Del Mar International Composers Symposium
Now in its third year, the DMICS Student Composition Program will again welcome a select group of talented composition students to work alongside our Composition Faculty and Fellows and to write for our performing artists. Our application is now open! Click here to see our application guidelines and apply!
Highlights of the 2023 Composition Program:
-
Each composer will enjoy two professional readings of their work by DMICS artists-in-residence. After the first reading there will be time given to allow for revisions and edits. The final readings will be professionally recorded and edited for students to use in their composition portfolios.
-
Students will have composition lessons with DMICS distinguished faculty composers Texu Kim (SDSU), Polina Nazaykinskaya (Brooklyn College), and DMICS founder Jordan Kuspa.
-
In addition to working directly with the composition faculty, student composers will also work alongside DMICS Composition Fellows, who act as mentors and share their work and expertise with students.
-
All students will present their works in composer forums attended by all DMICS composers.
-
Additional seminars on topics such as career strategies, writing for the voice, and preparing a composition portfolio will be offered by DMICS faculty and fellows.
-
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.
"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."
– James Pecore, DMICS 2021 Student Composer
"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."
– Mieke Doezema, DMICS 2021 Student Composer