Feedback from our 2024 participants...
"The Intensive dramatically expanded my toolbox as a composer, got me thinking in weirder and more creative ways, and helped me develop a sustainable process for building pieces out of ideas. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a new spark of inspiration in their compositional development."
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"Before the Intensive, I was faced with a period of writer's block and severe burnout from the previous academic year. Coming to this Intensive during a time full of creative uncertainty was the best decision I have ever made. I made friends with some amazing composers, was able to produce so much material to start different pieces for the upcoming year, got valuable information from the amazing faculty and guest composers, and was able to recharge my passion for composing. These two weeks are definitely something I will look back at and see it as the turning point for my creative outlook."
"This was the second time attending the Intensive. I feel like my music has improved even more with Zae’s, Josh’s and the guest composers’ guidance and tips, and I thought they came in very handy as I prepare to start graduate school this fall! I would highly recommend attending the Intensive more than once. It is well worth it."
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"The Intensive had a unique focus on the craft side of composition. I received excercises and prompts the way a performer would receive technical excercises, and I found it very helpful for expanding the way I think. Not only has it positively opened up my approach to composition, but also armed me with many detailed sketches coming out of the summer. A wonderful experience that I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of applying!"
"I felt right at home among a very creative and welcoming community of composers. The presentations and lessons really showed me how to expand my horizons as a composer, thinking outside my little box of personal experience, while learning new ways to enhance my own creative vision. There was a lot of time to work on our own music, and the workshop prompts were open-ended enough that we could incorporate them into things projects from outside the intensive. The resident faculty - Josh and Zae - were both very knowledgeable and gave wonderful feedback in our lessons, as well as the guest faculty, both of whom had very helpful comments for me as well!"