Fall 2026 Vocal Composition Intensive: 4 Months of Training + Pro Choral & Art Song Recordings

The Wizarding School for Composers invites composers of all skill levels, ages, and nationalities to apply for the Fall 2026 Vocal Composition Intensive, featuring special guests Jocelyn Hagen and soprano Tasha Koontz, and taught by composer Dr. Joseph Sowa and Dr. Matthew D. Nielsen, founder and director of the professional choir Brevitas.

In the intensive, you will write two pieces — an original art song for soprano and piano and an original choral piece for SATB choir — and record them with professional musicians in January 2027. You'll also receive four months of targeted skill-building in text setting, art song writing, and choral writing, supported by weekly group sessions, private lessons, and score study.

Details at a Glance:

• * Art song professionally recorded in January 2027 with soprano Tasha Koontz https://www.tashakoontz.com/, who has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others.
• * Choral piece professionally recorded in January 2027 by Brevitas https://www.instagram.com/brevitaschoir/, the Los Angeles-based professional chamber choir led by Dr. Matthew D. Nielsen https://www.mattnielsen.com/, author of The Technique of Choral Writing. Sessions mixed and mastered by  Christian Amonson https://www.seeingsound.com/, who has recorded for Yo-Yo Ma and John Williams and teaches at USC's Thornton Screen Scoring program. Hear past Brevitas recordings: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJFFSncKdKIo
• * Four months of weekly group workshops (September–December 2026) covering text setting, art song repertoire, and choral writing — every Wednesday at 12 PM Eastern, with replays available within 24 hours.
• * One private lesson per month with Dr. Joseph Sowa.
• * 2 live masterclass score reviews with special guests Jocelyn Hagen https://jocelynhagen.com/ and Dr. Matthew Nielsen in the weeks before the January recording sessions.
• * 3 pre-recorded mini courses ($1,050 value, included):
  1. 1.Advanced Choral Textures — develop sophisticated choral writing techniques that go beyond basic harmony exercises and traditional hymn settings.
  2. 2.Piano Accompaniment Essentials — master strategies for writing effective piano accompaniments, even if you're not a pianist.
  3. 3.Extended Tonal Harmony — go beyond triads and seventh chords to capture the lush, sophisticated harmonies that make vocal music memorable.
• * Free 5-day Fall Composing Jumpstart (August 17–21) — write a complete new piece in one week to build momentum before the intensive begins.
• * BONUS: free copy of The Technique of Choral Writing https://www.mattnielsen.com/book by Dr. Matthew Nielsen.

Early Enrollment Bonus (apply + enroll by July 31):

• 2 additional private lessons with Dr. Sowa ($300 value) — available from the day you enroll through January 2027
• Discounted tuition — pay in full by July 31 and lower your total to $4,250 (saving $600), or pay monthly at $1,137.50/month (saving $300)

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To apply: Complete the application form at forms.gle/qaupcP2aEsehrpwv5. You'll be asked to submit a brief bio, one representative score or recording (mockups okay), and a short statement about what you hope to write. Only 5 spots are available. Applicants accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled.

Deadlines:

• Early enrollment bonus: apply + enroll by July 31, 2026
• Application deadline: August 14, 2026
• Enrollment deadline: August 31, 2026