IMPULSE NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL seeks early-career composers for its 2025 Summer Festival Composition Program. Designed for composers who want to take steps in both their creative and career development, the hybrid program includes online events over Zoom as well as in-person activities hosted at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, California (Festival Housing on campus is available). The program is open to all composers ages 18+. (International participants are responsible for their own visa arrangements.)

ABOUT INMF:
INMF is a nonprofit organization supporting the creation, performance, and study of new music. Our programs focus on providing composers with critical resources during the early stages of their career: since 2019, we have provided training, premieres, and guidance to young composers from most of the country’s top music schools.

Our flagship summer program provides the opportunity to compose & premiere a new work for one of our festival ensembles, develop your craft, and take critical steps in your career development–all under the guidance and mentorship of our world-class festival faculty. This program is distinguished by our commitment to preparing composers for both the creative and practical realities of a career in the arts today: in addition to creating and documenting a new work, composers receive private lessons with composition faculty, workshops with performance faculty, and the opportunity to participate in Masterclasses, Conducting Workshops, and our innovative Evening Lecture Series focusing on career development topics.

The Summer Festival is an intensive hybrid program which includes both online and in-person events:

ONLINE | July 1 – 10, 2025
Online lessons, workshops, talks, and other events to support composer-participants as
they complete their new work.

LOS ANGELES, CA | July 29 – August 2, 2025
In-person rehearsals, conducting workshop, masterclasses, concert, and other events,
hosted at the prestigious Colburn School Conservatory of Music.

INFO & APPLY: www.impulse-festival.org/2025
PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2025
FINAL DEADLINE: MARCH 31, 2025

The online application is completely free; all applications received by the priority deadline will be reviewed on March 2nd and accepted composers will be given first opportunity to enroll. Remaining spots will be filled after the final application deadline on March 31. Enrollment fees depend on the specific program with some scholarship support available for outstanding applicants who need financial support to participate.

The Application is free and asks for contact information, basic artistic background, and 2 work samples (score and recordings, if possible) provided as links within the application.

Enrollment fees do not include housing costs or food, though funding may be available for housing.

For questions, see our FAQ or contact Artistic Director Dr. Brandon J. Rolle at brandon@impulse-festival.org

BRIGHTWORK PROGRAM

July 1 – 10    |   ONLINE

July 29 – August 2   |   LOS ANGELES, CA

BRIGHTWORK FELLOWS compose a new chamber work for Brightwork Ensemble (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, percussion) under the guidance and mentorship of festival faculty:

  • 3 Composition Lessons (Online, 50 min)

  • Individual Instrument Workshops (Online, 30 min)

  • 1 Rehearsal (In-Person)

  • Premiere of work on 2025 Festival Concert

  • Audio-Video Recording of Premiere

  • Access to all online and in-person events, including Masterclasses, Evening Lectures, Conducting Workshop, and Concert.

*Limited Scholarship Support Available ​​​​

– APPLY –

$ 2,450

IMPULSE PROGRAM

July 1 – 10    |   ONLINE

July 29 – August 2   |   LOS ANGELES, CA

​IMPULSE FELLOWS compose a new work for assigned members of our Festival Chamber Ensemble (flute, violin, viola, cello, piano, harp) under the guidance and mentorship of festival faculty:

  • 3 Composition Lessons (Online, 50 min)

  • Individual Instrument Workshops (Online, 30 min)

  • 1 Rehearsal (In-Person)

  • Premiere of work on 2025 Festival Concert

  • Audio-Video Recording of Premiere

  • Access to all online and in-person events, including Masterclasses, Evening Lectures, Conducting Workshop, and Concert.

*Limited Scholarship Support Available​​

– APPLY –

$ 2,450

STUDY PROGRAM

July 1 – 10    |   ONLINE

July 29 – August 2   |   LOS ANGELES, CA​

STUDY PROGRAM is for composers who want to take their craft and career to the next level without the stress of writing a new piece to be premiered at the festival. 

Participants participate in all festival events including private lessons, talks, masterclasses, and rehearsals, but do not write for or workshop a piece with festival ensembles.

  • 3 Composition Lessons (Online, 50 min)

  • Access to all online and in-person events, including Masterclasses, Evening Lectures, Conducting Workshop, and Concert.

​– APPLY –

$ 950