PARTICIPANTS
Can I apply to both workshops?
Yes, but be aware that the audition requirements differ for each track.
Do I need to have my own equipment?
Yes, you must have your computer with sample libraries (subscribing to EastWest Creative Cloud for a month is highly recommended if you do not own EastWest samples yet), a midi keyboard and headphones.
Do I have access to NYU practice rooms?
As participants, yes, however—most of our participants elect to compose in the dorms where they can store all of their necessary equipment.
For the Orchestral Ensemble Track application submissions, what is the minimum number of instruments that needs to be used in these orchestrations?
While we have no required minimum number of instruments required for the application submission, you must show that you can write proficiently for large and orchestral ensembles.
For the Chamber Ensemble Track, It says that I need to submit 2 or 3 digital music pieces in audio—what exactly are you looking for?
We'd like to get a sense of the applicant's skill level for creating music “in the box”--within a “DAW” or Digital Audio Workstation, like Logic, ProTools or Cubase. This way we can determine whether the Orchestral Ensemble Track or the Chamber Ensemble Track is more appropriate. The Chamber Ensemble Track typically requires more technological savvy upon entering the Workshop.
Why there are 2 separate audition requirements?
There are different application requirements for each track because the skills required are different.
If I want to apply for both tracks, can I submit the same pieces?
Yes, you can submit the same pieces if you think they are appropriate for both applications.
Can we apply to do one track or the other, or can we do both over the course of the 2 weeks?
You can only do one track over the course of one workshop session. Some lectures and presentations are run jointly between the two tracks.
Do we need to submit sufficient audition materials for both tracks in order to be able to participate in the workshop?
No--you are welcome to apply to only one, however there are cases when we might recommend a track other than the applicant’s first choice if we think it suits him/her best. The basic idea is that each track will appeal to different types of composers, depending on what sort of skills the applicant wants to develop and feature.
AUDITORS
Can I attend the presentations and activities of both workshops?
Yes, auditors are encouraged to attend as many of the presentations as they wish.
Do I have access to NYU practice rooms?
No, NYU practice rooms are reserved for participants only. However, we encourage auditors to bring their computers and midi-keyboards to practice and compose in the dorms.
Do auditors receive critiques on their work from the workshop faculty?
No, the critiques are reserved for participants only.
I am wondering what the difference between an auditor and a participant is? What do the auditors get to do in comparison to the participants?
Both auditors and participants get to attend seminars, critiques, and recording sessions. Only the work of the participants receives comments by the faculty during the critique and orchestration sessions and recordings of their work. All attendees can learn from comments on other participants' work, witnessing the recording sessions. There is plenty of interaction between all the attendees.
Generally, auditors have access to our one-on-one consultations with our Workshop staff. They can get assistance on the technology and the academic contents of the classes. In addition, they are welcome to ask questions during the seminars and presentations.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Do you think this program is suitable for a high school student?
Yes, it is. The Workshop is a rare opportunity to learn the techniques and aesthetics of film scoring as practiced by the professional faculty and to witness the workflow and the development of musical ideas of other participating composers. This can be an eye-opening experience, to see how big the musical world is, how other composers may use different means to achieve the same narrative ends.
Just seems a little intimidating to be with college and grad students! What do you think?
The atmosphere of the Workshop is informal and collegial--the faculty and the fellow composers are accepting and supportive of participants and auditors of all ages. About 10 high school students attend as auditors each year, and during several of those years we have had a high school student attend as a participant. Each year some decide to apply to NYU on the basis of their experience at the Workshop--several current undergrad and graduate NYU composition students were introduced to the school by attending the Workshop and their having attended.
What about housing?
High School students are housed in the same facility as the older attendees but are placed on different floors. Minors are looked after by NYU Housing ResLife staff called PA's. Also the entire building (and campus) is dry, with a no drugs/alcohol policy.
What else is in the works—what other programs do you offer?
The NYU Screen Scoring Summer Workshops offers workshops to build skills and introduce young musicians to the exciting field of Music for Media. The NYU Film Scoring Workshop starts it off (May 30 - June 10), followed by the NYU/BMI TV Scoring Workshop (June 13 - June 24), followed by our newest program, Scoring for Videogames Workshop (June 26 - July 1), and concludes with our 4 day NYU/BMI Scoring for Advertising Workshop (July 5 - July 8).