Applications are Open for the New Jersey Symphony's 2024 Cone Composition Institute

Four emerging composers will be selected to hear their music workshopped by the New Jersey Symphony, with applications due on February 23, 2024

The New Jersey Symphony is now accepting applications for the tenth edition of its annual Edward T. Cone Composition Institute. Four emerging composers who are either in college or in the early stages of their careers will be selected to attend the week-long program, where they will hear their music rehearsed and performed by the orchestra.

The selected composers will also receive one-on-one and group coaching sessions with Institute Director Steven Mackey and conductor Christopher Rountree, as well as career-development sessions on public speaking, music editing, networking, funding, publishing, and maximizing performance opportunities.

The Institute will take place from July 15 to July 20, 2024, in Princeton, NJ, and will conclude with a concert of the participants' works. The program is fully funded and participants will also receive $250 reimbursement towards travel.

To apply, composers should submit an original work of no longer than 13 minutes, with no prior professional performance or publication history. They will also need to fill out the application form, which can be found here. The deadline for applications is February 23, 2024.

"The Cone Institute is unique," said Steven Mackey. "I think what separates the Cone Institute from many of its peer opportunities is its holistic vision of the composer, and how we can help participants build their reputation as orchestral composers."

"In addition to rehearsals of their music, feedback on orchestration from the always-game New Jersey Symphony musicians, and discussions of compositional technique and aesthetics with established composers and conductors, there are sessions with industry leaders on the business side, including publishers and artist representatives who will also be important for a composer’s career."