Dates: June 13 – June 27, 2027 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA
Program Cost: $400 additional fee*
*Students must be registered for Orchestra or String Intensive to add Composition Enrichment.
Maximum Enrollment: 8 students
This introductory – advanced composition study program is designed for students who have an interest in developing and strengthening their composition and arranging skills.
Features of the Composition Enrichment Program:
- Private Lessons
- Masterclasses with project presentations and discussions
- Student composition rehearsal and performance
- Composer-chats (informal evening sessions)
- Group listening and analysis sessions focusing on influential compositions
- Composition career discussions
Projects:
Accepted introductory level students – to be determined by composition faculty
Accepted intermediate – advanced students will be required to choose and complete one of the following projects before MasterWorks begins.
- Arrangement: Christian song (contemporary, hymn, historical work) for use in a church worship service (i.e., communion, invitation, etc.)
– Duration: maximum of 5 min.
– Instrumentation: small ensemble
- Original composition: piece based on a Psalm, parable, or Biblical prophecy
– Duration: maximum of 5 min.
– Instrumentation: small ensemble
- Original composition: a chamber piece
– Duration: maximum of 5 min.
– Instrumentation: small ensemble
All compositions MUST be completed using music notation software and uploaded as PDFs to OneDrive, Google Drive, etc. Parts and scores must be printed before the festival begins.
Quotes from Past Students:
“The MWF composition program helped me transition from an aspiring composer to writing full performance ready pieces. I have since become a better composer and musician because of the experience!” –Ryan Reynolds
“It’s a blessing to have a composition program at MasterWorks. I really enjoy the collaboration with others, and the composition performance at the very end where all works are premiered and shared with the MasterWorks Festival. What a blessing!” –Tristen Chen
Audition Requirements:
All applicants, including alumni, must submit:
- Completed online application to Orchestra, Piano, or String Intensive Program with added Composition Enrichment selection and fee
- Current résumé and/or list of musical experiences including repertoire studied/performed and ensemble experience.
- Links* to one score with the corresponding recording: (choose one)
– Chamber ensemble composition (3-10 instruments/voices or large ensemble)
– Choice composition
– Each piece must be 3-7 minutes. Excerpts from longer works are acceptable
*Scores MUST be PDF files. Recordings of live performances (midi MP3’s acceptable) MUST be MP3 files. Files should be stored in OneDrive, Google Drive, etc., with permissions set to allow viewers to access the files.
