If, like me, you’ve entered a few composition competitions in your time, you might be interested in this survey (the link follows the description):
There are few ‘emerging’ composers active today who will have not taken part in a competitive composition opportunity. Masterclasses, residencies, commissions and workshops regularly require a panel to whittle down dozens of applications to just a select few.
It has been assumed that these schemes are necessary parts of a composer’s education – and that they contribute to furthering their career. Yet this assumption has rarely been supported by evidence. Exploring these themes in more detail is the impetus behind the Composition Opportunity Research Project, which will explore the climate of opportunity in new music today.
Composers: we want to know why you apply (or do not apply) for these kinds of opportunities and, more importantly, what makes them fulfilling when you take part. If you have been an ‘emerging’ composer within the last 10 years, we want to hear from you too.
We want to know if any of these schemes have made a difference to your practice, and what others can learn from your positive and/or negative experiences. Have these opportunities expanded your professional networks or encouraged creative ideas?
So, let us learn from your experience! Tell us what would really help you develop as a composer and which opportunities have been wholly unfulfilling. Through your contribution we can better understand, and fight for, the formats that truly encourage creativity.
Follow the link below to take part in the survey.