Composition

Open to advanced undergraduate students through post-graduates.

2027 Program Dates

Thursday, July 8 – Sunday, July 25, 2027

Application Deadline: March 1

Program Description

There are few places that are as idyllic as the Blue Ridge Mountains, where our composition students spend two weeks composing, working with esteemed faculty, and honing their craft. Students explore the intricacies of chamber music composition, receiving world premiere performances and recordings. Studies include private lessons, group workshops, and opportunities to work with conductors, instrumentalists, and vocalists. 

Studies Include:

• World premiere performances of:

  • An instrumental solo work (to be assigned), performed by a Wintergreen Music Festival Artist

  • A string quartet composition, performed by Wintergreen Music Festival Artists

  • An aria for voice and piano, performed by a LEAD vocalist and pianist

    *Guidelines and parameters for each composition assignment will be distributed well in advance of the program.

• Workshopping an excerpt of a chamber orchestra composition with LEAD instrumentalists (instrumentation TBA)

• Composer work-shares

• Multiple classes including:

  • Working with a conductor

  • Writing for winds

  • Writing for strings

  • Writing for chorus

  • Cross-disciplinary workshops

• Two private lesson prior to the Festival on works and projects to be featured at the Festival 

• Creation of a professional portfolio

• Various workshops such as finances for musicians, working with composers, music business/entrepreneurship, mock auditions, fostering relationships with donors and supporters, and so much more

• Opportunities to meet and engage with Wintergreen Music donors and supporters

• Opportunities to design and implement a workshop on a topic of your choosing

Additional Highlights:

• Enrollment for active participants will be capped at four students, creating opportunities for conversation, camaraderie, and collegiality.

• Time to compose in the inspiring setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains

• Free access to nearly all Wintergreen Music Festival performances (a $900 value)

• Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and free access to the Wintergreen Resort Fitness and Aquatics center