Lamp Composition Academy 2025

In just eight years, this program has emerged as a standout
opportunity for emerging composers in Canada

June 11-28, 2025

This Academy brings together some of the most innovative creative voices of today and tomorrow.

The Academy offers a blend of master classes, collaborative learning opportunities, hands-on writing and score workshops. It culminates in a concert of world premieres written by participants and inspired according to pre-set themes and instrumentation. In recent years, themes have included new music inspired by poems from Sue Goyette's Masterworks-winning anthology OCEAN, the vibrant visual art of painter Craig Rubadoux and the poetry of three-time award winning author and interdisciplinary artist Michelle Sylliboy.

The perfect destination for serious young composers

The final works are always prepared and performed by professional musicians – another aspect that distinguishes LAMP's program from other composition schools or festivals. Not only highly skilled, these are artists who love contemporary music and are as invested in this experience as any of our composers.

Taken together, it’s the perfect destination for serious young composers.

The final works are always prepared and performed by professional musicians – another aspect that distinguishes LAMP's program from other composition schools or festivals. Not only highly skilled, these are artists who love contemporary music and are as invested in this experience as any of our composers.

Taken together, it’s the perfect destination for serious young composers.

Past participant testimonials:

"Having been to composition workshops in the US and Canada, it is hard to think of any other composition institute that can rival what LAMP offers in terms of performance resources and quality of tuition", says Roydon Tse, winner of 2018 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta's Emerging Artist Award.

Composition 2024 Academy participant, Reid Contreras Woelfle: “LAMP sets a surreal and unmatched standard for what Canadian Contemporary/New Music workshops can be. The faculty, staff, performers and participants all contributed towards a well-crafted, unique and unforgettable experience. LAMP was absolutely transformative in my journey as an emerging composer, and I am grateful for the lessons, relationships and memories I will hold very dearly for the rest of my life.”

While bassist Travis Harrison writes, "In five years of new music festivals… I have never been to or played in a concert that presented such a high caliber of composition and maintained it throughout the night… I really do believe this program should be on the radar of anyone who cares about new music, and especially those hoping to pursue a career in composition."

This is a limited enrollment program open to graduate composers age 35 and under and very talented undergrads. With only 12 spaces available, we encourage you to apply early. Those who do not fit program criteria will be welcome to audit classes.

Who’s eligible?

This limited enrollment program (maximum eight participants) is open to composers with at least one degree in composition aged 35 and under. Exceptionally talented undergrads will be considered with a reference letter from a current mentor and/or professor.