Copland House Residency Awards
Application postmark deadline: June 1
Here was time enough, space enough, peace enough. My stay was profoundly transforming, both creatively and personally. Mark Kilstofte, Resident in 1998, 2003, and 2007
Guidelines
Residency Award winner Doug Opel Working at Copland House
The Copland House Residency Awards were inspired by Copland's exceptional legacy of support for his fellow composers. Based at Copland House, a National Historic Landmark and an Official Project of the federal Save America's Treasures program, the Copland House Residency Awards have earned nationwide recognition and esteem since they began in November 1998.
Typically, six to nine gifted, emerging or mid-career American composers each year are invited to reside, one at a time, at Rock Hill, Aaron Copland's restored, longtime New York home. There, they can focus on their creative work, free from the distractions of daily life and other professional responsibilities. As guests of Copland House for three to eight weeks, their meals, housekeeping, local transportation, and other needs are provided for.
The rustic, hilltop house, with its wrap-around windows, simple furnishings, and woodsy setting, provides plenty of inspiration. The New York Times
Copland House Residency Award winner Derek Bermel
Situated on three secluded acres near historic Hudson River towns like Sleepy Hollow, Ossining, Tarrytown, and Peekskill, Rock Hill offers the serene, comfortable environment Copland so enjoyed, yet is only one hour outside of New York City. The spacious yet unassuming 1940s house that Copland regarded as "my hideaway, my solitude" reflects his rugged elegance and natural simplicity.
Since each composer occupies the House by him/herself, only those individuals who are comfortable living and working in solitude are encouraged to apply. A spouse or companion is welcome, but children and pets are not allowed.
Copland House Residency Awards residents also become eligible for other opportunities, including the Sylvia Goldstein Awards (to help support the performance or recording of works written at least in part at Copland House), the Borromeo String Quartet Award (offering performance opportunities by this stellar ensemble), and the Hoff-Barthelson/Copland House Commissions (for a short chamber work composed for intermediate-level student ensemble).
Eligibility
Open to emerging or mid-career professional composers who are American citizens or permanent residents, writing in any genre. Small collaborative teams are also welcome to apply. Previous recipients of the Copland House Residency Awards may re-apply four years after the completion of your last residency. Since the Copland House Residency Awards are based on a rotating jury process, being chosen as a resident one year does not automatically guarantee selection in another year.
Application Process
The primary criterion for the Copland House Residency Awards is artistic quality, as evidenced by compositions submitted for consideration.
Applications postmarked by June 1 will be reviewed by a panel of eminent musicians. Late or incomplete packets will be disqualified. Award recipients will usually be notified by mid-summer. Residencies will be scheduled for the period November 1 of the application year through October 31 of the following year. Please include the following in one packet:
- Application form (Download PDF).
- Proof of citizenship or resident status (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Board of Elections registration card, or USCIS document, NOT driver's license or Social Security card).
- Brief resumé with short description of the creative work you plan to do at Copland House.
- Three scores that best represent your work (smaller formats—e.g. 8 ½” x 11”—are strongly encouraged).
- Submit recordings of these three works. If any are unavailable, recordings of other works should be substituted. CDs are the only acceptable format. MIDI recordings are acceptable but not encouraged; MP3 or other electronic files will not be accepted at this time. The disc and the CD case must BOTH be clearly and identically labeled with your name and work title, and, if applicable, track and movement/section list.
Previous Winners
Alan Pierson, Alvin Singleton, and Steven Stucky at a Residency jury
Past Jurors
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Residencies are made possible by contributions from donors like you.