Learning Lab
Each season, ACO presents a series of digital professional development sessions led by composer mentors and industry leaders. An evolving resource for composers at all stages of their careers, sessions have covered topics including orchestration, networking, publishing, copyright, orchestra unions, media rights, fundraising, public speaking, educational program design, and more.
Composing the Future: Composers and Music Education
Staff Moderator: JL Marlor
Featured Speaker: Leila Pertl
New music isn't just for adults- a growing population of K-12 students is also taking a deep dive into creative collaborations with contemporary composers! Leila Pertl, Instructor of Music Education at Lawrence University & Music Education Curator for the Mile of Music, will join ACO Education Coordinator JL Marlor to offer insights on what a successful collaboration between composers and schools looks like. This, the first of a series, will focus on middle and high school ensembles.
Tricks of the Trade: Orchestration Workshop
Staff Moderator: Loki Karuna
Featured Speaker: Curtis Stewart
Curtis Stewart has made a name for himself taking works from the past and re-envisioning them for contemporary relevance. In this session, Curtis will take musical works from the “canon” and use them as a guide to highlight key aspects of orchestration, part writing, and more.
Composing the Future: Engaging Schools and Students as a Composer
Featuring Speakers: Charlie Ortiz and Melissa Ngan
New music isn't just for adults - a growing population of grade school students are also pushing the boundaries of music creation. Charlie Ortiz, Executive Director of WHIN Music Community Charter School, will join Melissa Ngan to offer insights on successful collaboration between composers, teachers, and students.
Tricks of the Trade: Orchestration Workshop
Featuring Speakers: Curtis Stewart and Loki Karuna
Dive into the world of orchestration with ACO Artistic Director Curtis Stewart in the webinar, "Tricks of the Trade: Orchestration Workshop." Explore key aspects of orchestration, part writing, and more as Curtis guides you through the musical canon and shares how he breathes new life into classical works, for today's audiences.This annual session, made possible by the Steven R. Gerber Trust, is inspired by Steven's insightful "Tricks of the Trade" article. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your musical skills!
Helping Hands: Traversing Artist Management
Featured Speakers: Peggy Monastra and Melissa Ngan
Professional representation has helped countless artists reach the next levels of their careers, but the process of identifying and securing management can be a heavy lift for those who are unfamiliar with how to do so. This session will highlight both the ways in which representation can help orchestral composers continue their professional trajectories, and how composers can gain the attention of management agencies.