CALL FOR COMPOSERS: The Berlin Academy of American Music (BAAM) invites composers to take part in an immersive 7-day workshop in the heart of Berlin, bringing together a diverse international group of artists for focused exchange, collaboration, and discovery. Featuring an esteemed faculty of distinguished composers and music professionals from both sides of the Atlantic — including David T. Little, Josefine Opsahl, Alvin Singleton, Matthew Quayle, and Garrett Keast — the program includes daily seminars, four lessons per participant, guest presentations by major composers, chamber music concerts, and a public final-day performance of each composer’s work by the BAAM Septet. Held at Berlin’s historic Kühlhaus, the workshop offers a wide range of perspectives on what a successful and sustainable composition career can look like today.
Workshop Faculty 2026
David T. Little
Alvin Singleton
Matthew Quayle
Presenters 2026
William Anderson
Composer,
Guitar
Jonathan Dawe
Composer,
Juilliard School Faculty
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Giulia Folchi Heunecke
Wise Music Classical Berlin (Publishing)
Aviya Kopelman
Composer,
Kronos: Under 30
Craig Urquhart
Composer, Piano,
Recording Artist
TAILORED LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Each day of the workshop contains a full array of experiences. Spend the morning in composition seminars; afternoons taking lessons with our composition faculty and attending presentations and discussions with guest composers and music professionals; and evenings at BAAM events or performances in the city.
In seminars and presentations, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in deep dives on topics crucial to today’s composers, including:
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Contemporary compositional techniques and practices
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Entrepreneurship, career building and networking
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Music publishing and the business of the music industry
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Intermedial art / an interdisciplinary approach
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Working as a composer-performer
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The role of art in contemporary society
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Finding your own voice and carreer path
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Exposure to wide range of composers, styles, genres and ideas
These sessions will provide you with creative tools and practical insights to elevate your craft and navigate the modern music landscape.
Live Performance of Your Work
Bring a completed work to be professionally performed and recorded by an ensemble of BAAM musicians (up to 7 players, maximum performance length: 8 minutes). This is a unique opportunity to hear your composition come to life in a professional setting. Instrumentation available: flute, clarinet, piano, two violins, viola, cello.
LESSONS
Throughout the week, you’ll benefit from four lessons - one with each of our main composition faculty. In these 1-hour lessons, you will be paired with a fellow composer.
Supportive, Collaborative Environment
Build lasting professional relationships that could shape and support your career for years to come. Surrounded by like-minded composers who are committed to advancing their craft, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work during the Composition Forum and receive peer feedback.
EVENINGS IN BERLIN
Experience Berlin’s vibrant music scene, from student performances to faculty concerts and more. Immerse yourself in the city’s artistic energy and discover new inspirations for your work. Participants will have the chance to attend a performance at one of Berlin's renowned musical landmarks, such as the Konzerthaus Berlin or the Staatsoper unter den Linden.
