CREATE. COLLABORATE. PERFORM.

This summer, join other middle- and high-school music students in making new music for virtual ensembles mentored by renowned composers.

July 11–16, 2022

 

Do you create your own music?

Do you want to?

If you answered yes to either of these questions the Music Creators Academy is for you.

At MCA you will learn more about improvisation and the creative process. You will explore what musical collaboration is and how to communicate your ideas.

Maybe you dream of scoring the next big video game. Or a feature film.

Maybe you want to write songs and record an album of original music.

No matter what, MCA is a step in that direction.

It could be that you’ve tried already.

Perhaps the results frustrated and discouraged you. Every composer has experienced those same feelings—even the MCA faculty.

And because they’ve been there they can help you. The Music Creators Academy will equip you with the tools to unleash your creativity. You’ll have access to professional music engraving software and the coaching to help you bring your music to life.

And what if you don’t know much music theory? Or have only been singing or playing your instrument for a year or two. It doesn’t matter.

The MCA faculty will meet you were you’re at.

Worried about how collaboration and live music making can work online? No sweat. Our faculty do this with school ensembles across North America all the time. And MCA is building on the experience of last year’s camp.

No matter what you’re worried about, we have you covered. If you have ANY questions don’t hesitate to reach out.

The MCA faculty realize that at this point you may be sick of Zoom meetings.

We understand.

The MCA sessions engage everyone and the faculty value all student contributions.

And this is unlike any other virtual music making experience you’ve probably had. This is not like school Zoom calls. As Dorothy says:

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

When MCA ends you will have new tools in your toolbox that will allow you to compose and share your music.

Imagine what it will be like when you share with your music director the music you’ve composed. And sending recordings of the music you created at MCA to friends and family.

We at the Music Creators Academy believe that everybody has a creative voice and that the world needs their creativity.

The future of music is here.

Here’s What You’ll Get Out of It:

 

CONFIDENCE

Sharing music is a vulnerable thing. It can be nerve-wracking to perform. It can be even more so when improvising or sharing something so personal as piece of music you created. You’ll walk away from MCA with increased courage in sharing your music and creating new ideas.

 

GROWTH

The motto of the Music Creators Academy is CREATE. COLLABORATE. PERFORM. At MCA you will grow in all three areas. The greatest thing you can do is to challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday. MCA will help you do that.

CREATIVITY

Every human has the power to create. And still for many of us there’s something that gets in the way. MCA will help you unlock your creativity. Through musical games and exercises you will learn to let the ideas flow freely. And you’ll use your creativity to work with others to make something new!

 

MUSICIANSHIP

This is a music camp, after all. After the creativity and the collaboration comes the performance. Together with the faculty, you and your small ensemble will need to work on bringing the music you created to life. You will meet daily to generate ideas and rehearse. At the end of MCA your music will be shared in a concert!

COLLABORATION

The future will be determined by those that can work in a group and contribute to creating innovative solutions to problems we can’t yet imagine. Making music embodies this. At MCA you will practice contributing to a group, collaborating with others, and providing helpful feedback. In the end, a new work of art will be created.

 

FUN!!!

This may be last on the list, but it might be the most important. If the testimonials from last year’s MCA are any indication MCA is fun. Really fun. The faculty make music because they love it and they bring that joy and excitement to all the sessions. You might end up smiling and laughing a lot…

 

WHAT STUDENTS AND PARENTS HAD TO SAY:

 

— Parent

 

— 11th Grader

— 8th Grader

 

— Parent

Get a taste…

Watch the final concert of 2020! The small ensemble pieces were collaboratively created by the students!

 

Perform on your instrument.

Whether you sing or play a woodwind, brass, percussion, or stringed instrument, all are welcome to join—no audition or prior composition experience required.

Each student will participate in:

    • A large group—which will be a daily masterclass with renowned professional musicians.

    • A small ensemble—which will co-create, rehearse, and premiere new work(s) by the student participants

    • Electives—Students will get to choose two courses from the following options:

      • Improvisation & jazz theory

      • Songwriting

      • Film scoring / video game composing

      • Music production / beat making / music technology 

      • Notation 101

      • Social time (playing games and activities together)

      • Music Theory

    • (Optional) Two, half hour private composition lessons—which will give students professional feedback on their music and personalized instruction

Collaborate from your home.

Working alongside your mentors and peers, you will engage in interactive activities to create imaginative new music.

  • Daily Schedule

    • All sessions will take place live online using Zoom

    • All ensembles and classes will happen Monday-Saturday, July 11-16, 2022 from 12-1pm, 1:15-2:45pm, and 3:30-4:30 EDT (3.5 contact hours daily)

    • 1 hour of independent work is expected daily outside of regularly scheduled sessions

    • Optional private lessons will be scheduled based on student and teacher availability

  • Technology Requirements

    • Desktop or laptop computer (a tablet or phone can be used but are not ideal)

    • Headphones or earbuds

    • An external microphone and audio interface would provide a better experience, but are not mandatory

  • Final Concert: Saturday July 16, 2022, 1:15-2:15pm EDT

The Music Creators Academy is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse community. We welcome participants of all backgrounds, races, genders, and religions. Our faculty reflects this inclusivity, so that students can see themselves represented and can find mentors to whom they relate. Likewise, our scholarship program is dedicated to ensuring that students from all economic backgrounds can join our community.

All are welcome.

Join us for the 2022 festival.

Tuition = $399

Registration will close Midnight PST, Friday, July 1

 

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