Summer Institute Music Composition & Songwriting

Overview

UArts’ state-of-the-art music facilities will host this generation’s brightest young composers and songwriters as they gain invaluable skills and express themselves through song. 

You’ll work across various music styles and gain experience writing music for multiple instruments. Each individual student’s creativity and voice is at the heart of developing their songwriting and composition work during the program, and they gain feedback from peers and professionals in a supportive environment.

At the end of this program, you will

• acquire new skills and confidence as a composer and songwriter to support future auditions.

• create connections to both a network of peers and musicians, composers and songwriters working in a range of professional contexts.

• will compose music for the legendary Philadelphia ensemble Network for New Music (clarinet, violin, cello, and piano), who will be in residence to read, record and perform the works. 

• learn skills in critical thinking and revision practice through feedback sessions.

Programming

Core Classes  

You’ll take the following courses.

Songwriting

Learn the elements of a well-crafted song by assembling the pieces of melody and lyrics and performing the songs for feedback.

Composition

Through musical analysis and development of compositional techniques, you will develop your own musical compositions in various styles.

Arranging

Gain experience in analyzing and creating effective arrangements for a range of styles.

Faculty

Students in the Music Composition and Songwriting program work with professional composers, songwriters and musicians. Many of our faculty teach in the degree programs at UArts. Our expert instructors are seasoned educators and dedicated artists who enjoy sharing their expertise and collaborating with the next generation of musicians.

How to Apply 

Start your application.

Summer Institute 2023 Applications are still being considered on a space available basis. 

Application Requirements

• Complete the Summer Institute application.

• Submit a pre-recorded audition.

  • Two original music compositions or songs

    • Compositions should be presented as notated scores, either by hand or by using computerized notation, and in hard copy or digital format. 

    • If submitting songs, a lyric or a lead sheet can be submitted in place of notated scores. 

  • Recordings should be available online (for example on Soundcloud, YouTube, a personal website, etc.). Pieces can be vocal, instrumental or MIDI.

• Pay the $15 application fee.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition: $3,400

Program fee: $150  

Housing and meals: $1,425

Commuter total: $3,550

Residential total: $4,975

Supplies

Students are expected to bring supplies with them or purchase them once they arrive on campus. Supply lists will be shared a month before the program starts, with cost estimates.

Spending & Miscellaneous Expenses

Students spend an average of $80–$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.

Scholarships

Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship. 

Learn about Summer Institute scholarships