As a composer at BUTI, you will be guided by faculty and guest artists with a wide range of aesthetic perspectives to refine your technique, grow as an artist, and develop your own personal voice. The program offers individualized and class instruction in a supportive environment.
Composition Fundamentals Workshop
June 18 – July 1, 2023
Ages 14–19*
Please note: 2023 program dates, lengths, and locations subject to change due to extenuating circumstances.
The Composition Fundamentals Workshop (CFWS) is a two-week program exploring the art of music composition using the foundations of Western musical notation. Directed by composer and pianist Martin Amlin, this workshop welcomes aspiring composers ages 14-19 who demonstrate promise and dedication at early stages of their creative development. Through private instruction, group activities and classes, performance of students’ works, and interaction with guest artists, the program focuses on the fundamentals of composition and prepares students for the next stage of their artistic journey. Applicants should be familiar with Western musical notation and should possess basic competency on an instrument, including voice.
*The Composition Fundamentals Workshop is open to high school students who have not yet begun full-time college or conservatory study.
Application fees for this program will be waived. Applicants will receive a discount code at the time of submission.
More Details on CFWS
Course highlights include:
- Individual lessons
- Notation and Music Theory classes
- Mentoring in style and fundamentals of compositional technique
- Guest lectures and presentations**
- Boston University transferable course credit
**Valerie Coleman (BUTI’89, CFA’95) and Missy Mazzoli (BUTI’98, CFA’02) are program advisors and guest faculty for the Composition Fundamentals Workshop.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
Electroacoustic Composition Workshop
June 18 – July 1, 2023
Ages 14–20
Please note: 2023 program dates, lengths, and locations subject to change due to extenuating circumstances.
The two-week Electroacoustic Composition Workshop (ECWS) introduces you to the world of interactive electronic music through intensive classes, private lessons, and scheduled personal work time. Through listening and musical analysis, you will explore the philosophy, history, and compositional procedure behind various genres of electronic music. ECWS is directed by Justin Casinghino, BU Lecturer in Music.
More Details on CFWS
Course topics include:
- Audio and recording manipulation
- Understanding the nature of sound
- DAW platforms
- Creating and composing with computer manipulated sound
- Aesthetics in electronic music
- Historically important works in the genre
- Individualized attention and masterclasses
Additional course highlights include:
- Performance opportunities
- Boston University transferable course credit
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
Young Artists Composition Program
July 2 – August 12, 2023
Ages 14–19*
Please note: 2023 program dates, lengths, and locations subject to change due to extenuating circumstances.
The six-week Young Artists Composition Program (YACP) offers talented high school composers the unique opportunity to focus solely on exploring and refining their compositional skills. YACP is led by Martin Amlin, Senior Director and BU Professor of Music, and Justin Casinghino, Director and BU Lecturer in Music.
*The Young Artists Composition Program is open to high school students who have not yet begun full-time college or conservatory study.
More Details on YACP
Course highlights include:
- Individual lessons
- Academic classes in analysis, score-reading, tonal and post-tonal theory, and compositional techniques
- Weekly individual composition projects with discussion classes and faculty demonstrations and a culminating project
- Masterclasses and guest lectures
- Elective courses in music theory, music history, health and wellness, and more
- Boston University transferable course credit