The New York Youth Symphony's Composition Program, formerly known as "Making Score," is the first series of workshops in the country for young musicians to explore the world of composition and orchestration. Students between the ages of 12-22 who have a sense of curiosity and a taste for musical adventure are invited to apply. 

The program is directed by Dr. Kyle Blaha, who succeeds founding director Derek Bermel and Anna Clyne. Michael Ippolito is the Associate Director of the program.

Workshops

The Composition course includes workshops, held from October through May. The sessions explore the musical thought of a wide variety of composers, with a focus on instrumentation and orchestration. Examples are drawn from the vast classical repertoire and a range of musical traditions from throughout the world. Using tools such as study scores and orchestration books, the course aims to cultivate the students' own voices through class discussion, written exercises, and free composition.

Practical Opportunities

In addition to workshops, students have opportunities to work directly with musicians to have their compositions performed.

Orchestration Reading
Each year, students compose new works for various ensembles, such as a string quartet, woodwind quintet, percussion trio, or clarinet ensemble. Orchestration Reading is a unique opportunity for five students to compose original works for chamber orchestra, read by Alumni of the Carnegie Hall/Juilliard Academy performing side-by-side with the principal musicians of the New York Youth Symphony's Orchestra.

Composition Date Concert
At the annual Composition Date concert, original student compositions are performed by members of the New York Youth Symphony's Orchestra, Chamber Music, Jazz, and Apprentice Conducting programs.

Guest Lecturers

Guest lecturers for the 2012/2013 season include:

Attacca String Quartet
Claire Bryant
Bridget Kibbey
Tod Machover
Shulamit Ran
Christopher Rouse
Maria Schneider
Steven Stuckey
Giancarlo Vulcano

Auditions

Entrance to the program is determined through personal interview with the Directors. Interviews are held annually in September. Please check the auditions section of our website for application and audition information.