We are very pleased to invite applications for the Composition Summer Course 2026. The course is open to composers over 18 years old who are looking to develop their creativity, skills, and knowledge through a programme of activity including one-to-one tuition, workshops with leading performers, seminars, and concerts. The opportunities are designed to be transformational in your thinking about your creative work, and will be presented in a stimulating, supportive, and engaging way.
We are very pleased to welcome composer Robert Fokkens to lead the Composition Course this year. Originally from South Africa, he is currently Reader in Composition and director of the Contemporary Music Group at Cardiff University. He brings a wealth of experience of supporting and developing composers to the Course, whether through his role at Cardiff and in his previous work at the Junior Trinity Conservatoire in London, or through courses and workshops such as the Vale of Glamorgan Festival’s Peter Reynolds Composers Studio, the Penarth Chamber Music Festival’s Composer workshops, and the Carducci Quartet’s Young Composers’ Workshop.
This year the course will include pre-course workshops with the Solem Quartet as well as working with them during the week. We will also work with other Summer School course tutors exploring various aspects of creative work and the business of composing.
Could you please submit a score, as an example of your work,in support of your application
