Programmes > Short Courses for Youth > Young Composers Academy

SHORT COURSES FOR YOUTH

Young Composers' Academy

The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce the eighth annual YST Young Composers’ Academy from 31 January to 4 April 2026 in Singapore. The aim of the academy is to inspire a new generation of composers in Singapore with university-level mentoring.

The academy seeks young composers aged 15-21 based in Singapore who are curious to explore and experiment with new compositional techniques developed during the 20th and 21st centuries.

Participants benefit from the following:

A series of workshops focused on contemporary compositional techniques, contemporary instrumental techniques, and important works of modern music;
Individual lessons with members of YST’s composition faculty;
A world premiere performance of their new work;
A professional studio-quality recording of their work for study and promotional purposes.

Have a query about YCA? Contact us via the button below.

Learn more about the Academy and how to apply below.

Academy Faculty

Assoc Prof Peter Edwards – Head of Composition
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong – Associate Professor, Composition
Assoc Prof Chen Zhangyi – Assistant Professor, Composition
Dr Adeline Wong – Senior Lecturer, Composition
Dr Tan Yuting – Instructor, Composition

Academy Schedule

Sessions will take place on select Saturdays from 31 January to 4 April 2026, giving participants time to reflect on their learning and develop their new compositions. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
Session I: 31 January 2026
Introduction to Important Contemporary Works Part 1
Introduction to Instrumental Techniques
Session II: 28 February 2026
Introduction to Important Contemporary Works Part 2
One-to-One Consultation Session 1
Session III: 14 March 2026
Introduction to Important Contemporary Works Part 3
One-to-One Consultation Session 2
Session IV: 4 April 2026
Dress rehearsals with performers and Final Public Performances

How To Apply

Application Period: 14 October – 26 November 2025
Complete the online application form here.
Prepare a portfolio including 2 – 3 of your most interesting and original compositions. Each work should include a score in PDF and a recording in MP3 format. Recordings may be MIDI renderings from notation software or a DAW. Recordings of live performances are encouraged, especially for works with techniques difficult to re-alise with MIDI instruments. Upload your portfolio onto an accessible online shared folder (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive) and submit the link in your application.
Selected participants will be notified via email by 19 December 2025.
Previous participants of YCA are warmly welcome to apply again.

Fee

The course fee is S$109 (incl. GST).
A weblink with instructions for online payment will be provided in the results email to selected participants. There will be no refund for withdrawals or no-shows after payment is made.

Learn more about the YST Composition programme here.