Immerse yourself in an exceptional learning opportunity…
Our 14th annual Young Artist Composers Program will take place from June 22nd to June 27th, 2026 in the School of Music at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Up to three emerging young composers (aged 16 and up) will be selected to join the festival by Canadian composer Mellisa Hui.
Our 2026 program will run over three months and follow a hybrid model. Successful composers will participate in online composition lessons before the festival and continue studying in person beginning on June 22nd. The live portion of the festival will feature collaborations with Young Artist Performers, culminating in a premiere performance on June 27th, 2026. The Tuckamore Festival’s 14th Young Artist Composer program will take place on the Memorial University campus, just a short walk from colourful downtown St. John’s. Student compositions will be workshopped, rehearsed, and performed by fellow Young Artists (emerging string and piano players) and faculty, and participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in daily composition masterclasses, score study sessions, and rehearsals.
Selected composers will be invited to write a 5 – 7 minute work for piano trio to be delivered (score and parts) on May 22nd. These works will be premiered during the 2026 Tuckamore Festival, from June 22nd-July 5th.
“I have a new piece, a professional recording, and Tuckamore got my work out to audiences I would not have reached otherwise. I have new peers to connect with in the composition world. And I have learned so much about my own writing.”
— Holly Winter, 2020 Alumni
“The daily masterclasses challenged and engaged me in new ways, and I greatly benefitted from the close rehearsal with the young artists—who produced an excellent recording of my piece.”
— Andre McEvenue, 2017 Alumni
Applications for the 2026 Festival are OPEN!
Application Deadline: February 27th, 2026
Who should apply?
Young composers aged 16 or older who are passionate about the creation and performance of chamber music.
Application packages should include:
- Online Application Form
- One-page CV or resumé, outlining your musical accomplishments to date
- Representative scores and accompanying recordings and/or web content, if available.
- $50 CAD non-refundable application fee
2026 Program Details
While at Tuckamore, participants partake in daily composition workshops, attend masterclasses, and workshops with faculty and visiting guest artists, and receive an all-access pass to the festival’s world-class concert series.
Fees and Scholarships
Tuition – $1,100 (CAD)
Room and Board – $675 (CAD)
All successful participants will be eligible for tuition scholarships.
Accommodations
Participants stay in residence on the campus of Memorial University. Residences are a few minutes from the Music Building and are near local shops, banks, restaurants, laundry, and other facilities. Residence accommodations contain a mini fridge (no kitchen facilities available).
Tuckamore Festival has partnered with Memorial University of Newfoundland’s School of Music to offer on-site, live, early auditions for entrance to their degree programs. Festival participants in their final year of high school may perform a live audition for the Bachelor of Music program. Similarly, participants in their final year of an undergraduate music degree may perform a live audition for the Master of Music program. See mun.ca for more information on Memorial University’s School of Music programs.
Covid-19
The Tuckamore Festival is committed to providing a safe learning environment for our participants.
All travellers are permitted to enter Newfoundland and Labrador. Effective February 28, 2022, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador does not require you to self-isolate or get tested for COVID-19 upon arrival, or complete the Travel Form.