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Composer Residencies for Schools and Ensembles

Customizable residencies for wind bands, orchestras, choirs, chamber groups, and composition students

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A residency gives your students the chance to connect directly with the creative process through rehearsals, Q&As, and coaching sessions.

Whether it’s a dress rehearsal and concert, a virtual clinic, or a multi-day series of events, I’ll work with you to tailor the experience to your goals, schedule, and students.

Residencies are one of my favorite parts of being a composer.

I love working directly with musicians—sharing the inspiration behind a piece, answering questions, and coaching rehearsals as they prepare the music.

I’ve led residencies with high schools, colleges, community ensembles, wind bands, choirs, and saxophone studios—and taught guest lectures on composition, music business, and music theory.

The best part is, every residency is a little different. I’ll work with you to create something meaningful, memorable, and tailored to you and your students.

Here’s a look at common residency elements. Yours might include just one, or a combination:

What’s Possible in a Residency?

Wind Band

  • Coach ensembles as they prepare my music

  • Interact with students and answer questions

  • Speak to the audience at the concert

Composition

  • Host one-on-one or group sessions to review student works or discuss my career

  • Share insight into my writing process and examples

  • Offer musical advice and career advising for emerging composers

Choir

  • Coach choirs as they rehearse my music

  • Discuss text setting, interpretation, and inspiration

Entrepreneurship
& Music Business

  • Lead guest lectures on music entrepreneurship and self-publishing

  • Share insight into my career as a self-employed musician

  • Answer student questions about music careers

  • Coach soloists or sectionals in rehearsal

  • Offer interpretive insight into the piece

Vocal & Instrumental

Residency pricing depends on format, travel, and length. In-person residencies are customized based on your program’s needs and location. Let’s talk through options and I’ll provide a custom quote.

Is a Residency Right for You and Your Ensemble?

A residency is a great option if you want to:

  • Give your students direct insight into the music they’re performing

  • Create space for discussion, coaching, and collaboration

  • Add educational value to your concert weekend, festival, or curriculum

  • Inspire your musicians with a behind-the-scenes creative experience

  • Create ripple effects in your community through public performances, school partnerships, and concert engagement

Interested in commissioning a new work? 

Pairing a commission with a composition residency is a great way to mark a special occasion, celebrate an anniversary, or create a meaningful, memorable experience for your students.

I’ll write a piece specifically for your ensemble, then work with your students in rehearsal, answer questions, interact with the audience, and offer behind-the-scenes insight.

Here are some common questions I get from directors. Have a specific question not addressed here? Reach out to me directly.

What other directors have asked:

  • Each residency is customized to fit your goals, schedule, and students. Common elements include coaching ensembles as they rehearse my music, Q&A sessions with students, composition feedback, guest lectures, and even audience talks at concerts. We’ll discuss what would be most valuable for your group.

  • Yes. Virtual sessions are a great option when travel isn't possible. We can meet via Zoom for a rehearsal clinic, class visit, or composer Q&A—typically 45 to 60 minutes. These sessions can stand alone or be paired with an in-person visit or commission. Learn more here.

  • I recommend reaching out at least 1-2 months in advance for virtual visits and 6–12 months for in-person residencies, especially during the school year. That said, I’m always happy to see if we can make something work on a shorter timeline.

  • Absolutely. I’ve worked with combined wind ensembles and choirs, as well as music theory, entrepreneurship, and composition classes during a single residency. We’ll build the schedule around your program and who you'd like involved.

In sum, a residency creates a rich musical experience for your musicians and your community.

Ready to plan a residency?

Fill out the form below to get started. We’ll discuss your goals and ideas, related fees, and talk about our schedules. I look forward to hearing your ideas for what a residency could look like and creating something unique and meaningful for your school.