Composer Samuel Adler following a performance of his work

Composition Program

"I had the great good fortune to hear my Night of The Four Moons at the Bowdoin Festival in Maine. It is rare that one's music is prepared with such sensitivity and insight, combined with such superb skill."

George Crumb

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2010. APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2011 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN OCTOBER.

Applicants to the composition program are strongly encouraged to attend the full six-week program. Preference may be given to six-week applicants.

The Bowdoin International Music Festival's composition program gives participants access to distinguished composers while affording each participant time to compose in a relaxed environment. In 2010, Claude Baker was the composer-in-residence instructor in session 1 and Samuel Adler was the composer-in-residence instructor in session 2.

Participants work with each of the composers-in-residence in both group and individual settings. The program culminates in a performance of each participant's work in the Artists of Tomorrow concert series or in the Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music.

Participants in the Composition Program receive:

  • Private instruction - At least one private lesson is offered each week with the composer-in-residence, with most instructors being available for additional assistance.
  • Group instruction - Composers-in-residence may provide weekly group lessons for additional instruction at their own discretion.
  • Time to compose - Participants are often inspired to write new pieces while here and have them performed before leaving the Festival.
  • Masterclasses - Composers-in-residence, special guest artists, and many instrumental artist instructors offer weekly masterclasses. All masterclasses are open to all Festival participants.
  • Performance - Enrolled participants submit up to 3 pieces for consideration for the Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music, a week-long series that features works of resident and guest composers and 20th century masters. Up to three compositions will be selected for this honor. All other participants may have one of their pieces performed in the Artists of Tomorrow concert series.
  • Digital recordings - Participants may request copies of their own performances in the Artists of Tomorrow concerts series before leaving the Festival.
  • General expectations - See our Summer Study and FAQ pages.

2010 Festival Dates

6 Week Session
June 26 - August 7

3 Week Sessions
June 26 - July 17
July 17 - August 7

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Special Announcements

ASCAP Foundation Young Composer Fellowship for 2010. This fellowship includes a $2900 fee reduction.