Composition

Daron Hagen & GIlda Lyons, Co-Chairs of Composition

2025 Program Dates

Friday, July 11 - Sunday, July 27, 2024 

Applications accepted from advanced undergraduate students through post-graduates.

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:

• Composer work-shares with composition co-chairs, Daron Hagen and Gilda Lyons

• Multiple classes including:

  • Working with a conductor

  • Writing for winds

  • Writing for strings

  • Writing for chorus

  • Cross-disciplinary workshops

• Private instruction: Prior to the Festival, all composers will receive one private lesson each from Daron Hagen and Gilda Lyons on works and projects to be featured at the Festival 

• A world premiere performance of an instrumental miniature for solo instrument (to be assigned)

• A world premiere performance for a professional chamber ensemble (to be assigned), conducted by Artistic Director Erin Freeman

• World premieres of 1-2 mixed chamber ensemble(s) (to be assigned); ensembles will include 2-5 student platers and vocal soloist

• 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

• Custom workshops crafted by incoming students

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

2025 faculty

Application requirements

1. A 500-word maximum narrative biography OR a letter of interest

2. Current resume, including a list of compositions

3. PDFs of three (3) scores

4. Mp3 or midi recording of at least two (2) scores submitted

5. Contact information for one reference

6. Video recording of yourself describing a meaningful leadership experience and why it impacted you. 2 minutes or less.

Visit https://app.getacceptd.com/wintergreen for more details.

APPLICATION DEADLINES & INFORMATION

Deadlines

• March 1: Application Deadline ($65 fee)

Acceptances

• Decisions regarding admission will be published by March 15 via email from the Acceptd application portal.

FEES

• Application:

  • $65 on or before March 1

• Tuition:

  • $200 non-refundable deposit (Tuition is FREE!) This fee helps to cover admission to the aquatics center, admission to all Festival events, a Festival t-shirt, transportation from and to the Charlottesville airport, train station, or bus terminal, a meal at a local restaurant, and additional meals and/or afternoon socials with the Wintergreen Music community.

• Room & Board:

  • Students will be responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and food for the duration of the program. A list of local AirB&B and VRBO will be provided upon acceptance and transportation to local grocery stores will be provided. 

Please visit our Applications and Fees page for more information.

Financial Need

Other than the $200 non-refundable deposit, tuition is free for students! If you need additional assistance to help cover the cost of housing, please contact our Education Coordinator, Brenna Wiinanen at education@wintergreenmusic.org to request more information.

Contact

For questions or more information, please contact Education Coordinator Brenna Wiinanen (education@wintergreenmusic.org).

*details subject to change