Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YCP? The Young Composers Program at CIM is an intensive, weeklong program in music composition. Think of it as the complete "Composer Camp" with private composition lessons, classes in compositional craft/technique (a holistic approach to music theory, analysis, and counterpoint), a daily notation class, daily listening sessions that will cover a wide variety of contemporary classical music, and seminars on a variety of a topics pertinent for composers (orchestration, the creative process, etc.).

Of course no composer camp would be complete without a performance of your music! When you come to the YCP, the YCP Ensemble will perform a piece of yours on a concert at the end of the week. The nationally-renowned Cleveland Institute recording engineers will record the concerts and you will get a CD of your piece - an invaluable tool for college portfolios and applications, contests, and other programs. Rehearsing with the YCP Ensemble will itself be a composition workshop for students. Working with great performers is one of the most important aspects to compositional study.

Who comes to the YCP? Students at the YCP are generally between the ages of 14 and 19, but it is not just for high school students--it may be the perfect summer experience for junior college and college students. We've also had some exceptional middle school-aged composers as young as 13 who have done very well and made great contributions to the YCP. One of the things that makes the YCP experience what it is, is the high caliber of your fellow students and the intense provocative discussions that go on in and out of the classroom.

Is the YCP for me? The YCP is for you if:

• You are a student who has started composing and want to get a great performance and recording of your work.
• You already have experience composing and are now interested in getting ideas on developing your compositional craft.
• A student composer who wants to meet other young musicians interested in music and composing.
• You are interested in discovering a lot of exciting new music written in all kinds of different styles and genres.
• You are a high-school student who has done some composing and want to see if this is something you want to pursue more seriously.
• You are studying music composition and want to take your studies to the next level with an affordable, immersive summer program.
• You have studied music theory and want to find out how to apply that thinking to composing.
• You want to find a fun way to be involved in the creative arts this summer.

When and where will the YCP be? The program is held at the Cleveland Institute of Music, in Cleveland OH's truly extraordinary neighborhood University Circle. The 2008 program will run from July 20th - July 26th. Students arrive Sunday afternoon. Classes are held Monday through Friday and the week is capped by two concerts of student works on Friday (8pm) and Saturday (noon).

Who will be teaching at the YCP? Peter Gilbert, Karola Obermüller and Orianna Webb comprise the faculty which also features Dr. Margaret Brouwer, head of the Cleveland Institute of Music's Composition Department. Additionally, students will learn a great deal from the YCP Ensemble - a group of marvelous performers, experienced in working with new music. The 2004 ensemble was a quartet of violin, cello, piano and clarinet.

Can I afford the YCP? We have made the YCP as affordable as possible. Compared to other summer composition programs which often cost over $3000, the YCP is singularly feasible, costing $800 including tuition, housing and two meals per day. We feel that the quality of offerings, instruction, and performers make the YCP a good value for the dollar.

If I fly to the YCP, can someone pick me up at the airport or the bus station? Yes. We make arrangements on the day of registration to have a staff member pick up students traveling from out of town. Likewise a staff member can take you to the airport or bus station after checkout, on the last day. Each year we have several students come to Cleveland from different parts of the country.

Where do the students stay? The students will stay in Cutter House, the dormitory which is literally 100 feet from the CIM music building. We will have an assistant in the hall to help the students with any needs that might have and to make sure everything runs smoothly.

What about meals? The YCP will provide breakfast and dinner each day. Students have an array of options for lunch close by, including fast-food, coffee shops with lunch sandwiches and salads, and restaurants.

How do I apply to the YCP? You can link to the official YCP site's Application page for instructions and the downloadable (Adobe Acrobat) copies of the application forms. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail, you can call the Cleveland Institute of Music (216) 791-5000 and ask for the Preparatory Office.

What if I'm younger than 14 or older than 19? Again, we encourage you to go ahead and apply if you feel like the YCP might be right for you (see above!).

What if the Application Dealine has passed? After the evaluation of applications a waiting list is formed. Interested students can apply after the deadline (through the normal procedures) and qualifying students will be placed upon the waiting list. With positions sometimes becoming available it is not unusual for late applicants to wind up with an acceptance to the YCP.

How do I find out more about the YCP? If you have any questions please feel free to email gilbert@petergilbert.net. Of course, once again, you can link to the official YCP site at www.cim.edu (special programs)

We look forward to seeing your application!

Quotations above come from survey responses

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