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Are you in high school and interested in composing for live instruments?

Click here to apply!

Applying is quick and easy!

Have a question? Send us an email.

About HSCI

Brightwork newmusic is thrilled to partner with composer Akshaya Avril Tucker to present the Project Beacon High School Composer Initiative which aims to identify and mentor young composers.  All students who are interested in composing for live instruments are encouraged to apply; we welcome students who have had the opportunity to study composition and those who haven’t yet. Students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in the field of classical music composition are especially encouraged to apply.

This program is made possible in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.

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Program Highlights

  • No cost to apply or participate
  • Five-month program includes composition lessons, mentoring & workshops with Akshaya Avril Tucker, guest faculty and Brightwork Ensemble musicians
  • Small cohort of students receiving hands-on training and mentorship
  • Compose a piece for small ensemble: (violin, clarinet, cello, piano)
  • Ends with performance and recording of your new piece in a public concert at Boston Court in Pasadena

Who Should Apply?

  • High school students living and going to school in Los Angeles County
  • Students who may not have prior experience composing for live instruments, but are interested in learning
  • Students who are passionate about music, play an instrument or sing and are curious about composing
  • Students who may not read music notation but have created songs, beats or musical projects using GarageBand, Scratch, Ableton or other music technologies
  • Students who create music as improvisers or songwriters, who may not label themselves as composers
Brightwork performs with LAYO
Brightwork performs with LAYO

Key Dates*

 

September 15, 2026: Applications Open

October 15, 2026: Applications Close 

October 20, 2026: Acceptance Notifications

SPECIFIC WEEKEND PROGRAM DATES WILL BE SENT TO ACCEPTED PARTICIPANTS:

November 2026: In person kick off day at The Den Studios in Echo Park.

December 2026 - March 2027: Lessons with composer Akshaya Avril Tucker and check-in with Brightwork Ensemble musicians

January 2027: Online workshop of student works 

March 2027: In-Person readings and workshop of student works.

April 2027: New pieces by participants are premiered and recorded by Brightwork Ensemble musicians in a public concert at Boston Court, Pasadena

Next Event

Join artist Matt McBane for an evening of new music for synthesizers and strings! McBane will be joined by Betsy Rettig (cello) and Ian Dicke (synthesizer).

We rely on donations to maintain our high level of artistic excellence. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

HSCI Personnel

Akshaya Avril Tucker

HSCI Program Composer-Mentor

Aron Kallay

Founder & Artistic Director
Piano

Shalini Vijayan

Tuesdays @ Monk Space Series Curator
Violin

Maggie Parkins

Cello

Brian Walsh

Clarinets

Ozzy Carmona

Production & Education Manager
composer; guitar

Brandon J. Rolle

Executive Director, Composer
composer, conductor

Nina Shekhar

HSCI Program Advisor