Cultivate
June 2 through 9, 2014
Applications must be postmarked by November 15
Guidelines
CULTIVATE Director Derek Bermel (rear left) leading a session
CULTIVATE, directed by acclaimed composer-clarinetist Derek Bermel, is a new, annual, intensive creative workshop and mentoring program for gifted American composers in the initial stages of their professional careers. CULTIVATE is scheduled for the first full week (first Monday through second Monday) every June. Each year, six young composers will be awarded Fellowships to participate in this weeklong “emerging composers institute,” which takes place at Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home in Cortlandt Manor, one hour north of New York City, and at the historic Merestead estate in nearby Mount Kisco. Combining the most valuable elements of apprentice workshops and musical reading sessions, CULTIVATE nurtures young composers in realizing their creative ambitions as they begin their professional careers. The institute offers Fellows intensive compositional guidance in a rigorous, collegial, and nurturing environment before, during, and after the institute. Fellowships cover all costs for session participation and events, round-trip transportation within the continental U.S., accommodations, and food.
Click HERE for a short video on CULTIVATE 2012.
This kind of prolonged, hands-on interaction with performers is very rare among other composition programs, and it is something that will make CULTIVATE one of the standout opportunities for emergent composers in America.Nathan Heidelberger, 2012 Westchester Community Foundation Valentine & Clark Fellow
CULTIVATE provided me with a great opportunity to connect with a handful of my peers as well as some incredible world-class musicians in an extremely idyllic and artistically enriching setting. Between the daily thought-provoking discussions, the instructive rehearsals, the bountiful meals, and the incredibly friendly hosts, I came away from CULTIVATE refreshed and inspired.Roger Zare, 2012 ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fellow
2012 CULTIVATE Fellows (l. to r., Michael Ippolito, Roger Zare, Nathan Heidelberger, Reena Esmail, Michael Djupstrom) enjoy lunch on the grounds of Merestead
Each Fellow composes one 5- to 7-minute, small-ensemble composition (any combination of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and/or piano), which serves as the core of his/her work at CULTIVATE. The schedule consists of daily individual and collective sessions or rehearsals with composer and program director Derek Bermel and with the Music from Copland House ensemble on the Fellows’ new works for CULTIVATE; informal discussion sessions about practical, professional, and career matters with prominent music executives and arts leaders; and a final public concert and live recording premiering the Fellows’ new compositions.
Eligibility
Open to emerging professional composers who are American citizens or permanent residents, writing in any genre. While there is no specific age limit, CULTIVATE is geared towards composers who are in their mid- to late-20s and in the earliest phase of their professional careers.
Application Process
Applications for CULTIVATE must be postmarked by November 15. Composers must submit a CULTIVATE application form (downloadable), three representative works and recordings, and 1- to 2-page resume. Fellows are chosen by CULTIVATE Director Derek Bermel and an annually-rotating jury of eminent, independent composers and performers.
- Application form (Download PDF).
- Proof of citizenship or resident status (birth certificate, U.S. passport, Board of Elections registration card, or INS document, NOT driver's license or Social Security card).
- Brief (1- or 2-page) resume.
- 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. Clearly label both the disc and the CD case with your name and work title, and, if applicable, track and movement/section list.
Previous Fellows
2013
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2012
- Michael Djupstrom (Friends of Copland House Fellow)
- Reena Esmail (Sheila and Richard J. Schwartz Honorary Fellow)
- Nathan Heidelberger (Westchester Community Foundation Valentine and Clark Fellow)
- Michael Ippolito (Friends of Copland House Fellow)
- Roger Zare (ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fellow)
CULTIVATE Fellows with Program Director Derek Bermel at Copland's home
Donate to CULTIVATE
Awards are made possible by contributions from donors like you.
