Performances + Events
All applicants must submit a complete composition portfolio and accompanying recordings via the online application. Portfolio scores can be uploaded as PDF files and recordings may be uploaded in several file formats. Applicants for the DMA may be invited for an interview in February.
Portfolio Requirements:
Applicants should submit at least three scores and recordings of recent works. It is helpful if works are chosen to demonstrate a variety of ensembles and forms, including at least one larger work.
Submit a short video (~5-10 minutes) telling us who you are as a composer. You are free to share whatever you would like us to know, but please include answers to the following questions:
- Why do you want to attend NEC?
- When did you start composing, and what made you decide to be a composer?
- Are you an instrumentalist or a vocalist? If so, what is/are your instrument(s)?
- Which living composers are you currently listening to?
- What is a compositional challenge that you’ve faced in the last year, and how did you solve it?
Interview:
Applicants for DMA may be invited for an interview in February. The interview does not include a demonstration of instrumental or vocal proficiency. You will be asked to prepare five minutes of your music, audio and score, to present to the faculty. The five minutes of music may be one or several excerpts.
