The Penn State Young Composers Institute is a fifteen-course virtual program for high school students interested in music composition. It allows students to extend their musical studies by exploring the intricacies of composing original music. Weekly two-hour classes are held on Zoom delivering a curriculum that includes the study of instrumentation, orchestration, notation, digital engraving, modern approaches to form and harmony, and current stylistic trends in composition. During the program, students will compose one or more works of their own and receive regular feedback and a studio recording by Penn State performers. The Young Composers Institute is perfect for high school students who are passionate about music and excited about composing, helping them grow their skills and develop their portfolios.
For questions contact Dr. Baljinder Sekhon: bss5477@psu.edu
NOTE: This is a virtual program – you can live anywhere!
SPRING 2025 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Online registration and payment is available HERE!
A mail-in registration form is available upon request (email ljmiller@psu.edu.)
Note: This course is limited to 10 participants! Registration automatically closes after the 10th participant registers.
Spring 2025 Program Schedule
Registration Deadline: January 7, 2025 11:59pm ET
First Class Meeting: January 15, 2025 (6:30-8:30pm ET)
Last Class Meeting: April 30, 2025 (6:30-8:30pm ET)
Class Schedule: Every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30pm ET (no class on March 12, 2025)
Class meeting mode: Virtual meetings via Zoom
Registration Fee and Included Activities
Registration Fee: $500.00
Course Fee Includes:
- Fifteen class meetings
- Studio recording of at least one composition completed during the course
- Weekly feedback on student work
- Each participant will receive a course certificate upon completing the course
Course Curriculum Includes:
- Weekly listening assignments
- Study of current and past compositional trends
- Study of instrumentation and orchestration
- Development of composition promotion and business skills
- Guidance on applying to college for music composition (if applicable)
- Overview of digital notation/engraving
- Overview of electronic music practices and using a digital audio workstation
Course Teacher and Guest Teachers
This course is primarily taught by Tucker Johnson (bio. below) and Penn State composition professors Dr. Baljinder Sekhon and Dr. Sarah Genevieve Burghart Rice. Dr. Sekhon and Dr. Rice will each teach one of the fifteen class meetings during the semester. In addition, graduate teaching assistants from the Penn State composition program will be present during each class meeting. Participants of this program will connect with Tucker Johnson through the majority of their work and have the opportunity to engage with Penn State professors throughout the semester.
About Tucker Johnson
Tucker Johnson is a composer, performer, and educator whose music has been concertized and honored at festivals and events, including the Dot-The-Line new music festival (Seoul), Longy Divergent Studio (Boston), soundSCAPE Festival (Cesena), Composing in the Wilderness (Prince William Sound & NYC), Shastra Rhythm Workshop (New Jersey), and the Penn State New Music Festival (State College). More recently, his thesis work, Circumnutation, was awarded the Belle S. Gitelman prize from the Eastman School of Music. Tucker completed his BM at Penn State, where he studied with Dr. Baljinder Sekhon and Dr. Sarah Genevieve Burghart Rice, and he completed his MA at the Eastman School of Music under the instruction of Dr. Robert Morris and Dr. Matthew Barber.
Frequently Asked Quesstions
What do I need to own to participate in this program?
The Penn State Young Composers Institute is delivered virtually over zoom. A computer, internet access, and free zoom account will be required to attend weekly class meetings. Students should acquire the tools necessary to compose and sketch out ideas, including staff paper, pencils, etc. A scanner or camera is recommended to capture sketches and progress to share each class meeting. Additionally, our curriculum includes the use of digital engraving software and a digital audio workstation. We can recommend free versions of software for both if the student does not own Finale, Sibelius, Dorico, Logic, or other comparable software.
What expenses should I expect beyond the tuition fee?
Some students might choose to purchase professional-level software for digital engraving (Finale, Sibelius, or Dorico) and audio recording/editing (Logic Pro X, Ableton, etc.). However, this is not a requirement and free software is available to accomplish activities in both areas. Beyond the requirements listed above (computer, internet connection, pencil, paper, etc.), there are no anticipated expenses beyond the tuition fee.
Who will record my composition at the end of the semester?
Each student will have a work recorded by Penn State performers. In most cases, these musicians will be undergraduate or graduate students at Penn State.
What can I use the recording of my piece for?
Each student will receive the recording of their work in digital form. This can be used freely: online streaming, applying for competitions and commissions, college portfolio, etc. There is no limitation on what you can do with the recording of your piece.
Can I receive college credit for this course?
No, participants will not receive college credit for this course.
What will my affiliation be with Penn State during this course?
Students in this course are considered Institute Participants, similar to students attending a summer camp or conference.
How often is this course offered?
This course is offered in three sessions per year (fall, spring, and summer). Fifteen class meetings take place per session.
How does the experience change if I take this course more than once?
Repeating this course will give students the opportunity to compose an entirely new work, building upon the skills gained in previous courses, and receive a new recording to add to their portfolio. Information regarding instrumentation and orchestration is reinforced and repeated each semester. The listening assignments, score study, and other aspects of the course are different between the fall and spring semester, but the course is designed so the semesters can be taken out of sequence.
How will this course help my application for admission to university music composition programs?
One major benefit of this course is learning professional publication standards for your score(s) and obtaining a recording of musicians performing your work. These items are typically the cornerstone requirements for a composition portfolio required in a university application. In addition, this course will guide you through other career/application aspects of being a composer – you will learn how to create a resume, biography, letter of interest, and other documents used to apply to university composition programs.
Refunds
If your request to withdraw is received at least one week prior to the first day of the program, we can issue a partial refund. Send your written request by email to psuconferences@psu.edu. A $50 administrative fee will be charged for each withdrawal.
Confidentiality
For legal reasons, the University cannot release the names or phone numbers of other participants.
Important Information for Parents/Guardians
Please review the Youth Programs Ethics and Compliance web page before camp starts.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Lindsay Miller at ljmiller@psu.edu or 814-863-5132 at least four weeks prior to the program.
Penn State is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of their actual or perceived age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment violate the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. This access is extended to all university sponsored youth programs, including 4-H.
The needs of any participant in a youth program will be discussed privately with that child’s parent/legal guardian on a case-by-case basis with the goal of promoting a safe environment and quality experience. If you have any questions, please contact Lindsay Miller, ljmiller@psu.edu.