Online Composition Semester Course
- Next Semester Starts: Feb 14, 2026
- Application Deadline: Jan 8, 2026
This composition course invites emerging and advanced composers to develop and complete a new work through personalized mentorship with the ILINM faculty. Across one-on-one lessons and guided consultations, participants will refine their compositional techniques, strengthen their artistic vision, and prepare a piece for a performance and recording as part of the ILINM Academy Showcase.
- What You’ll Learn:
- Develop your artistic language through focused mentorship
- Write and structure works for live musicians and ensembles
- Prepare your composition for performance and recording
- Gain high-level feedback and critical discussion with ILINM faculty
If you have questions or need assistance, our admissions team is here to help. Contact us here.
This three-month program provides a structured framework for composers to create a substantial new work, from conception to performance.
Each student works individually with an ILINM faculty member through six personalized one-on-one lessons (6 hours total), scheduled twice per month. Additionally, participants receive one consulting lesson assigned by ILINM.
Participants also have:
● A 45-minute online presentation of their completed composition;
● Full access to all ILINM guest lectures and student showcases;
● An ILINM Certificate of Completion (3 credits);
● The opportunity to have their composition performed and recorded in the ILINM Academy Showcase.
Composers are invited to write for one of the following lineups:
● Chamber ensemble of up to five instruments (flute, clarinet, piano, violin, cello);
● Solo instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, violin, cello, electric guitar, accordion;
● Saxophone quartet;
● String Quartet.
Course Period
Duration of Course: 14 February – 14 May 2026 (3 months)
Final Score Submission: 21 May 2026
Application Deadline: 8 January 2026
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
● Create an original composition with a refined structural and conceptual framework;
● Apply advanced compositional techniques and writing skills to complex works;
● Collaborate effectively with performers and ensembles;
● Present and critically discuss their creative process in a professional context;
● Gain practical experience through recording and presentation of their work.
Who Can Apply:
Emerging and advanced composers seeking to create a substantial new work for their portfolio and professional development.
Recommended Background:
● Basic experience in music composition and notation.
● Familiarity with contemporary music, interdisciplinary media, and ensemble writing is highly recommended.
● Prior knowledge of sound production, editing, or electronics is a plus.
Technical Requirements:
● A computer with a stable internet connection.
● A webcam and microphone for online consultation sessions.
● The ability to share and receive scores in PDF format.
● (Optional) Access to your preferred notation or audio software for revisions.
Online Learning Guidelines:
● Attend all one-on-one lessons and scheduled consultations.
● Actively participate in discussions and feedback sessions.
● Submit assignments, scores, and final compositions by stated deadlines.
● Technical support is available for course materials and platform access.
Tuition Fee:
● Full tuition for the semester course: 1200 Euros
● Payment due within 7 days of receiving admission confirmation
Installment Plan:
● Payment may be split into two parts:
700 Euros within 7 days of admission confirmation
500 Euros one month after the semester begins (exact deadline communicated upon admission)
● Failure to complete the second payment by the stated deadline will result in dismissal from the semester program
Payment Methods:
● Credit/debit card via ILINM online payment system
● Bank transfer
Refund Policy:
● All payments are non-refundable
● Strict adherence to payment deadlines is required for participation in Academy activities
What is the main outcome of this course?
The primary outcome is a complete, professionally notated composition that will be performed, recorded, and promoted as part of the ILINM Academy Showcase. You will also receive an ILINM Certificate of Completion (3 credits).
Who is the ideal student for this program?
This course is designed for emerging and advanced composers who are ready to dedicate three months to developing a substantial new work with high-level, personalized mentorship.
How does the mentorship work?
You will receive six one-on-one lessons (6 hours total) with a faculty member of your selection. The lesson schedule is flexible and will be arranged directly between you and your teacher, typically occurring twice per month. Additionally, you will have one dedicated consulting lesson assigned by ILINM to provide an additional perspective on your work.
What instruments can I write for?
You can compose for a chamber ensemble (up to 5 instruments: flute, clarinet, piano, violin, cello), a solo instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, violin, cello, electric guitar, accordion), a saxophone quartet, or a string quartet.
Do I need to be an expert in music technology?
No. The core focus of this course is on acoustic composition. While prior knowledge of sound production or electronics is a plus, it is not required. You will primarily need a computer for notation software (if you use it) and a stable internet connection for online lessons via Zoom.
What is the time commitment per week?
The formal commitment includes bi-weekly lessons. However, you should expect to dedicate significant time each week to composing, revising, and preparing for your lessons and the final presentation.
Is the performance and recording guaranteed?
Yes. The recording of your work for the ILINM Academy Showcase is a guaranteed outcome for all students who successfully complete the course. Furthermore, based on project opportunities and partnerships, ILINM may also promote and present your work at international festivals and events.
What kind of support is available if I have technical issues?
Technical support is available to assist you with accessing course materials and navigating the online learning platform used for lessons and consultations.
What is the 45-minute online presentation?
This is your opportunity to present your finalized composition to an online audience of peers, faculty, and guests, discussing your creative process and the work itself before its live performance.
How do I apply?
You can apply by clicking the “Apply Now” button on this page. The application process typically involves submitting a portfolio of your previous work and a statement of intent.
Faculty (A-Z)
Dieter Ammann
Mark Andre
Oscar Bianchi
Francesco Filidei
Pierre Jodlowski
Dmitri Kourliandski
Klaus Lang
Lisa Streich
