Composition Program
For DMICS’ 5th season, we are extremely excited to welcome Martin Bresnick (Charles T. Wilson Professor in the Practice of Composition at the Yale School of Music). Professor Bresnick will be with us for the duration of the program and will be joined by his long-time collaborator, pianist Lisa Moore, who will lead DMICS artists-in-residence in several performances of Bresnick’s work.
Program Highlights
- Students will each have the opportunity to present their work in masterclasses with Prof. Bresnick and will also receive composition lessons with DMICS faculty composers Texu Kim, Polina Nazaykinskaya, and DMICS founder Jordan Kuspa.
- Each composer will enjoy a professional reading and recording of their original work by DMICS artists-in-residence. All pieces will be professionally recorded with audio and video and edited for students to use in their composition portfolios.
- DMICS artists-in-residence for 2024 include top new music performers from around the world, including Domenic Salerni (violin, Attacca Quartet), Carrie Frey (viola, Rhythm Method), Amanda Gookin (cello, Forward Music Project), Anastasia Petrunina and Denis Petrunin (violin and percussion, ViMaDeAn Duo), Lloyd Van’t Hoff (clarinet, CRUX Duo) and Konstantin Soukhovetski (piano).


- In addition to completing a chamber work for recording by our artists, participants will have an additional opportunity to compose an original art song or aria to be performed and/or recorded as part of our modern art song and opera workshop.
- Participants will enjoy additional classes and seminars on topics such as music career strategies, conducting, ear training, instrumentation, preparing a composition portfolio, and text setting/writing for the voice.
- Though the days will be busy, there will be ample time to hike Torrey Pines State Reserve, visit the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, and hang out at the beach.
Mieke
Doezema
DMICS was a fun and inspirational way to meet musicians and composers from around the country with a wide array of experience. I’ve made many connections from my time in Del Mar–some that have given me opportunities far after I left the symposium–but perhaps more importantly, I’ve gained more allies and friends than I could have imagined. Through masterclasses, rehearsals, concerts, and walks on the beach, I’ve learned quite a lot about how to be a composer and even more about how to be my OWN composer.”
Acerylio
Chen
All the faculty had very lovely music. Every single composer’s music was an inspiration in some way, shape or form for my own composing.”
James
Pecore
More than any other musical experience that I’ve attended, DMICS cares about one thing—growth. How do we grow as musicians and composers? And how can we grow together?
“Deeply devoted to the personal growth of each composer as a craftsman, DMICS focuses on each concert or recording session as less of a “final project” and more of an opportunity for growth. How does each musician feel playing each melodic line? What changes could make the score more intuitive for the musician to interpret? How do the lines of counterpoint, melodic development, timbral balance, and rhythmic consistency impact the final sonic architecture?
“DMICS Faculty Members focus on opening each student’s mind to all the possibilities for what music can be—rather than restricting a composer to a specific genre, style, or ideology.
How do you want to grow? As an artist? As a person? More than anything, DMICS will focus on elevating you to your next level, wherever you are heading next.”