Encouragement and support for the young composer

August 11, 2007 1:15 PM

Where to find encouragement and support for a young composer?

My nephew is a talented musician and has taken to composing classical music ("in a period style"). He uses Sibelius among other tools and for this program there is something of an on-line community, but it is apparently hyper-critical and positively snarky. He's looking for something better.

Are there supportive communities out there which would offer help, useful critical input and encouragement for a young composer?

posted by grahamwell to Media & Arts (2 answers total)

Best answer: Your post struck a chord with me (ha ha) because I was a young person who loved classical music, and it was very tough. I work at a classical radio station, and occasionally get email from younger listeners--some just love the music, others are composing. It's tough for them and no mistake.

Things should ease up for your nephew when your he gets to university. I studied at a state college in the US with a pretty good music school. Suddenly there were other people who loved the music I loved. Your classmates become a built-in audience. I always envied the composers among us--they were considered very glamourous. Someday your nephew will have groupies!

For now, maybe he could start submitting his work to local contests? There's a Young Composers Project associated with a group called Fear No Music where I live, but I think you're in Britain. You might want to search on young composer resources in your area.

Also, there's a great radio show called From The Top that showcases young classical musicians. I don't know if your nephew would be eligible to participate, but you might find other resources on the site:

http://www.fromthetop.org/
posted by frosty_hut at 2:29 PM on August 11, 2007

I can relate to that for similar reasons as above poster. At that age I was lucky because my parents had contacts to a teacher at a local music school who I would have an hour's worth of private lessons fortnightly. Speaking as a classical music student: especially period styles are so rules-based that it is worth having someone who is "in the know".
posted by yoHighness at 3:32 PM on August 21, 2007