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.
The Gainfully Employed Composer
Featuring Speakers: Dan Visconti and Melissa Ngan
Composer Dan Visconti and ACO President Melissa Ngan discuss the ins and outs of self-publishing for composers, from which printer and paper to use to best practices for renting out work to ensembles.
Composer Dan Visconti is updating the role of the classical musician for the 21st century as he creates new projects in collaboration with the community. For his ongoing initiatives to address social issues through music by reimagining the arts as a form of cultural and civic service, Visconti was awarded a 2014 TED Fellowship and delivered a TED talk at the conference’s thirtieth anniversary.
Creating Meaningful Creative Relationships
Featuring Speakers: Melissa Ngan, Lainie Fefferman, and Mary Kouyoumdjian
American Composers Orchestra President and CEO Melissa Ngan joins New Music Gathering organizers Lainie Fefferman and Mary Kouyoumdjian to discuss practical approaches to collaboration in new music and how to nurture those creative relationships.
Film Composition
Featuring Speakers: Terence Blanchard, Kathryn Bostic, Laura Karpman, and Rachel Portman
Established film composers talk about the film industry and the essentials of being a film composer. ACO Artistic Director Derek Bermel moderates a panel of experts. The panel will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Co-presented by ACO and American Composers Forum.
Programming & Digital Curation
Featuring Speakers: Keith Obadike, Mendi Obadike, Paola Prestini, and Kamala Sankaram
How does traditional programming change when it’s focused online? How is new music most effective in online programming? Where is classical music headed in the digital age? American Composers Orchestra President & CEO Melissa Ngan moderates a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Co-presented by ACO and American Composers Forum
Conductors Roundtable with Marin Alsop & George Manahan
Featuring Speakers: Marin Aslop and George Manahan
Orchestral conductors Marin Alsop & George Manahan provide insight into the conductor-composer relationship, programming new works, and other topics relevant to composers.
Co-presented by ACO and American Composers Forum