BMI Launches Composer Lab to Foster the Next Generation of Media Composers
Former Sundance Executive Peter Golub and BMI’s Tracy McKnight to Lead Program
Lab Advisors to Include Acclaimed Composers Sherri Chung, Fil Eisler, Kurt Farquhar, Christopher Lennertz, James Newton Howard, Blake Neely, Thomas Newman, Rob Simonsen and Harry Gregson-Williams, among others
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN THROUGH MAY 30
BMI is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Composer Lab, designed to provide emerging composers with a one-of-a-kind experience to foster artistic growth and professional development. Under the guidance of acclaimed composer and former director of the Sundance Film Music Program Peter Golub, and BMI’s VP of Film, TV & Visual Media Tracy McKnight, the program will select ten composers to participate in a two-week online workshop followed by a nine-day onsite intensive in Los Angeles. BMI-affiliated composers of all musical backgrounds are encouraged to apply now through May 30.
For more information, including submission guidelines and requirements, please visit bmicomposerlab.slideroom.com.
Throughout the lab, participants will be advised by world-renowned BMI composers including Nathan Barr, Kathryn Bostic, Sean Callery, Sherri Chung, George S Clinton, Chanda Dancy, Bryce Dessner, Stephanie Economou, Fil Eisler, Kurt Farquhar, James Newton Howard, Mark Isham, Christopher Lennertz, Nami Melumad, Tony Morales, Blake Neely, Thomas Newman, Carlos Rafael Rivera, William Ross, Ed Shearmur, Rob Simonsen, Dara Taylor and Harry Gregson-Williams, among others to be announced. Industry professionals will also lend their expertise as advisors, including Warner Bros. Pictures’ Paul Broucek, Kraft-Engel Management’s Laura Engel, film producer and Filmmaker Magazine’s Scott Macaulay, Encompass Music Partners’ Peter Rotter, The Society of Composers & Lyricists’ Ashley Irwin, Fortress Talent Management’s Robert Messinger and music supervisor Julia Michels.
Golub, a highly regarded composer and educator known for his extensive work in film, theatre and concert music, and his decades-long experience leading the Sundance Film Music Program and Film Music Studies at the Herb Albert School of Music at UCLA, will oversee the lab alongside McKnight, who brings over two decades of experience as a creative executive and award-winning music supervisor to the program. Together, Golub and McKnight will guide the finalists through a series of interactive workshops that will culminate with orchestral recording and mixing sessions with The Hollywood Cinematic Orchestra at Bandrika Studios.
“I’m delighted to introduce the launch of the BMI Composer Lab and work alongside my longtime friend and collaborator Peter Golub to shape the next generation of musical talent,” said McKnight. “This program will provide participants with the rare opportunity to engage directly with some of the most revered composers in the industry, who will share their expertise and creative journey in scoring some of the most celebrated works in film, television and video games.”
“How great to be partnering with BMI in curating a program that will help the selected artists develop their unique voices and take bold steps forward in their musical journeys,” said Golub. “It’s exciting to continue my work as a dedicated educator while embarking on this new program.”
The lab finalists will be announced on July 16, with online sessions starting August 11-22 and in-person sessions taking place from September 18-26 in Los Angeles. To apply and for more details, visit bmicomposerlab.slideroom.com.
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