Education Programs for Parents

ACO SONIC SPARK LAB is a hands-on, project-based program that teaches students to engage with their creativity, to use curiosity to grow their imagination and to build an idea from just a spark to artistic realization. Sonic Spark Lab is a fun and effective approach to building creative capacity among New York City Middle School students.

Open to: 6th-8th graders (10-13yr olds)

Fall registration deadline: EXTENDED to October 30

I am extremely appreciative for all of the time, work, and dedication that the SPARK Team has given to my children. It has made a wonderful difference and a lasting impact on their Creativity, Confidence, Learning.

Recent Sonic Spark Lab Parent

COMPOSE YOURSELF! is for ambitious high schoolers wishing to learn to compose their own music. Compose Yourself! helps young composers develop their creativity and learn professional standards in a supportive, hands-on environment, and has a strong record of preparing its students for the rigors of college and beyond.

Open to: 9th-12 graders (14-18yr olds)
(advanced 8th graders may inquire)

Fall registration deadline: October 9

The Compose Yourself program has opened my mind to new ways to interpret and listen to music.

Che Buford, Compose Yourself! Student

Student interest in any and all genres is welcome

Dates

Sonic Spark Lab and Compose Yourself! are semester based programs.
Classes generally run Oct.-Jan (fall) and Feb.-May (spring)
Specific class dates and times each semester are posted when registration opens (use registration button above)
Sonic Spark Lab summer session runs July-mid August.
Compose Yourself! Summer Composers Intensive takes place in August.

Program Features

Culminating performances of students works. Compose Yourself! reading sessions are with professional musicians
All classes are taught by high-level active professional composers with strong teaching experience
Class sizes are limited to assure personalized attention
Visits by renowned guest composers
Access to ACO dress rehearsals and special events

Requirements

Students are required to attend all classes.
ForSonic Spark Lab, to get the most out of the program students should have some prior music experience, but there are no minimum requirements beyond enthusiasm.
For Compose Yourself! the ability to read music is highly recommended since a great deal of our learning results from experiencing how musicians respond to our notation.

Tuition*: ranges from $125-450 per semester

American Composers Orchestra is committed to making our programs available to ALL interested students -scholarships are available in cases of financial need.

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: 212.977.8495 ext. 202 or education@americancomposers.org

Our Mission & Vision

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With commitment to diversity, disruption and discovery, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders.