SUMMER RESIDENCY
in COMPOSITION

4-16 July 2023

Welcome to the 2023 JAM Masterclass Series and a new summer course for composers in residence at the JAM on the Marsh festival. 

This free course gives access to tutoring and all events within the festival. Within this vibrant multi-arts festival on the Kent coastline, composers will find themselves immersed in an exciting and intensive composition experience, composing during, having their music performed in the festival and a resulting commission prize awarded.

ABOUT the COURSE

JAM will offer four composers a residency in the festival, focusing on writing for string quartet in collaboration with the inspirational Sacconi Quartet, international composer Paul Mealor and other guest tutors. During the festival summer school, composers will compose a short piece for string quartet (c. 5-10 minutes), culminating in a performance in the festival.

DATES & LOCATION

4-16 July 2023
Romney Marsh, Kent, UK

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Composers who want to take their compositional skills to the next level, be immersed in an exciting festival and meet international performers.

Open to anyone aged 18 and over who are either born, living or studying in the UK.

Composers of all diversity and/or background are encouraged to apply.

Previous composition experience is required.

Composers must be available for the entire course period: 4-16 July 2023.

TUTORS

SCHEDULE & SCOPE of the RESIDENCY

Every day will be varied during the 12-day course. Sessions will include time with tutors, time to compose and attendance at festival concerts. During the residency, composers will write a short piece for string quartet (10 min maximum) which will be workshopped, and a performance given by the Sacconi Quartet at the end of the festival which will be professionally recorded.

£500 COMMISSION PRIZE

Following the performance of the works, one composer will be awarded a £500 commission for performance in JAM on the Marsh 2024.
Janet Wheeler winner of the JAM Masterclass Series and the President's Commission given by Paul Mealor

Janet Wheeler, winner of the JAM Masterclass Series 2021 and the President’s Commission Prize

Tara Creme winner of the JAM Masterclass Series and the President's Commission given by Paul Mealor

Tara Creme, winner of the JAM Masterclass Series 2022 and the President’s Commission Prize

The Masterclass Series offered a brilliant opportunity to explore writing for brass quintet, which is something I’ve never done before. JAM's Masterclass videos from Onyx Brass encouraged me to compose for the quintet in a more liberated way.

FESTIVAL CONCERTS & EVENTS

Each composer in the course will receive FREE tickets to every festival concert and event. Click here for a preview of JAM on the Marsh 2023.

ACCOMODATION

Though the course is free, successful applicants will be asked to pay £500 towards shared accommodation with the other composers for the entire festival. Composers will provide their own meals during their stay. A kitchen will be available for use.

HOW TO APPLY

All applicants for the Composer’s Summer School must submit an application via jamconcert.org. Free to apply.

Composition applicants will be required to submit pdf’s of the following:

• A current CV or resume

• A previous work

preferably a piece that features strings
(solo string to full orchestral works are acceptable)

A sketch for a string quartet piece

maximum of 50 bars; string quartet being violin I, violin II, viola and cello

One reference

including name, position (ie. teacher, colleague), connection to yourself and email address

When you are accepted onto the course, you will be required to pay the £500 for accommodation for the duration of the festival.

DEADLINE

26 April 2023, 5pm BST
Applications are now closed. 

If you have any questions, please email: john@jamconcert.org

Paul Mealor
Paul Mealor, composer
Sacconi Quartet to perform in JAM on the Marsh and tutor in JAM's new summer course
Sacconi Quartet
David Ho-yi Chan, workshop participant

JAM on the Marsh 2023

Festival Preview

London Mozart Players