Course Descriptions and Audition Information

Aarhus, Denmark: August 11 - 19

 

General Requirements:
All of our courses are aimed at advanced students (typically graduate students) and professionals. Please include a short bio and a statement of intent along with the materials specified below. All recordings are to be submitted as links on the application site. Video is strongly preferred, but audio is acceptable.

Concert assignments (performers) and more information about working with the ensembles in residence (composers) will be sent out to all participants upon acceptance.
 

COMPOSITION COURSE

Faculty: Mari Kimura, and Eivind Buene

The composition course will focus on writing for strings, with special emphasis on special techniques and exploring the players' physical relationship with their instruments. Students will be given a list of works to study, older works as well as works written within the last 40 years. In addition to this, students are expected to bring complete works and works in progress, for any combinations of instruments from the ensembles in residence. The course will include daily lessons and workshop attendance, as well as intense collaboration with the two ensembles in residence and a final recording session.

Audition requirements:

• 2-3 scores, with accompanying recordings. Audio or video preferable, but midi acceptable. The works submitted should emphasize the applicant’s writing for strings.

COMPOSER-PERFORMER COURSE

Faculty: Eugene Drucker, Mari Kimura, and Anne Sophie Andersen

This course is aimed at highly accomplished performers who wish to develop their compositional skills. Participants will work with faculty on writing a piece for their instrument and studying contemporary solo repertoire as well as developing skills working with interactive electronics. Lessons with composition faculty and participation in chamber music are possible at the discretion of the faculty.

Audition requirements:

• Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach sonata, partita or suite OR chaconne.
• A work or part of a work by a major 20th/21st century composer. For example Bartók, Stravinsky, Berg, Schoenberg, Shostakovich, Berio or Lutoslawski.
• An original composition for your instrument. Cadenzas are acceptable.

CHAMBER MUSIC COURSE

Faculty: Eugene Drucker, Steven Dann, and Henrik Brendstrup

The chamber music course is aimed at highly accomplished performers and chamber music ensembles interested in studying the interpretation of contemporary music. Topics will include special techniques, stylistic variety and historical context. Participants will perform together and with faculty and are expected to prepare a number of works for performance, representing a variety of styles and time periods. Information about repertoire will be given shortly after notification of acceptance.

Audition requirements / Individual applications:

• Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach sonata, partita or suite OR chaconne.
• A work or part of a work by a major 20th/21st century composer. For example Bartók, Stravinsky, Berg, Schoenberg, Shostakovich, Berio or Lutoslawski.
• A movement from a major chamber music work from any period. Three or more players preferred, but duo acceptable.
• Optional: One movement of a sonata with piano OR one movement of a concerto from any period (with orchestra or piano).

Audition requirements / Group applications:

• Two complete works in contrasting styles. At least one must be by a major 20th/21st century composer. For example Bartók, Stravinsky, Berg, Schoenberg, Berio or Lutoslawski.
• Each group member must submit a separate application.