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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 Nina Shekhar 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 Nina Shekhar and Brightwork newmusic
  • Small cohort of students (6-12)
  • Compose a piece for small ensemble: (voice, clarinet, piano & percussion)
  • Ends with performance and recording of your new piece in a public concert at Boston Court in Pasadena
Nina Shekhar working with students

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 1, 2025: Applications Open

October 3, 2025: Applications Close 

October 10, 2025: Acceptance Notifications

November 22, 2025: In person kick off day, 1pm-6pm at The Den Studios in Echo Park.

November 2025 - March 2026: Mentoring & check-ins with composer Nina Shekhar and Brightwork newmusic

Early 2026: In-person readings and workshops of student works at Boston Court, Pasadena

April 12, 2026 @ 5pm: New pieces by participants will be premiered and recorded by Brightwork newmusic in a public concert at Boston Court, Pasadena

Brightwork working with students at CSUF

Next Event

Don’t miss our 2025-26 season finale, a program of creative voices from Southeast Asia, curated by cellist extraordinaire Maggie Parkins and performed by the world-class musicians of Brightwork Ensemble.

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

HSCI Personnel

Aron Kallay

Founder & Artistic Director
Piano

Maggie Parkins

Cello

Brian Walsh

Clarinets

Shalini Vijayan

Tuesdays @ Monk Space Series Curator
Violin

Nina Shekhar

HSCI Composer/Mentor in Residence

Brandon J. Rolle

Executive Director, Composer
composer, conductor

Ozzy Carmona

Production & Education Manager
composer; guitar