Admissions

The Soundbox Fellowship Program (SFP) is a multi-track initiative designed to develop the artistic, intellectual, and advocacy capacities of emerging and established musical artists. Through intensive residencies, workshops, and professional collaborations, SFP offers composers and performers the opportunity to deepen their craft, expand their networks, and build meaningful careers rooted in creativity and community engagement.

This page provides detailed information on the admissions process, eligibility requirements, and timelines for all SFP programs.

Please note that SFP for Composers dates are now announced for the 2026/27 season. These include:

  • workshop programs for creating and recording new works

  • a prescreening/portfolio recording intensive in which composers can order a recording by Soundbox artists for a completed work

  • a workshop with teaching emphasis as a gateway for future teaching opportunities in the Soundbox Fellowship Program.

  • SFP welcomes applicants from a wide range of musical backgrounds. Applicants to all tracks—Composer, Performer, or Associate—must demonstrate:

    • Active engagement in their discipline (current instruction, ongoing practice, or professional experience).

    • A commitment to artistic growth and collaborative learning.

    • A strong interest in creative advocacy, community engagement, or interdisciplinary work.

    • English-language proficiency sufficient for full participation in seminars, rehearsals, and collaborative sessions.

    Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and must reside in designated program housing.

  • All applicants must submit:

    1. Online Application Form
      Includes general information, program preferences, and short-answer questions about your artistic goals.

    2. Statement of Purpose
      A brief narrative (250–350 words) describing your artistic background, your interest in SFP, and how participation will support your development as an artist-advocate.

    3. Résumé or CV
      Detailing education, artistic training, performances, compositions, collaborations, and/or relevant professional experience.

    4. Work Samples
      Requirements differ by track (see below).

    5. Application Fee (non-refundable)
      Fee waivers may be available for applicants with financial need.

    Please note: if you intend to apply for financial aid, you must prepare a financial aid supplement to submit along with your application. See Costs and Financial Aid for more information.

  • Composer Applicants

    • Score Samples: 1–2 representative works (PDF).

    • Recordings: Live or MIDI realizations of the submitted works.

    • Portfolio Summary: Optional 1-page overview of your recent creative projects.

    • Artistic/Teaching Statements: these are required for workshops designated with an emphasis on teaching and for consideration for future teaching opportunities in the Soundbox Fellowship Program.

    Performer Applicants

    • Performance Videos: 1-2 recordings made within the last 6 months representative of applicant’s artistry

    • Repertoire List (optional): A representative list of works performed or studied.

    • Experience Summary (optional): A brief artistic statement on collaboration or contemporary music.

    Associates Applicants

    • Work Samples: composers should submit score samples and performers should submit performance recordings as described above. All other creatives can submit appropriately relevant work samples.

    • Residency Proposal (optional): Applicants may offer an explanation or proposal of how the residency would benefit them, such as advancing their current projects or engaging with Soundbox’s resident artist community.

    Specific requirements subject to change depending on the curriculum of the program offered.

  • Applications are reviewed holistically in multiple rounds by a panel comprised of SFP artistic leadership, core faculty, and external guests including from Soundbox affiliate organizations. Reviewers consider:

    • Artistic voice, technical skill, and clarity of ideas.

    • Openness to collaboration and mentorship.

    • Potential for growth within the program.

    • Alignment with SFP’s mission of mutual advocacy and community-centered artistry.

    Select applicants may be invited to a brief virtual meeting for further discussion of their work and goals. Similarly, recommendation letters from applicant’s references may be sought for final admissions considerations.

    Applicants will receive admissions decisions by email according to the published timeline for each program cycle.

  • Beginning in the summer of 2027, SFP will implement a Right of Return policy for program alumni:

    • Up to one-third of participant spots in each workshop may be reserved for returning alumni.

    • Eligible alumni may receive an invitation to pre-enroll for these reserved spaces.

    • Priority is given first to alumni from the most recent workshop; remaining spots are then offered to those from earlier cohorts.

    Invited alumni must still submit an application but will have fees waived. Additionally, all returning alumni will receive advanced notice of program dates for an entire season before they are announced to the public.

    Right of return is only available to composers and performers and not to associates.

    Right of return does not apply to workshops designated with teaching emphasis, as these application reviews are an entry to future employment with Soundbox Ventures.