The UNCSA program has a technological twist:
“This intensive is for composers who have already created their own music using programs like Garage Band, Cakewalk and Noteflight, but who want to expand their creative perspective and technique. Summer composition students will enjoy a variety of projects: creating music for film, composing music for the concert stage, creating, recording and producing live music combined with synthesized music and improvisation.”
The Boston Conservatory program is acoustic and perhaps more foundational in some ways (this is not a Berklee program despite the merger- does your kid want a Berklee program?):
"The High School Composition Intensive (HSCI) is a two-week program designed to challenge and engage students who are serious about music composition. Young composers will take part in a rigorous daily practice of composition through faculty-led private and studio composition lessons. All participants will build a toolbox of techniques that are essential on the path to finding their voice. Students will learn how to write quickly and effectively with limited time to wait for “inspiration to strike.” They will discover the rehearsal techniques of professional musicians and/or ensembles and will have an opportunity to attend lectures by working composers on their music and processes. Students will receive guidance in the art of blending genres (visual, drama conveyed musically) through trips to local museums.
Ultimately, each student composer will develop a portfolio of works for collegiate applications and experience their work being performed by professional musical ensembles, including The Worcester Chamber Music Society and Transient Canvas.By the end of this two-week intensive, students will gain a more advanced understanding of music theory, an improved fluency in notating their compositions, and greater confidence in their skill and creativity as composers. "
UNCSA is three weeks, and BoCo is two weeks.
For the first few years I really wondered about Bo Co students writing several short pieces in the course of two weeks. As it says above “students will learn how to write quickly and effectively with limited time for inspiration to strike.” However, the concert at the end does seem to produce some good pieces and kids do end up with pieces for application. I just personally feel that the message should instead be, spend some time on your work and get it right. Perhaps for beginning composers the speed with which pieces are written creates fluency, but for more mature composers taking a lot of time is needed. Doctoral students may write two pieces a year. Anyway, people seem to love it and come out with some good works for that level of composition.
Regarding UNCSA, is your kid interested in music technology, using electronics and software, writing for film, and so on or more of a paper and pencil/Finale kind of composer?
Other programs for high schoolers include Walden School (Dubin NH), Yellow Barn, BU Tanglewood Institute, Brevard, Curtis, and some people mention Interlochen.
Walden is 6 weeks, BUTI is 6 weeks, I think Yellow Barn is two…is there a preferred time frame?
UNCSA and BoCo are both great programs. There have been people on this forum with experience in both. Any program with finished pieces that are recorded will help with applications!
Does your kid want a teacher? Sometimes a professor, composer or grad student will teach via computer if there isn’t anyone near you. I don’t think weekly lessons are necessary but having someone to bounce things off of or help with technical problems as needed, or every 6 weeks, can be very helpful and the teacher can also help advise on applications and even provide a recommendation for a music supplement.
But no tech component as far as I know. There are programs that are all techy if that interests but UNCSA looks like a good program with a mixed curriculum. It also has students with a range of experience.