COMPOSERS HUB 2025
May 27 - June 1 | Madison, WI
Professional Development Program for Women Composers
Application Period: November 15, 2024 - January 15, 2025
No Application Fee
Program Tuition: $1,050
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Composers Hub is an annual week-long intensive designed to provide women composers with extraordinary experiences and tools for success in their growing professional careers. Six composers will be selected to receive personalized mentorship at LunART Festival (Madison, Wisconsin, USA), May 27-June 1, 2025 working with Composer-in-Residence Dr. Chen Yi as they develop musicianship at the highest level within a nurturing and supportive environment.
Dr. Chen Yi,
2025 Composer-in-Residence
ELIGIBILITY
Women composers (ciswomen and transgender), ages 18 and up, who are at the earlier stages of their careers, meaning:
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Those with limited professional performances of their works
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Those not yet published and/or recorded professionally
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Those seeking tools to enhance their composition careers
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Those interested in constructive feedback and support on a current work
BENEFITS
Accepted Applicants Receive:
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Masterclasses and a private composition lesson with Dr. Chen
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Arts business sessions: lectures in copyright law, marketing strategies, and personalized financial and career coaching
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Performance of the submitted piece at the Composers Hub Spotlight Concert
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Professional audio and video recording of the submitted piece
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Rehearsal and workshop with festival musicians
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Admission to all 2025 festival events
PROGRAM TIMELINE
Application Period: November 15, 2024-January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025, 11:59pm CST
Program Dates: May 27-June 1, 2025
Results: Application results will be communicated by March 1, 2025.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submitted works should be:
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7-10 minutes in length
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Scored for one to five performers; available instruments, voice types, and ensembles are listed below.
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A single or multi-movement work not previously recorded or published. In the case of multi-movement works, we reserve the right to play selections.
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Work must be completed at the time of submission. However, minor changes are acceptable. Accepted applicants must provide the finalized scores by March 15, 2025.
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Written no earlier than January 1, 2022
Required Application Materials:
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PDF of score (please upload a PDF with the file name formatted as compositiontitle.pdf)
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Audio recording of the submitted piece (acceptable formats include .mp3, .aif, and .wav). Composer/performers only: a recording of the applicant performing must be submitted; acceptance as a performer is at the discretion of the festival.
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Bio (100 words or less)
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Program Notes (200 words or less)
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Short essay (200-250 words), which will determine your candidacy, addressing the following questions: Why do you believe you are a good fit for this program? What do you hope to gain from this experience, and why would you like to participate?
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Instruments Available:
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Strings: String quartet, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
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Woodwinds: wind quintet, Flute (piccolo, alto, bass), Clarinet (bass, B flat, E flat), Oboe (English horn, oboe d’amore), Bassoon, Saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)
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Brass: Brass quintet, Trumpet, French horn, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba
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Voice: Any voice type, as a solo vocal part or a member of an ensemble.
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Piano: If your work includes prepared piano, please contact us before submitting. Please be aware that the concert hall only accommodates one piano, and therefore, pieces intended for multiple pianos will not be considered.
Housing Accommodation and Transportation
Accommodations
LunART Festival offers clean, affordable dormitory-style housing on the beautiful University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Just steps away from Lake Mendota, the Lowell Center is conveniently walkable to most festival locations, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee shops, a pharmacy, and a grocery store. Each room includes a small refrigerator.
All lodging and meal expenses are separate from tuition and are the responsibility of the participant.
The following rates are approximate, and 2025 pricing is subject to change:
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Single Room with Private Bath - $75 per night
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Double Room - $48 per night (Subject to availability of a roommate.)
Participants may stay at a hotel, Air BNB, or an alternate location. However, they are responsible for managing their own arrangements and reservations. The festival will provide a list of hotel options located in downtown Madison.
Transportation
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to, from, and during the festival.
Flights into Madison are available through Dane County Regional Airport. Milwaukee and Chicago airports offer ground transport options to downtown Madison.
Most festival locations are walkable within the downtown Madison area, and all are serviced by city bus lines. Taxi services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available.
All of our venues are ADA compliant. Please contact us if you have questions about accessibility.
Questions?
Contact Marie Pauls, Program Manager: marie@lunartfestival.org
Melinda Wagner
2024 Composer-in-Residence
Beyond loving the stellar performances of my music and that of the fellows, I was so inspired by the overall atmosphere of excitement, support, and deep engagement created by everyone involved with making LunART happen, not only during the summer, but throughout the year. LunART was truly a wonderful experience for all—one I would definitely recommend to emerging composers.
Addison Struckman
2024 Cohort
The LunART festival was an experience beyond what I could have imagined! Being surrounded by intelligent, hard-working, and supportive musicians all week long really helped me step out of my comfort zone and built up my confidence. I was given resources I didn't even know I needed, and so many that I have been desperately trying to find. I've noticed a considerable difference in my mindset and motivation since the festival. Never have I felt so appreciated in the arts as a woman!
Joanne Na
2024 Cohort
LunART Festival was such a welcoming and supportive environment. Thank you so much for empowering women composers and supporting our music!
Lauren Conklin
2023 Cohort
LunART Festival was an incredible experience and I can't say enough how grateful I am to have been a part of it! Everyone involved was a joy to be around and I am so glad to be able to carry the friendships and connections made there back out into the world. It was so inspiring to be surrounded by so much talent and to be able to learn from the other composers, musicians, and panelists throughout the week. I came home feeling energized and excited to write again!!
Claire Cope
2023 Cohort
This truly was an incredibly inspiring and unforgettable experience for me. I am so so grateful to have been given the chance to be a part of this very special festival. I have learned so much about composition and about myself, and have gained confidence in many areas of my life and work even from this short experience. I am still buzzing from it a week later! Thank you everyone.