Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio

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 12 rising composers of any nationality, ages 18 and above.

Applications open

The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio by OAcademy is a six-month lab open to 12 innovative early-career composers. Fellows receive mentorship from a diverse roster, including Du Yun, Andrew Norman, Missy Mazzoli, Marcos Balter, Tyshawn Sorey, Vanessa Rose, Ted Hearne, Tonia Ko and many others. Lead composer Gabriela Ortiz mentors fellows directly during a residency in Maryland, workshopping compositions with professional performers. The Studio meets bi-weekly for 90-minute sessions and runs from January through June.

Lead & Guest Faculty

Learn from today's iconic composers and industry experts

Explore

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 lasts 24 weeks, with group coursework from January to June 2025.

Fellows graduate with a high-quality recording of a new work for professional musicians, 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 journey.

The experience

Refine your craft, trained by today’s iconic composers

via a series of interactive masterclasses

Engage in career seminars

on topics like publishing, branding and SEO, contracts, commissions, and many more

Expand your portfolio to graduate industry-ready

+ workshop your resume and artist statement with professionals and peers

Springboard to strategic career opportunities

+ personal exposure to world-class composers and creatives through dedicated events with guests

Receive guidance from a global network of mentors

+ lecture-discussions with leading agency representatives and artistic planning heads

Access OAcademy's integrated training

join and observe OAcademy masterclass suite with world-class Faculty

Workshop a new piece with professional performers

and receive a professional recording of your final composition

Receive feedback from Gabriela Ortiz

during an immersive in-person residency in Maryland

Make OAcademy
your next step

Join a dynamic network of global mentors, music sector leaders, and visionary coaches

Apply

Who should apply

The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio by OAcademy is a six-month, immersive journey leading up to an Artist Diploma. Designed by program Director Erin Busch (pictured right) in partnership with a range of career composers, and guided by Gabriela Ortiz, the curriculum best suits classically trained composers who wish to refine their craft, make connections, and deeply understand the composition sector and its place in the broader industry. The Studio is open to twelve innovative composers from around the world, from all walks of life, and any age.

Apply

"OAcademy gave me the comfort that comes from having a sense of community.
OAcademy gave me the confidence that comes from having a sense of direction".

Damian Norfleet, Composing Fellow