Our 11th annual Young Artist Composers Program will take place from August 7-12, 2023 on the campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland’s School of Music.

Immerse yourself in an exceptional learning opportunity…


Up to three emerging young composers (aged 16 and up) will be selected to join the festival by Canadians composers Bekah Simms (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Randolph Peters (York University).
Our 2023 program will run over three months and follow a hybrid model. Successful composers will participate in monthly lessons in June and July, then join the festival from August 7-12 for a week of intensive study. 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 – 10 minute work for piano trio to be delivered (score and parts) by July 5. These works will be premiered during the 2023 Tuckamore Festival, August 7-20.
“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
Who should apply?
Young composers aged 16 or older who are passionate about the creation and performance of chamber music.
2023 Program Details
While at Tuckamore, participants partake in private lessons, masterclasses and workshops with faculty and visiting guest artists, an all-access pass to the festival’s world-class concert series and Body Mapping sessions with Jennifer Johnson, Licensed Andover Educator.
Fees and Scholarships
Tuition – $1,100 (CAD)
Room and Board – $450 (CAD)
All successful participants are eligible for a half tuition scholarship.
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.
How to apply
Interested composers should complete our online application form at the link below.
Please include a letter of intent along with representative scores and accompanying recordings and/or web content, if available. Audio and other large attachments should be sent using a file delivery service such as Dropbox, Google Drive or YouSendit. Do not send large files by e-mail.
Deadline is March 31, 2023.