SCORE Student Composer Residencies

The composition studio at NDSU introduces SCORE: Student Composer Opportunities for Resident Ensembles, and is soliciting applications for three student composer residencies, one each for the following ensembles:

• Clarinet Choir
• Trombone Choir
• Percussion Ensemble

One student composer-in-residence will be named for each ensemble. The composer will work with the ensemble to compose a new work, which will be performed in Spring 2027. Selected composers will receive a commissioning fee of $900, a zoom workshop or lesson with an established composer in the genre, and will have access to limited financial support for concert promotion and project costs.

Residency Expectations

SCORE is a collaborative residency. Selected composers will be expected to:

• Collaborate with the ensemble director and performers
• Meet all project deadlines
• Prepare performance-ready scores and parts
• Attend designated rehearsals
• Revise the work in response to the collaborative process
• Participate in the premiere

Applicants should consider these commitments carefully before applying. Additional information is available at the SCORE Initiative page

Eligibility

Student composers must be enrolled in composition lessons for the entirety of the project term (academic year 2026-27).

Procedure

Students applying to SCORE should submit the following documents:

• A portfolio of up to 3 score PDFs and media files
• A completed application form

Students may apply for all available ensembles.

All materials must be uploaded to the NDSU Composition Portal.

Timeline

October 12: Applications Due

October 26: Anticipated announcements of results