June 13—July 11, 2027

The Composition Program at SSMF offers two tracks for program participation:
the Composition Intensive and the Supplemental Study in Composition.

Composition Intensive

Students selected to study composition at Sewanee will have multiple opportunities to have their music performed, workshopped and coached during the festival. Students will enjoy weekly lessons and seminars with Composition Director Jorge Variego and have ample time to study, compose, and collaborate with fellow students and faculty members. The program is capped at five (5) student composers in the composition track in order to allow ample time for reading sessions, rehearsals, and performances. Program highlights include:

• Reading session with the Sewanee Symphony
• Chamber music performances on the student chamber music series
• Master classes in contemporary composition and performance techniques with selected festival faculty 
• Composition studio recital 
• Private lessons every week
• Master classes with guest artists 
• Listening sessions at the Ralston Listening Library 
• Workshops with a special focus (e.g. film scoring, songwriting, etc). 
• Group seminar every week
• Composition Competition

As part of the Festival’s second week, student compositions are featured in orchestra readings. From these, one work will be selected as the winner of the Composition Competition. The winning piece will be performed by the Cumberland Orchestra in Week 4, giving the composer the opportunity to hear their music brought to life in a full concert setting.

Week 1 
One-on-one collaborations
Collaboration with instrumental students, in short works written specifically for week one of SSMF. Premieres on the first Saturday of week 1.

Week 2 
Orchestra Week
Focus on orchestral pieces for the orchestral reading session. Score and parts preparation master class, individual meeting with the conductor.

Week 3 
Depending on performers availability, composers will have the option to write for either: brass quintet, wind quintet, percussion quartet, or pierrot plus percussion chamber group. Premiered on the Saturday of week 3.

Week 4
Final composers showcase. Composers will produce their own concert for mixed ensembles. Premieres on the last weekend of the festival

In addition to the projected activities, we usually have master classes with guest artists (composers,
conductors, performers) participating in the festival.

Note: MOST performances are professionally audio and video recorded.

Program Director

Jorge Variego

More information on the Composition Faculty can be found on our faculty page.

Tuition and Fees*

*2026 tuition listed. Will be updated soon.

Tuition: $4,250
This includes all classes, lessons, seminars, and coachings during the program.

Room & Board: $2,500
This includes all meals, a double occupancy room, and access to campus facilities including the Fowler Athletic Center and duPont Library.

Single Room Fee: $510
Single rooms are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Refunds will not be granted for any reason if the inquiry is communicated to our office past May 18, 2027.

Audition requirements

Composition applicants should submit scores of  PDF ’s two contrasting works written for solo, chamber or large ensemble ( orchestra, chamber orchestra or wind band). Recordings or midi realizations are not required but encouraged. In addition, it is required one letter of recommendation or the contact information for two professional references in the field of music.

Application Fees and Deadlines

November 1st, 2026

• All Applications Open !
• $50.00 application fee

February 15th, 2027

• Final day for Early Bird application fee
• Priority Acceptance Deadline for Scholarship Match Program
• $50.00 application fee Oct. 14 — Feb. 15

March 24th, 2027

• Final Application Deadline
• $75.00 application fee Feb. 16 — Mar. 24

After March 24th, 2027

• Applications after March 24th may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Some studios will be full.

Supplemental Study – Expand Your Studies

Students have the unique opportunity to explore a supplemental area of study for an additional fee. For example, if composition is selected as your primary focus, you may choose an instrument as a secondary area to broaden your skills. Likewise, a violin student may choose to study viola, or a clarinet student might add composition as a secondary area. This program allows for a tailored and versatile educational experience, helping students pursue their passions in greater depth. Please note that this option is pending faculty availability.

Supplemental Study Tuition: $500*

This fee covers the cost of the supplemental study for all 4 weeks of the Festival.

*Please note, scholarship funding is not available for supplemental study.

For program questions, please contact Jorge Variego.

For all other program questions, please contact the Festival office.