Enhance your creative potential and jumpstart your composing career with an accelerated Artist Diploma.
Envision being a part of a creative community made of today’s foremost composers and industry-leading artists. That’s Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio, by OAcademy.
Open to 10 rising composers of any nationality, 18 y.o. and above.
Highlights
- Refine your craft, trained by today’s iconic composers
- Receive guidance from a global network of mentors
- Springboard to strategic career opportunities guided by agents and managers
- Expand your brand and portfolio to graduate industry-ready
In partnership with
About Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio
Through its curriculum of dynamic coursework and supportive resources, fellows graduate with the professional recordings, supercharged portfolio, and enhanced network needed to take the next step in a successful global composing career.
Faculty
Marcos Balter
Erin Busch
Gonzalo Grau
Jennifer Higdon
Missy Mazzoli
Gabriela Montero
Chris Theofanidis
Gabriela Ortiz
Faculty
Marcos Balter
Erin Busch
Gonzalo Grau
Jennifer Higdon
Missy Mazzoli
Gabriela Montero
Chris Theofanidis
Gabriela Ortiz
Donnacha Dennehey
Tan
Dun
Osvaldo
Golijov
Tyshawn Sorey
Jeremy Beck
Anne Midgette
Vanessa Rose
Gabriela Lena Frank
Daniel Dorff
Melissa Dunphy
Aiyana Braun
More to be announced.
OAcademy Artist Diploma
Tailored to the busy lives of rising musicians on-the-go, the OAcademy Artist Diploma is a fast-track professional certificate that prepares rising composers for the complex demands of an evolving performance industry.
The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Fellowship unfolds across 40 weeks, with group coursework from January to June 2023 and a self-study period from September through October.
Fellows graduate with a high-quality recording of a new work for the ATLYS Quartet, a portfolio of self-marketing materials, an international network of composers and change-making artists, and the resources to take the next step in their composition career.
Each accepted fellow engages in:
- Masterclasses with world-renowned composers
- Series of interdisciplinary sessions covering film, video games, and dance
- Industry sessions on topics like publishing and copyright, writing artist statements, applying for faculty jobs, and more!
- Personal exposure to world-class composers and creatives through dedicated networking events with guests
- Lecture-discussions with leading agency representatives and artistic planning heads including National Arts Center Canada, Arabella Arts, HarrisonParrott, Sheldon Artists, and more
- Access to observe OAcademy masterclass suite with world-class Faculty, including Sarah Willis, Gil Shaham, and Alisa Weilerstein
- Interactive participation and certificate from OAcademy’s Reflective Leadership module curated by Harvard University’s DRCLAS faculty
- Close collaboration with the internationally-acclaimed ATLYS Quartet to compose a new work for string quartet, which will be professionally recorded and virtually premiered by ATLYS
Cost
The value of Composing Studio is assessed at $10,000 USD per participant. All accepted musicians participate on full scholarships raised by The Orchestra of the Americas Group, and accordingly are not required to pay the $10,000 USD participation value.
To join the program, 2023 OAcademy Fellows must pay a one-time enrolment of $2,500 USD, payable upon acceptance.
Timeline
- August 2022 - Applications open for 2023
- 15 October 2022 - Applications close for 2023
- December 2022 - Results announced for 2023 Cohort
- January 2023 - Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio starts
- July 2023 - Summer recess
- September 2023 - Self-paced module starts
- October 2023 - Final projects due
- December 2023 - Graduation
Who should apply
The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio by OAcademy is a nine-month, immersive journey leading up to an Artist Diploma. Designed in partnership with a range of career composers and guided by Gabriela Ortiz herself, the curriculum is best suited for classically trained composers who wish to refine their craft, make connections, and have a deepdive insight into “the industry”. The Studio is open to ten innovative composers from around the world, all walks of life, and of any age.
FAQ
No, participants will receive most scores via online links. That being said, conductors are encouraged to purchase scores wherever possible. Advice regarding which scores to purchase (which edition / publisher etc) will be available throughout the course).
Fellows receive a certificate of completion at the end of the Carlos Miguel Prieto Fellowship.
- Internet
Having access to reliable Internet access and a functioning device is essential to participate successfully in the GMPL.
- Device
While it is possible to connect using smartphones for extra workshops and lectures, any activities involving instrument playing require access to either tablet or computer.
- Auxiliary audio equipment
All accepted Fellows must have access to headphones. External microphones are highly recommended.
- Software
OAcademy and GMPL sessions are accessible via Zoom. Other software might be required, but will be communicated in due course. Fellows are not required to purchase any licenses to use software required for participation.
participation.
English.
- Audition concept / design:
The panel has designed the audition procedure in the hope that applicants don’t need to spend a long time preparing / recording / formatting videos. Video 1 and Video 2 are designed to be short tasks. Video 3 and Video 4 may be any current video you have of yourself conducting. The panel is happy to view Videos 3 and 4 from any time position: please just indicate the time from which you’d like the panel to view your video.
- Why is Video 1 (Mozart: Symphony no. 41, 1st movement) required to be in silence, without an orchestra / ensemble / piano / recording / singing?
The audition panel feels that it is important that every applicant undertakes an identical task so that the best possible decisions can be made. Furthermore, this video presents an opportunity for a conductor to show how compelling they are: if you cannot be compelling in silence, it is unlikely you will be able to effectively compel an ensemble to follow your lead.
- Why are ‘silent’ conducting videos accepted for Video 3 and Video 4?
Whilst it is important that applicants regularly undertake opportunities to conduct ensembles and orchestras, the panel understands that logistical considerations may prevent some applicants from achieving this within the audition time-frame. Therefore, in the hope of ensuring that these auditions are open to all, we are permitting ‘silent’ videos. (Please note that the audition panel recognises that your application is likely to be stronger if you do include videos of yourself conducting an ensemble / orchestra.)
- Must I submit a recently recorded video?
No. Your videos may have been recorded at any time.
I’ve learned so much at OAcademy. It has opened my mind towards new paths and enabled me to meet amazing people.
— María Loría Valerín | harp, Costa Rica
OAcademy is changing the world of music education - bringing knowledge, experiences, networks and hope for the bright future of the performing arts!
— José Ignacio Santos | clarinet, Dominican Republic & USA