The DMICS Student Composition Program provides an intensive and immersive experience for emerging composers looking to hone their craft, develop their professional portfolio, and make connections with composers and performers from around the world. The DMICS 2025 composition student program (July 30–August 10 in Del Mar, CA) is open to all composers, aged 18 and above, who identify as student or emerging composers.

Students will each have the opportunity to present their work in masterclasses and composition lessons with DMICS faculty composers Texu Kim, Reinaldo Moya, Jessica Rudman, Joseph Sowa, and DMICS founder Jordan Kuspa.

Each of 16 participating composers will enjoy a professional reading and recording of their original works (one chamber work and one art song) by DMICS artists-in-residence. All pieces will be professionally recorded with audio and video and edited for students to use in their composition portfolios. For the first time, DMICS is partnering with Studio West, San Diego’s premier recording studio, in order to record student chamber compositions at their state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring student recordings will be of the highest possible quality.

Participants are allowed all non-commercial uses of their audio and video recordings, including posting on personal websites, YouTube, Soundcloud, social media, etc., and for use in composition portfolios. DMICS retains the right to share these recordings via our website, YouTube, and our social media channels.

Participants will enjoy additional classes and seminars on topics such as music career strategies, narrative musicianship, collaborations with the dramatic arts, and text setting/writing for the voice. In addition, there will be a series of classes on conducting led by Nicholas Leh Baker, culminating in a conducting workshop for all participants. 

Though the days will be busy, there will be ample time to hike Torrey Pines State Reserve, visit the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, and spend time at the beach.

To apply, submit your materials via the online application. Please send two representative works, preferably demonstrating familiarity with chamber music and/or vocal writing. Instrumental solos, art songs, and chamber pieces are all acceptable. Please also submit a short musical resume or CV that includes your education, major teachers, and a list of compositions.

Eligibility and Application Instructions

The DMICS 2025 composition student program (July 30–August 10) is open to all composers, aged 18 and above, who identify as student or emerging composers.

To apply, submit your materials via the online application. Please send two representative scores in PDF format, preferably demonstrating familiarity with chamber music and/or vocal writing. Instrumental solos, art songs, and chamber pieces are all acceptable.

You must also submit recordings of each submitted score. Live recordings are preferable, but MIDI realizations are acceptable. In the online application please submit a link to a streaming service or file hosting service (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).

Please also submit a short musical resume or CV that includes your education, major teachers, and a list of compositions.

There is no application fee to apply to DMICS.

IMPORTANT: DMICS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. The sole criteria for acceptance shall be the quality and suitability of the work submitted.

Tuition

Tuition cost: $2950

Tuition includes

  • The opportunity to compose two original works for our esteemed DMICS performing artists (one chamber work and one for voice and piano), which will be professionally recorded and edited (audio/video) for use in your composition portfolio.
  • The opportunity to present your music in masterclasses with the DMICS composition faculty, led by DMICS Founder Jordan Kuspa.
  • Composition lessons with faculty composers Texu Kim, Reinaldo Moya, Jessica Rudman, and Joseph Sowa.
  • A series of classes in conducting led by Nicholas Leh Baker, culminating in a session where students will conduct an ensemble of the DMICS artists-in-residence and other local musicians.
  • Workshops on instrumentation led by DMICS artists-in-residence.
  • Additional seminars on topics including career strategies, preparing a composition portfolio, and text setting/writing for the voice.
  • Tickets for all DMICS public events, including four concerts and other presentations and panel discussions.
  • 11 nights (check-in July 30th check-out Aug. 10th) in a three-star hotel (double occupancy) with breakfasts included.
  • Daily opportunities for exploration, with local hikes, excursions, and time at the beach.