Pathways

Providing professional, mentor-guided workshops, performances & recordings for composers with limited access

THE PROGRAM

PATHWAYS is a new program for California residents which hopes to address inequities that many composers face in obtaining high-quality, professional recordings of their works, which are essential for the development of their careers. High-quality work samples form the centerpiece of all applications for grants, residencies and other opportunities. Obtaining such recordings can be very difficult if a composer has limited access to professional performers.

PATHWAYS will address this issue by providing professional, mentor-guided workshops led by exceptional composers, in addition to intensive readings and rehearsals with professional new-music performers. The pieces will receive two public performances and will be recorded for use as an application work sample.

Composers from underserved backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must be no older than 24 years by July 1, 2024. All applicants must have California addresses.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

Up to five exceptional young composers will be selected to participate in the PATHWAYS program. These composers will take part in workshops virtually over Zoom and in-person in San Francisco*, where the final version of each piece will be rehearsed and recorded. The final recordings will be professionally mastered and returned to the composers for use as an application work sample. The program will conclude with public performances of the new works and opportunities to meet and network with the local new music community in San Francisco*.

*Accommodations will be provided in addition to $500 toward travel costs.

WHAT YOU PROVIDE

Prospective participants must provide all of the necessary application materials and should be prepared to take part in PATHWAYS in full as detailed in the schedule. Each composer selected is expected to approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow from their work with the mentor composers and professional musicians. For the public performances, each PATHWAYS participant will provide program notes and a short biography, and will introduce their piece before an audience in a two-minute speech.

save the dates

Applicants must be available for all of the dates.

2023
December 1: Applications due
December 15: Participants announced

2024
February – May: At least two Zoom workshops with mentor composers
April 6 – 7: Workshops in San Francisco
June 5 – 6: Rehearsals in San Francisco
June 7: Recordings in San Francisco
June 8: East Bay performance
June 9: San Francisco performance