Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find quick and reliable answers to the most common questions about studying, applying, and collaborating with the International eLearning Institute for New Music (ILINM).
This page serves as your comprehensive guide to our study programs, admissions, scholarships, online learning experience, and institutional policies. Our goal is to help you navigate ILINM with ease and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find quick and reliable answers to the most common questions about studying, applying, and collaborating with the International eLearning Institute for New Music (ILINM).
This page serves as your comprehensive guide to our study programs, admissions, scholarships, online learning experience, and institutional policies. Our goal is to help you navigate ILINM with ease and confidence.
FAQ Center
Your guide to studying, applying, and collaborating at ILINM. Find support and clarity here.
1. Study Programs & Courses
ILINM offers three main academic pathways: Composition, New Technologies, and Music Performance. Each area contains courses ranging from short workshops to full semester programs.
A Semester Course is a long-term, in-depth program (3-4 months) focused on creating a major new work or achieving comprehensive skill development. A Short Course is an intensive workshop (typically 1 day to 3 weeks) focused on a specific technique, piece of repertoire, or skill.
Yes. The Music Performance Program is designed specifically for performers interested in contemporary repertoire, extended techniques, and collaborating with living composers. We offer courses for individual musicians and ensembles.
This program focuses on the intersection of music, code, and digital media. You can study tools like Max/MSP and Pure Data, and explore areas such as sound design, interactive systems, and electronic music composition.
Yes. While each program has a focused curriculum, ILINM encourages interdisciplinary study. You can combine courses, for instance, taking a composition seminar while also enrolling in a Max/MSP workshop.
This depends on the specific course. Some introductory workshops are designed for beginners, while our semester courses and masterclasses typically require a solid foundational knowledge. Please check the “Who Should Apply” section on each course page.
Yes. We offer Flexible Mentorship in the form of one-on-one lessons in composition, performance, and music technology. These can be booked as standalone sessions or to supplement your course work.
Yes. Upon successful completion of a course, you will receive an official ILINM Certificate of Attendance or, for certificate tracks, a program certificate.
2. Admissions & Application Process
All applications are submitted online through the ILINM Secure Portal. The process is: 1) Select your desired course, 2) Prepare the required documents, and 3) Submit your complete application via the portal.
Requirements vary by program but commonly include:
● A short artistic biography or CV;
● A statement of interest or motivation letter;
● For composition/performance courses: scores, recordings, or a portfolio;
● Proof of identity.
Yes. Each course has its own application deadline, which is always listed on the individual course page. Some programs use rolling admissions (applications are reviewed as they arrive), while others have a fixed cutoff date.
You apply for a course to be admitted to the program. You apply for a scholarship to receive financial aid for that course. You can—and should—often submit both applications simultaneously through the same portal.
For most courses, you can expect a decision within 1 to 2 weeks after submitting a complete application. For applications submitted close to a deadline, the decision will typically come within 2 weeks after the deadline has passed.
Yes, you can apply to multiple courses. If they occur concurrently, our admissions team will contact you to confirm your primary choice.
Yes, for most performance courses, we require 2-3 short video recordings (home recordings are acceptable) to assess your technical level and artistic approach.
You will receive an official acceptance email with an enrollment confirmation form and instructions for paying your tuition. Your spot in the course is secured once payment is completed.
3. Scholarships & Financial Aid
ILINM offers scholarships, grants, and awards based on artistic merit, financial need, and commitment to new music. These include full/partial tuition waivers and special opportunities for volunteers.
1.Apply to your chosen course through the ILINM portal;
2. Submit the scholarship request with required documents;
3. Meet all specified deadlines (scholarship deadlines may differ from course deadlines).
● Brief motivation statement (150-250 words);
● CV or artistic résumé;
● Work samples/portfolio (for composition/performance awards);
● Recommendation letter (if requested).
Decisions are typically communicated within 1-2 weeks after the scholarship deadline, depending on application volume and committee review.
Yes, but students may only receive one scholarship award per course.
Active volunteers may receive priority for selected awards and special scholarship opportunities.
Yes, though the number and type of awards vary by program and semester.
Yes. Scholarship awards don’t affect your eligibility to receive an ILINM certificate upon successful course completion.
The ILINM Grant for short courses has a simpler application process and is designed to be more accessible to emerging artists.
4. Enrollment & Application
You can enroll directly through the ILINM website. Simply select your course, complete the online registration form, and submit your payment through our secure checkout system.
Most ILINM courses offer rolling admissions, meaning you can apply at any time. However, campus programs, semester courses, and special workshops may have fixed deadlines.
Please check each course page for specific dates.
Yes. ILINM is a fully online institute and welcomes students from all countries and time zones.
Some programs—especially composition, performance, or advanced workshops—may require samples of your work.
Requirements are always listed on each course page.
ILINM accepts applicants of various ages.
Some courses are designed for emerging or young artists, while others are open to all ages. Requirements vary by program.
For rolling-admission courses, you typically receive confirmation immediately or within a few days.
For selective programs, decisions are announced after the application deadline.
Yes. You may apply to multiple courses or workshops, as long as you can commit to the schedule and workload.
Not always. ILINM offers courses for beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced musicians.
Each course description clearly states the level of experience required.
Your place is confirmed once:
● Your application is submitted;
● Required materials are approved (if applicable), and
● Tuition payment is received.
If a course reaches capacity, you may join a waiting list. You will be notified automatically if a place becomes available.
Minor updates (contact details, corrections, etc.) can be made by contacting ILINM Support.
Major changes may require re-submission, depending on the course.
Yes. ILINM offers several scholarships and grants.
You may apply for financial support during your course application process, as long as the scholarship deadline has not passed.
5. Online Learning & Technical Setup
All courses are delivered through live, interactive online sessions via Zoom, combined with guided project work. This creates a dynamic classroom experience with real-time feedback from faculty and peers.
You will need:
● A computer with a stable, high-speed internet connection.
● A webcam and microphone.
● Headphones or speakers.
● Any required software (as specified in your course details).
Basic computer skills are sufficient for most courses. For New Technologies programs, specific prerequisites will be clearly listed in the course description.
You are not alone! To ensure a smooth learning experience, an ILINM Assistant is present in every live Zoom session. This person manages the virtual classroom and is ready to provide immediate, dedicated technical support if you encounter any issues. For problems outside of live sessions, comprehensive troubleshooting guides and contact information are available on our learning platform.
Yes, all course materials (such as scores, readings, and assignments) are available through our secure learning platform for the duration of the course. Regarding session recordings, our primary policy is to protect the privacy and creative safety of our learning space. Therefore, sessions are not routinely recorded for general access. In special circumstances, and only with the explicit permission of the instructor and all participating students, a recording may be made available on a case-by-case basis.
The time commitment varies by program and includes both live sessions and independent work. Here is a general guide:
● Short courses: 2-4 hours total, typically consisting of two or more live sessions (each session is 1 hour) plus independent review.
● Semester courses: 6-9 hours per month, which includes monthly live sessions of 2-3 hours, along with time for assignments, creative work, and research.
● Workshops: An intensive commitment of 1-4 hours total, often held in a single extended session or a few shorter sessions.
Yes. Active participation in live sessions, completion of assignments, and engagement with faculty feedback are essential components of all ILINM programs.
All coursework is submitted through our secure learning platform, where you’ll receive detailed feedback from faculty through the same system.
Yes. Our platform includes discussion forums and collaboration spaces where you can connect with peers, share work, and continue conversations.
6. The ILINM Explore Platform
ILINM Explore is a dynamic online platform designed for composers, performers, researchers, and enthusiasts to discover opportunities, access curated resources, and stay connected with the international new music scene. Think of it as your central hub for open calls, news, a research library, and a global database.
No. The ILINM Explore platform is a free resource designed to serve the global new music community. While some exclusive materials are for enrolled students, the vast majority of its content—including Open Calls, News, the Database, and much of the Library—is accessible to everyone.
This section is a curated list of international opportunities for artists, including calls for scores, composition competitions, performance commissions, festival applications, workshop invitations, and residencies from around the world.
The Library offers selected readings, digital scores, scholarly texts, and research materials to support your study and creative practice. The Archive is a growing digital repository preserving documented new-music activities, including project materials, lectures, interviews, and contributed media from artists and partners.
Our curated Database is a valuable information tool. You can use it to find, read, and learn about composers, performers, ensembles, institutions, festivals, and research centers active in the field of new music globally.
We welcome passionate volunteers to help us grow! You can contribute as a content researcher, web writer, section editor, or regional correspondent. No prior experience is needed—we provide guidance and training. It’s a fantastic way to develop skills, engage with the global community, and support open cultural resources.
Absolutely. Active volunteers are valued members of our community and receive:
● Scholarship Support: Eligibility for partial or full scholarships toward ILINM courses.
● Professional Recognition: An official Certificate of Contribution and a Recommendation Letter.
● Network Access: Connection to ILINM’s global professional network and future opportunities.
Each Open Call listed on the platform has its own specific guidelines and a dedicated submission form. You will need to create a free account on the ILINM Explore platform to view the full details and submit your application.
Yes, we encourage community submissions! Please use the contact form on the website or reach out to us at [explore@ilinm.org] with the details. Our editorial team will review your suggestion for inclusion.
7. Collaborations & Volunteering
We actively seek performers and ensembles to bring new music to life. Collaboration opportunities include:
● Working directly with ILINM student composers on new works.
● Premiering pieces in ILINM events, both online and at our campus.
● Participating in online reading sessions, workshops, or recording projects.
● Featuring works by ILINM composers in your own concert programs.
We value partnerships with dedicated new music ensembles. We can collaborate on:
● Co-producing concerts, festivals, or special events.
● Hosting recording sessions or workshops for our students.
● Engaging in long-term commissioning projects.
● Involving your ensemble in our online or campus-based projects.
Absolutely. We welcome classically-focused ensembles looking to explore new repertoire. ILINM can facilitate this by connecting you with composers suited to your style, recommending existing works, and promoting your call for scores within our global network.
Yes! We welcome proposals from experienced composers, educators, and scholars to teach courses, lead masterclasses, mentor students, or participate in our lectures and research forums. Please submit your proposal through our portal.
We are eager to build partnerships with like-minded cultural and academic organizations. Potential collaborations include joint academic programs, co-produced festivals, shared research initiatives, and cross-institutional projects that support emerging artists.
Definitely. Interdisciplinary work is at the heart of new music. We collaborate with audio engineers, software developers, digital media specialists, and other creative professionals. Your expertise can greatly enhance our educational and artistic projects.
All collaboration requests are managed through our ILINM Secure Portal. We ask you to submit a proposal outlining your idea, information about your background or organization, and any relevant supporting materials. Our team will review every submission and follow up with the next steps.
Collaboration typically refers to project-based partnerships with professionals (ensembles, composers, institutions) often involving a specific artistic or educational outcome. Volunteering generally refers to contributing to the operational growth of the ILINM Explore platform, as detailed in Section 6, which can also lead to scholarship opportunities.
We deeply appreciate support from partners who believe in our mission. Sponsorship can help fund scholarships, events, recordings, and research. Please contact us through the collaboration portal and select “Support & Sponsorship” to start a conversation.
8. Certificates & Academic Policies
Yes. ILINM offers official Certificates for selected courses and programs.
Each certificate is authenticated and issued directly by the International eLearning Institute for New Music (ILINM).
No. ILINM Certificates are not issued digitally.
They are formally verified, authenticated, and issued by ILINM.
Requirements vary by program, but generally include:
● Completing all required coursework;
● Active participation in workshops or collaborative activities;
● Submission of final projects when applicable;
● Maintaining consistent attendance and engagement;
● Each course page lists its specific certificate requirements.
Yes, if the course includes a certificate option.
Some courses offer a single-course certificate, while others are part of a multi-course certificate track.
Assessment depends on the course format and may include:
● Creative assignments;
● Score or project submissions;
● Participation in workshops and discussions;
● Performance or presentation tasks;
● Instructor evaluation and feedback;
● Detailed assessment criteria are listed within each course syllabus.
ILINM certificates are non-credit-bearing, but can be used for:
● Academic portfolios;
● Professional resumes;
● Grant applications;
● Further study applications;
● Many institutions recognize ILINM study as evidence of advanced artistic training.
For certificate-track students, consistent attendance is required.
Missing multiple sessions may affect eligibility for certification.
Withdrawal policies vary depending on the course type.
Please review the “Additional Policies” section or contact ILINM Support for guidance.
Yes. Certificates include:
● Student’s full name;
● Course or program title;
● Completion date;
● Instructor or program director validation;
● Official ILINM authentication.
Yes. Duplicate certificates can be issued upon request.
A small administrative fee may apply.
No. ILINM certificates remain valid permanently.
If you have further questions about certificates or academic policies, you can always contact ILINM Support.
9. About ILINM
ILINM is a global online institute dedicated to academic innovation and advanced professional development in contemporary music, composition, and interdisciplinary creative research. Founded by composer Mehdi Hosseini, ILINM offers specialized, high-level training for artists seeking to push their practice beyond conventional boundaries. We connect accomplished musicians, composers, and scholars with world-leading faculty through a flexible, high-quality online environment designed for profound artistic and technical growth.
ILINM is designed for:
● Young and emerging composers;
● Musicians interested in contemporary music;
● Academic researchers;
● Students seeking professional development;
● Artists looking to expand their creative practice;
● Experience levels range from beginner to advanced.
ILINM was initiated and developed through the vision of composer Mehdi Hosseini, conceived as a global learning center and meeting point for diverse musical influences.
Our approach is defined by three key elements:
● A Global Faculty & Community: We connect students with world-leading artists and scholars from around the world.
● Live, Interactive Online Learning: We combine the flexibility of online study with the depth of real-time instruction and mentorship.
● Integration of Practice & Theory: We bridge the gap between creative work, technological innovation, and research, often connecting to live performance through our campus events.
ILINM offers comprehensive courses in three core areas:
● Composition: Including instrumental, vocal, electroacoustic, and electronic music.
● New Technologies: Focusing on sound design, interactive media, AI, and creative programming.
● Research: Covering musicology and computer research in music and acoustics.
While most of our study takes place online, the ILINM Campus is our physical hub for immersive experiences. It hosts events like the Summer Academy, workshops, and festivals, providing a space for faculty and students to meet, collaborate, and share work in person.
ILINM is firmly committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of our operations, including admissions, educational programs, and events.
Beyond our courses, we serve as a public platform for new music through:
● The ILINM Explore platform, a free resource with open calls, a research library, and global news.
● Staging music events and an International New Music Festival.
● Encouraging dialogue between audiences and contemporary musicians worldwide.
Yes. ILINM is a registered entity under UID CHE-480.218.022.
