Copland House announces CULTIVATE 2026 – its annual, intensive creative workshop and mentoring program for composers of all backgrounds and identities in the initial stages of their professional careers. Six fellowships are awarded to American citizens or permanent residents to participate in this weeklong emerging composers’ institute, which takes place June 1-9, 2026 at Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home near New York City, and other nearby venues. Fellows are each commissioned to compose one 5- to 7-minute, small-ensemble composition (any combination of clarinet, violin, cello, and/or piano), which serves as the core of their work at CULTIVATE.
The week consists of daily individual and collective sessions exploring and refining the new works with two-time Grammy-nominated composer-clarinetist and CULTIVATE Director Derek Bermel and the Copland House Ensemble; informal discussion sessions with prominent music executives and arts leaders about practical, professional, and career matters; and a final public concert in New York City premiering all the Fellows’ new compositions written for CULTIVATE, as well a video recording of the work.
All expenses (round-trip transportation within the continental U.S., session participation, accommodations, and food) are covered, and a commissioning honorarium of $500 is offered. Copland House retain ownership and copyright to the recording and will release the recording for online streaming later in 2026. Composers have input during the recording and editing process and are given a copy of the recording for private and professional uses. CULTIVATE Fellows also become eligible for various performance, recording, commissioning, and other career development opportunities.
All applicants must submit an application form, three representative works and recordings, and a brief resume.
For program guidelines, online application, and further information, please visit www.coplandhouse.org/composers/cultivate/ or contact:
Copland House
(914) 788-4659
office@coplandhouse.org