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The Berlin Academy of American Music

presents

Berlin
Transatlantic Composers Workshop

July 7-12, 2025

CALL FOR COMPOSERS: Renowned chamber orchestra the Berlin Academy of American Music (BAAM) is opening an invitation to participate in an immersive week of cultivating excellence, innovation, and connection in one of Europe's most dynamic cities. Featuring an esteemed faculty of distinguished composers and music professionals, the workshop is designed to help you explore new techniques, gain invaluable feedback, hear your compositions performed, and build connections with composers from around the world.

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Application Process

To apply, please complete the application form via the button below and submit your application fee via PayPal (link included at the end of the application form).

Application Deadlines and Fees

  • Early Bird Deadline until April 1: €20

  • Regular Deadline until April 15: €40

 

Application Requirements

The following materials are required for the online application:

  1. 2-3 works (scores and links to recordings/MIDI realizations). This can include a work you would like performed during the workshop, but it’s not required if you plan to submit a new composition. 

  2. Information about your current or previous studies and teachers.

  3. Motivation Statement (1-2 paragraphs): Please describe why you are applying and what you hope to gain from the workshop

  4. CV, resume, list of works, and/or composer bio (optional)

Notification of Acceptance
Participants will be notified of their application status by the end of April.

Score Submission Deadline

If you are accepted and wish to have a work performed during the workshop, please submit this to us by June 1.

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Reiko Fueting

Head of Composition at Manhattan School of Music

reikofueting.com

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Aviya Kopelman

Composer-in-residence, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra Kronos: Under 30 Project Winner

aviya.info

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Matthew Quayle

 Middlebury College

Atlantic Music Festival

matthewquayle.com

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Garrett Keast

International conductor

Founder of BAAM

garrettkeast.com

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TAILORED LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Each day of the workshop contains a full array of experiences. Spend the mornings in composition seminars and individual mentorship from our composition faculty; afternoons sharing your own music in composition forum and attending presentations and discussions with guest composers and music professionals; and evenings at BAAM events or performances in the city. 

 

In seminars and presentations, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in deep dives on topics crucial to today’s composers, including:

 

  • Contemporary compositional techniques and practices

  • Entrepreneurship, career building and networking

  • Music publishing and the business of the music industry

  • Orchestral composition 

  • Intermedial art / an interdisciplinary approach

  • Working as a composer-performer

  • The role of art in contemporary society

  • Finding your own voice

 

These sessions will provide you with creative tools and practical insights to elevate your craft and navigate the modern music landscape.

INTERNATIONAL FACULTY

Gain exclusive insights and expert guidance from some of the foremost professionals in contemporary music.

 

FACULTY

  • Reiko Fueting (Head of Composition at Manhattan School of Music; New Focus Recordings)

  • Garrett Keast, Workshop Co-Director (International conductor and founder of BAAM; Onyx Classics)

  • Matthew Quayle, Workshop Co-Director (Middlebury College Department of Music; Atlantic Music Festival, Composition Program Coordinator; NYU Abu Dhabi Faculty 2012-23; Naxos, Centaur, and Albany Records)

GUEST FACULTY

  • Aviya Kopelman (Composer-in-residence, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra 2014-2020; Kronos: Under 30 Project winner)

PRESENTATIONS BY:

  • Michaela Catranis (Composer, Multimedia Art)

  • Jonathan Dawe (Composer, Juilliard School Faculty)

  • Christoph Enzel (Composer, Saxophone)

  • Aziza Sadikova (Composer, European Composers Prize)

  • Craig Urquhart (Composer, Piano, Recording Artist)

  • Kelly Watson Woelffer (Composer, Flute, Founder of Hear Now Berlin)

Also joining is Kerstin Schüssler-Bach (Head of Composer Management at Boosey & Hawkes) for an informational session about the classical publishing industry, followed by a Q&A.

Throughout the week, you’ll benefit from three lessons with Reiko Fueting, Aviya Kopelman and Matthew Quayle. In lessons, you’ll also be paired with another composer, fostering a dynamic, collaborative learning environment to ensure meaningful feedback and growth.

LIVE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR WORK

Bring a completed work to be professionally performed and recorded by an ensemble of BAAM musicians (up to 7 players, maximum performance length: 8 minutes). This is a unique opportunity to hear your composition come to life in a professional setting. Instrumentation available: flute, clarinet, piano, two violins, viola, cello.

SUPPORTIVE, COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT

Build lasting professional relationships that could shape and support your career for years to come. Surrounded by like-minded composers who are committed to advancing their craft, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work during the Composition Forum and receive peer feedback.

EVENINGS IN BERLIN

Experience Berlin’s vibrant music scene, from student performances to faculty concerts and more. Immerse yourself in the city’s artistic energy and discover new inspirations for your work. Participants will have the chance to attend a performance at one of Berlin's renowned musical landmarks, such as the Konzerthaus Berlin or the Staatsoper unter den Linden.

LIMITED SPACE

To ensure a focused and intimate experience, only 16 spots are available for composers aged 18+ who have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies. This workshop is for those who are eager to challenge themselves, grow, and take their talent to the next level.

TUITION

€2.000

 

Room, board, travel, and travel insurance are not included and must be self-arranged by participants. Workshop Location: Studiobörne 45, Weißensee, Berlin. Information on affordable accommodations near the studio will be provided after acceptance (hotels - 115€ incl. breakfast per night / hostels - 30-50€ per night).

Guest Presenters

Workshop Faculty

If you have any questions about the workshop or need help with the application form, please contact us at quayle.btcworkshop@gmail.com.

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Michaela Catranis

Composer,

Intermedial Art

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Jonathan Dawe

Composer,

Juilliard School Faculty

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Christoph Enzel

 Composer,

Saxophone

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Composer, European Composers Prize

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Craig Urquhart

Composer, Piano,

Recording Artist

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Kelly Watson Woelffer

Composer, Flute,

Hear Now Berlin

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