Compose Yourself

The ACO Compose Yourself! program is designed to help young composers develop positive approaches to creativity, learn professional standards of notation, and develop strong orchestration technique in a supportive, hands-on environment.

This class is great for ambitious high school musicians who are interested in music creation, whether they’ll be attempting their first score, or have already been composing for years, whether they’re writing pop songs, jazz or the next great symphony.

Scroll down this page to find the registration form and more info.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 24

Learn to Write Music with ACO!

REGISTER NOW For the FALL Semester

  • Students will complete a new work during the semester
  • Professional reading of new works by ACO musicans
  • Reading sessions are recorded for inclusion in college portfolios, competitions, etc.
  • Class size is limited to assure personalized attention
  • Visits by renowned guest composers
THIS SEMESTER WILL FOCUS PERCUSSION!

Composing for percussion is one of the most important, and most neglected, skills for young composers. And it’s tremendously fun! This fall, students will dive into the wide world of percussion, exploring rhythm, color, and creativity in new ways.

We’re thrilled to partner with Mantra Percussion, one of NYC’s premiere ensembles, who will host us for a studio visit and perform the student works at our January reading session. With Mantra Percussion, students will experiment, refine, and hear their ideas brought to life by an ensemble that thrives on bold new music.

Special Note: It is not necessary to be local to New York to participate in Compose Yourself!. We regularly accommodate students from across the world via our hybrid and Zoom classes.

Teachers: Please print, post, and share the ready-to-print poster attached here.
CLICK HERE: READY-TO-PRINT POSTER

Important Info

This Class is for:
HIGH SCHOOL aged students (rising 9th graders through recent graduates)

Classes will be held during the weeks of October 6, 13, 20, November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8, 15, January 5, and 12. Reading session will be held on January 19.

Classes will meet:
Classes will be held at an ACO partner facility in Midtown Manhattan such as the Resnick Education Wing at Carnegie Hall

Other Requirements
Students are required to attend ALL sessions.
Although we're open to and often explore alternative approaches, students need to be comfortable with written music notation.

Tuition
$750*

*ACO is committed to assuring that all interested students are able to participate, regardless of need. Look for the appropriate check box on the registration form below to inquire about scholarships and financial aid. Through generous funding from the Fromm Foundation, in addition to our standard scholarship program, we’re able to offer a limited number of FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to students who might not otherwise be able to participate in this program.

Registration

Fill out and submit the form below – you’ll need to scroll through this section to see all the questions. When you hit “Submit”, you’ll receive a confirmation that your registration has been received.

Questions & Information

If you have any questions or would like further information on how you child could benefit from ACO Education programming:
contact Kevin James, Education Director at education@americancomposers.org