Hone Your Compositional Craft
and Supercharge Your Career
A 5-month artistic and career training program
for emerging concert and film composers
who want to get commissioned and performed regularly
In partnership with
Sponsored by
Apply Now To Join the Spring 2024 Cohort
Weekly workshops with Dr. Joseph Sowa and Ian Campbell
Weekly group composition lessons with Dr. Sowa
Weekly workshop application assignments and project check-ins
Recording opportunities can include:
Solo piano recording with Clare Longendyke
Solo cello reading session with Gloria Lum of the LA Philharmonic
Full orchestra (61-piece) recording with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, including filming, mixing, and mastering
Optional private lessons
Optional masterclasses giving you world-class feedback on your orchestral piece in progress:
Your choice of Melinda Wagner (head of composition at Juilliard) OR Jongic Bontemps (composer, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts)
Michelle Rakers (Emmy-winning conductor, who’ll also be conducting your piece in Budapest)
David MacDonald (Notation expert, Scoring Notes podcast co-host, and frequent panelist at international orchestral librarian conferences)
Exclusive access to Wizarding School for Composers private online community
120-day free trial and student discount for Dorico
Full details and tuition below
Early Enrollment Deadline: January 26, 2024
Final Application Deadline: March 1, or until filled.
There is no Application Fee. It’s completely free to apply :)
If you’re ready to supercharge your composing and write music that . . .
- Captures your musical vision
- Dazzles audiences
- Attracts A-list collaborators
- Is performed again and again
. . . then this is the program for you.
Three Great Recording Opportunities
New music advocate Clare Longendyke will record your piano prelude
LA Philharmonic cellist Gloria Lum will read through your piece for solo cello
Whether or not you’ve recorded with an orchestra before, the Wizarding School program ensures that your next recording will be your best ever, so you can:
✅ Improve your orchestral composition skills
✅ Enhance your portfolio, demo reel, or soundtrack project
✅ Stand out in competition, festival, and grad school applications
✅ Impress filmmakers, game designers, and conductors
The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, led by Emmy winner Michelle Rakers, will record your 4-6’ work
Check out these recordings from the Spring 2023 cohort👇
What skills are missing from your composing toolkit?
Book a free, 30-minute call with me. We’ll discuss your music and dreams — and what next steps you can take.
. . . So much MORE than a recording opportunity
The Wizarding School for Composers begins where your music school training left off.
It doesn’t just teach you more academic technique. It shows you how to make a real-world impact with your music:
To know the EXACT details you must use in your music to give audiences GOOSEBUMPS
To expand your network to DOZENS AND HUNDREDS of interested collaborators
To promote your music in a way that FEELS AUTHENTIC AND GETS RESULTS
This “magic” of creating real connections with passionate audiences is what every composer wants.
That’s why, leading up to the recording session, the Wizarding School systematically teaches you advanced, practical composing and networking skills . . .
So you can get performed or commissioned every month.
“I learned a ton from coaching with you that I did not pick up in college.”
— Karalyn Schubring
Karalyn holds a BM in composition from Michigan and is also pianist and improviser
This is the experience you wish you had in college.
We’ll cover 3 essential topics:
How to write music that hooks listeners—using proven music cognition principles—so your music will be performed again and again
How to make your orchestral music sound as good as John Williams or Maurice Ravel.
How to promote your music in a way that feels authentic and results in commissions and performances
By the end of 5 months, you will have up to 3 new recordings you can share confidently and proudly
Taught by Dr. Joseph Sowa
Composer and Scholar
Joined by Guest Experts
Melinda Wagner
Pulitzer Prize–winning composer, chair of the composition department at the Juilliard School.
Jongnic Bontemps
Composer for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts as well as dozens of other features for film, television, and video games in all genres.
Michelle Rakers
Emmy award–winning conductor. Former Assistant Director for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra.
Ian Campbell
Counterpoint Expert
An innovator in the field of partimenti education that sharpens counterpoint and harmony skills.
Garrett Hope
Career Development Expert
Composer and host of The Portfolio Composer podcast
David MacDonald
Score/Parts Prep Expert
Composer, co-host of the Scoring Notes podcast, professor at Wichita State University
Christian Amonson
Recording Engineer & Producer
Faculty at USC’s Thornton Screen Scoring Program, Christian has recorded for John Williams and Yo-Yo Ma, among others.
Take a “Tour” of the Wizarding School
Qualified applicants receive a free, 30-minute discovery call — no strings attached. We’ll discuss your music and goals + how the Wizarding School can help.
An Average Week in the Wizarding School Looks Like . . .
All students meet live on Zoom 2–3 times per week for group workshops, score study sessions, masterclasses, and office hours (all recorded for re-watching later).
Students writing for the Budapest Scoring Orchestra also receive private lessons.
Between live sessions, students
Watch pre-recorded lectures on key concepts
Apply what they’re learning to their original compositions and in guided score study and composition assignments
Meet with peer accountability partners and post in the private online forum for further feedback and support
The Wizarding School requires a minimum commitment of 4–8 hours per week, between the workshops and your own composing.
“The course was customized for each individual, so we were able to take the tasks and tools we were learning and apply them to our music. . . . I feel like I have more knowledge, critiquing skills, and tools that will help bring my music to the next level.”
— Heather Enke
Composer, pianist
Wizarding School Tiers
Select the level of support that’s right for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Basic
The Basic Program includes:
Your piano prelude recorded by concert pianist Clare Longendyke
15 live group workshops (2 hours each) covering all aspects of composition, score study, and creative process
11 live group “office hours” (3 hours each), giving feedback on your works-in-progress, assignments, and other related questions.
12 live group partimenti workshops with Ian Campbell (1 hour each), to help you write pro-level harmony and counterpoint faster
2 one-on-one goal setting calls (30 min. each)
Weekly accountability partners and private online community for expert coaching and peer support
$499.50/mo.
for 6 months or $2,847 paid in full
(includes 5% pay-in-full discount)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
VIP
Includes everything in Basic, plus:
Your cello piece recorded in a reading session with Gloria Lum (of the LA Phil)
4 live masterclass score review sesssions with industry-leading guests:
Melinda Wagner (Pulitzer Prize winner)
Jongic Bontemps (Composer, Transformers)
Michelle Rakers (Emmy-winning conductor)
David MacDonald (Score prep expert)
Four private lessons (1 hour each)
The “Career Success Spell Book” pre-recorded course, plus two personalized, career development strategy sessions (1 hour each)
Direct email support
$749.50/mo.
for 6 months or $4,272 paid in full
(includes 5% pay-in-full discount)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Premiere
Includes everything in Basic and VIP, plus:
Your completed piece recorded by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.
Instrumentation: 61 players (2.2.2.2–4.2.3.1–timp+2 perc.–12.10.8.6.4) with standard doublings
Additional players available upon request at $93/player.
Duration: 4-6 minutes of music. Longer pieces may cost extra.
Score and part review
Mixing and mastering by Christian Amonson (faculty, USC Thornton School)
Extensive support to ensure your composition is the best it can be.
I have limited spots available, so schedule a call with me or fill out an application ASAP.
$1282.50/mo.
for 6 months or $7,312 paid in full
(includes 5% pay-in-full discount)
Questions? Feel free to email us at info@composersschool.com or ask them in your no-strings-attached interview that’s part of the application process.
There is no Application Fee. The application and interview are completely free :)
Jessica Margolin
“The value of the Wizarding School is flabbergasting — so much material. Even after the course ends, it will take a long time to go through it all.”
The Best Orchestral Composing Opportunity.
Hands Down.
A Lot More for Your Investment
High-quality orchestral recordings on their own cost about $7,500 — and they don’t include 4 months of mentorship and training.
For little more than the cost of one grad school course, you get ALL the techniques and knowledge the Wizarding School, PLUS the experience of recording your music with a professional orchestra.
This level of sustained support is truly rare.
Sound Your Absolute Best
Unlike some other orchestral recording opportunities, the Wizarding School includes professional mixing and mastering.
No need to pay extra, or to wing it on your own, or worry that your big project will be ruined by amateur mastering. Our recording engineer Christian Amonson has recorded for John Williams, Yo-Yo Ma, among other major composers, performers, and ensembles.
When you add your recording to your portfolio or demo reel, your music will sound its absolute best.
Mentoring = Confidence + Career Growth
World-class musicians and composers will listen to your music and give you expert feedback.
By the time your piece hits the stands in Budapest, it will be the best it can possibly be. You will record with confidence.
What’s more, these guest experts become part of your professional network, helping you take the next steps in your career.
Professional Video of Your Session
In the 21st century, video is king. That’s why the Wizarding School films your recording session, too.
Whether you want to share a straight run-through of your piece or use excerpts as B-roll for other projects, the Wizarding School leaves you with all the materials you need to best promote your music.
How does the Wizarding School stack up against similar programs?
Let’s break it down in a simple chart (click/tap to enlarge)…
The Wizarding School Gets Results
Last spring, participants received 5 new commissions, were admitted to summer festivals and master’s programs, recorded 13 new pieces in the program, and had 6 additional performances outside of the Wizarding School.
Stephanie Plautz
“Joining the Wizarding School will add you to a growing community that will fully support your musical journey, no matter where you are on that path!”
Ken Applegate
“If you feel like there is anything at all that is keeping you from writing the music you want to write, inquire about the Wizarding School for Composers. This program will be of great benefit to you.”
We’ll answer all your questions
Taking a course like the Wizarding School is a big step.
Schedule a free, 30-minute discovery call today, no strings attached, and I can answer all your questions.
Everything Else You Get with the Wizarding School
That’s right. There’s more.
When you sign up for any package, you’ll get four huge bonuses. Together, they are worth the full value of the basic program: a $2,997 value, for free!
Bonus 1: Nadia Boulanger Counterpoint Bootcamp
Learn the counterpoint and harmony skills famed pedagogue Nadia Boulanger used to turn Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzolla, Quincy Jones and dozens more into world-renowned composers through 12 live workshops taught by partimenti expert Ian Campbell (1 hour each) — so you don’t waste time fumbling for notes and can focus on writing for orchestra. A $1,497 value!
Bonus 2: The Full Wizarding School Video Library
Lifetime access to the full Wizarding School for Composers training library: 90+ pre-recorded lectures and score study sessions. A $1,147 value!
Bonus 3: The Essential Composing Cheat Sheets
Kiss writer’s block goodbye and always know what to do next with 8 indispensable cheat sheets that cover:
Writing memorable melodies * Sketching * Harmony * Analysis and Revision * Creative Process Tools — and more. A $129 value!
Bonus 4: Free 120-Day Dorico Trial plus Student Discount
Upgrade your composing workflow with Dorico, the world’s most intelligent notation program and hand’s down the fastest tool for part creation. If you like it, you can purchase it at Steinberg’s student discount rate. A $220 value!
“Before I took the Wizarding School course, my compositional process relied only on a combination of intuition and jazz theory.
“I now feel like I have an approach that removes the anxiety from the process and allows me to be my most creative self.” — David Ashton
David holds a DMA in clarinet performance from Rutgers and is a NYC-based multi-woodwind performer, improviser, and composer.
The Wizarding School is for composers who…
Have studied undergrad-level theory and orchestration, through either a university, an equivalent program, or self-study.
Are open to feedback and new ideas. Sharing your music can feel personal; you need to trust us to help you grow.
Want to break out and make an impact. This includes
Concert composers who want to find their voice and grow their career.
Film/TV/video game composers who want to enhance their workflow and record a killer demo reel.
Dedicated amateurs who want their music to reach a wide audience.
If this is you, you’re ready to join the Wizarding School.
“I always sensed that I had the ability to be a composer and to make beautiful music, but felt that I didn’t have the tools to make that happen. Because of the Wizarding School, those dreams of composing became possibilities.”
— Seth Castleton
Seth holds a DMA in cello performance from the University of Maryland.
Are you ready to supercharge your composing?
As dozens of alumni can attest, the Wizarding School will transform both your composing and your career.
Are you ready to level up your orchestral composing skills?
Apply now for your spot in the program. If you qualify, you’ll be given a free, 30-minute interview. We’ll discuss your music and goals — and how the Wizarding School for Composers can help.