Curriculum
The Hobart and William Smith Composer's Sandbox Summer Intensive is an opportunity for composers in the early stages of their career to study with a renowned faculty of composers. Participants selected for the program will have the opportunity to work with musicians from the acclaimed Society for New Music. The two-week-long Intensive will culminate in a performance and recording of their work by PUBLIQuartet.
Our mission is to provide talented early-stage composers, hands-on learning experience that explores the many disciplines, tools and approaches to develop as a composer. We welcome participants with a range of interests and academic preparation, recognizing that all can contribute to the success of the Intensive, regardless of their music focus.
The Intensive includes:
- Faculty led group composition seminars to facilitate discussion of student works and provide evaluative and critical feedback
- Improvisation workshops
- Daily meetings with composition faculty to discuss works in progress
- Composition seminars to look at seminal works and works by historically disenfranchised/marginalized composers—particularly focusing on compositions germane to the works of student composers
- Orchestration seminars
- 48-hour composition challenge
- A seminar on entrepreneurship: building marketing skills as a composer
- Local excursions
The dates of this summer’s Intensive are Sunday, May 30 through Saturday, June 12, 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis but the program is limited to 20 participants so, we urge students to apply as soon as possible. We have a few partial scholarships for those who will need financial assistance to attend the Intensive.
Participant Testimonials
“Seeing others processes when composing and how I could incorporate their methods to strengthen my own writing.”
— Reflection: Composition Discussions
“Opened my eyes to the many avenues of making money when you are a composer. The realization that I don’t have to be a teacher to be successful.”
— Reflection: Making a Living Being a Composer
“I have a better idea of what my options are and it’s been very good to be exposed to other composers’ ideas.”
— Reflection: Personal Impact Statement
“The chance to hear a piece for an ensemble I have never written for before and also get a recording of it.”
— Reflection: Society for New Music Reading
“The Intensive allowed me to see the bigger picture of being a composer. I now realize the many different ways I can go about my career.”
— Reflection: Personal Impact Statement
“Very special opportunity to have my work read. Instructive to hear it played by live musicians rather than MIDI.”
— Reflection: Society for New Music Coaching
