Soundbox Fellowship Program
An intensive residency for emerging and professional composers and performers combining rigorous mentorship, public performance, recording sessions, networking and group discussions about a variety of subjects from pedagogy to philosophy to business. A place to work, develop new music, and to refine your artistic mission. This unique program heavily emphasises intra-generational networking.
SFP for Composers takes place in both Sarasota, FL (United States) and Qingpu, Shanghai (China).
SFP for Performers launches with a pilot summer music festival and camp with academy programs in Qingpu, Shanghai (China). Future programs in the United States should be expected in the coming years.
— PROGRAM IDEALS
Supporting and cultivating musical voices today goes beyond studying and developing great technique. Artist residencies through the Soundbox Fellowship Program create the conditions for thoughtful approaches and conversations about music’s personal meanings in the creation of new music and performances.
— TRACK I
For Composers
SFP for Composers is a workshop-centred residency that focuses on the creation of a short new work (typically under 10 minutes) for an assigned solo instrument or chamber ensemble and/or repeat performances of pre-existing works.
Program Curriculum
All participants are assigned an instrumentation and a faculty mentor, receiving:
One-on-one mentorship from acclaimed faculty and resident artists
A four to five day in-person residency (currently in Sarasota or in Shanghai)
Recording of a new or existing work for an instrumentation appropriate with the resident artists
Seminar and presentation opportunities as part of the residency curriculum
Awards and Further Opportunities
Beginning in 2026, participants may be nominated for consideration by Soundbox’s partnering organisations for awards that grant further opportunities including repeat programming and performances, radio broadcasts and interviews in the Soundbox Fellowship Program. More details to be released by August 2026.
An outstanding composer participant may be nominated for the Soundbox Fellowship Award, inviting the participant to return in a future program as assistant faculty for a unique mentorship experience focused on developing teaching practices..
Timeline
The curriculum—processes including including composing the new work, lessons, and score—runs on a 3-month timeline that culminates in an approximately week-long artist residency.
Residency
During the in-person residencies, participants live together in housing arrangements depending on the location. For programs in Sarasota, participants are housed at the Steinwachs Artist Residences and will receive their own room in a multi-bedroom apartment unit with fully equipped kitchen and common living space. For programs in Shanghai, participants will receive their own hotel-styled room and bathroom on the residency campus in Qingpu.
— TRACK II
For Performers
SFP for Performers is a residency program that allows instrumentalists of various levels to study and advance their practice with the guidance of world-class faculty artists. Our resident musicians share a thoughtfulness and passion about their craft and the ways music contributes to the world. Students in this program focus on cultivating their holistic artistic virtuosity together.
Program Curriculum
All participants are assigned a faculty mentor, receiving:
Lessons and additional one-on-one mentorship from acclaimed faculty and other resident artists
A 12-day in-person residency (currently only in Shanghai)
Performance opportunities in studio classes, masterclasses, and concerts
Seminar and discussion sessions as part of the residency curriculum, especially in the company of other performers
Right of Return and Fellowship Awards
Participants are permitted to return for three consecutive years without having to re-apply or re-audition for admission. Returning participants must still submit an application as a formality.
An outstanding participant from each instrument group who also demonstrates interest in teaching may be nominated for a Soundbox Fellowship Award, inviting the participant to return in a future program as assistant faculty for a unique mentorship experience focused on developing teaching practices..
Residency
During the in-person residencies, participants live together in housing arrangements depending on the location. For programs in Shanghai, participants will receive their own hotel-styled room and bathroom on the residency campus in Qingpu. It is expected that this program will develop a base in Sarasota, FL in a few years time. For now, this program is exclusively based in Shanghai, China.
— TRACK III
For Associates: Curators, Administrators, Audiences, and other Creatives
SFP for Associates is an opportunity for all sorts of artist creatives—composers, instrumentalists, curators, arts administrators, audience members, and others—to audit the composition and performance programs without completing the core project. The program allows all associates to use the residency as a retreat that best suits their needs, providing ample time and space to work on their own projects while accessing an enriched community of artists.
Past pilot versions of this program have allowed professional artists to continue their work while having a dedicated space to refocus on their artistic projects and priorities.
Program Curriculum
All associates are assigned a faculty mentor, receiving:
Lessons and additional one-on-one mentorship from acclaimed faculty and other resident artists
A full-length residency (matched with the concurrent SFP for Composers, Performers, or festival)
Participation opportunities in educational events such as masterclasses and studio classes
Access to all lectures, seminars, and other public events during the concurrent SFP for Composers, Performers, or festival
A Tailored Program
The flexibility of the program is centered around the residency the associate wishes to create. Costs for this program will be less than for composers or performers, but there will not be as extensive financial aid. Depending on the associate, certain components of the audited program such as masterclasses, lessons, and additional mentorship meetings may be available for additional cost. Associates may also choose a very minimal and relaxed approach to the program. There is no right of return or any awards associated with this program track.
Residency
During the in-person residencies, participants live together in housing arrangements depending on the location. For programs in Sarasota, participants are housed at the Steinwachs Artist Residences and will receive their own room in a multi-bedroom apartment unit with fully equipped kitchen and common living space. For programs in Shanghai, participants will receive their own hotel-styled room and bathroom on the residency campus in Qingpu.