. Boston Conservatory has a little bit more information, but, again, any direct experience would be appreciated as to the faculty, content, social experience, atmosphere, etc.
Of course, one needs to be admitted so any thoughts on the competitiveness of these options are also highly welcome!
My son is looking for a shorter program, so that rules out such options as Walden and Interlochen. Of course, we are also open to recommendations for other programs to consider either for this summer or next!
BUTI (too long?) and Yellow Barn are good options (Yellow Barn is one of the most selective).
Students at Curtis write pieces before the program. Boston Conservatory students write pieces during the program. I am having trouble finding Eastman’s program!
I have heard BoCo students write a few pieces, have one performed and recorded and do things like visit a museum to inspire work. Faculty also work a Berklee so it is an intro to the Boston scene for those two schools.
Curtis involves some study of orchestral works and I believe BoCo is more oriented to ensemble work.
Thanks so much for the quick, informative reply. I was not aware that students did not write while at Curtis. The Eastman program is here: https://summer.esm.rochester.edu/course/music-horizons/. I believe that one would take composition there as one elective; I am unclear on whether there is something more focused than that. BUTI is a bit long for this summer, and I believe is likely already full…
Cleveland Institute of Music has a 1 week summer composition program (contemporary music) for ages 14-19 so focused on high school students. https://www.cim.edu/index.php/prep/summer-programs/young-composers
Thank you! Unfortunately that doesn’t seem to work with his schedule…
Are you able to get private messages?
Apparently on March 16 CC went back to the policy that you have to be a junior member (15 posts) to do private messages. Not sure if you can receive them…I sent one to you so let me know, out of curiosity!
My son has attended the Boston Conservatory High School Composition Intensive Program before and found it very rewarding. Not only did he like the faculty, he also made friends with enthusiastic student composers with whom he still keeps in touch. Since they were required to compose a number of pieces in 2 weeks, each piece was relatively short, but the quality was in no way sacrificed. My son got a 4-min piece for string quartet professionally played and recorded, submitted to an international high school composition competition held by a renowned conservatory, and was awarded a prize - that’s actually killing two birds with one stone!
That is wonderful…thank you!
By the way, maybe you already know, while Eastman and Boston Conservatory are still accepting applications, the deadline for Curtis has already passed.
Oberlin also offers summer composition programs, namely Sonic Arts Workshop (for electroacoustic music) and Young Composers Workshop (with composed work performed by resident performers and recorded), which may be good options as well.
Thank you so much for the information Compojazzmom - we had looked at Oberlin’s site in the past and not seen this program.
The Young Composers Workshop seems to be new. The studio for Sonic Arts Workshop was under renovation last summer so the course was not available then.
Thanks again all. One program calls for a resume - if anyone has resources to recommend for a composer I’d be thrilled. I imagine he ought to list his performances of his pieces, but also performances with ensembles. Is it best to avoid middle school music at this point (he’s a sophomore in high school)?
A music resume can include all musical activities, awards and so on. A list of compositions can be included as a separate document. Then the resume would have the performances. Usually there are quite a few compositions that have not been performed 
I would think some middle school activities, awards and so on could be included for a sophomore in college. Usually people go back 3 years or so. It’s hard when you are young!
There really are no hard and fast rules. In terms of format or content (unless they specify of course). A kid with a lot of things to list in the two high school years won’t want to dilute that content with middle school. A kid with an even level of accomplishments for middle and two years of high school will probably want to have both.
Good luck!
Sorry to reply rather late. My young composer attended and enjoyed Eastman Music Horizons as a composition major. My impression is that it was a very solid broad experience that enabled him to engage in lots of musical activities, including history, theory, choral music, and instrumental ensemble. It was not a compose all the time program, but rather a broad experience that involved some dedication to composition, including private tutorials.
philmusic did it result in a recording of a performance of a piece, for portfolio purposes?
Yes, composition students each had a piece performed at the end of the 3 weeks by student groups. It was a positive and productive experience.
philmusic,thank you Kindly for your reply. Was Paul Coleman the composition teacher when your son attended? How many other composers attended?
Yes, my son loved Paul Coleman, who is currently listed on SUNY Fredonia’s website and did his doctoral work at Eastman. Very supportive of each kid, recognizing where they were and where they might hope to go. You can find his work online to see what he does, but he didn’t try to turn each kid into a mini version of himself. Approx 5 composers in total? I’m guessing but it’s on that scale… Anyway, seemed like a great guy and a super teacher.