Our composition program which inspires students to compose by guiding them through a process to develop and synthesize musical ideas into new works, which are performed by Bloomingdale students and faculty in an end of year concert.
Student Composing Program Presents:
An Afternoon of World Premieres
Featuring a New Work by composer Seong Ae Kim
“And yes, they were Works of Art indeed – no kiddie recital, this! (George Crumb, move over!).” – Jon Deak, Founder, New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers Program
For 21 years Bloomingdale School of Music has maintained a special focus on introducing students to composition through their A4TY: Student Composing Program. The March 8th concert will feature 24 student compositions ranging from solo works for piano to works for small chamber ensembles. The concert will also feature the premiere of a new commissioned work for violin, cello, clarinet and percussion by composer, Seong Ae Kim.
A4TY connects young music students with professional composers, offering them a chance to create music specifically for their level and have it performed. Through direct collaboration with composers and performers, students not only gain a deeper understanding of the creative process but also experience the thrill of hearing their work performed live.
In its 22nd season, A4TY commissions professional composers to write new music for Bloomingdale. Students also have the opportunity to submit their original compositions in our Call for Scores. Participants will engage in composition workshops, one-on-one sessions, rehearsals, and a live performance at Symphony Space Thalia Theater. The project was founded by Katy Luo and is currently curated by Margalit Cantor.
Interested in joining A4TY and not currently enrolled in other Bloomingdale lessons or classes?
Learn more at the link below.
Currently enrolled at Bloomingdale and want to join A4TY: Album for the Young?
Learn more at the link below.
Curious about what’s included, who can participate, and when the program begins? You’ll find everything you need to know in the sections below.
Who is eligible to join?
What is included in the program?
What committment will be expected of the students?
Students will need to work on their compositions between each workshop – please note that time will not be added to lessons, this is inclusive of currently scheduled lessons
Each workshop builds consecutively on the previous one, so attendance at all workshops is required
Final pieces will be due December 15, 2025, late submissions will not be accepted or considered.
Please note:
Students will not be performing their own pieces, unless there is a special circumstance coordinated by the A4TY Director.
One of the most special aspects of A4TY is that students perform each others’ pieces, not their own. Composers learn about interacting with performers during the rehearsal process. While we make every effort to have students who composed pieces also get to perform another student’s piece on their instrument of study, we cannot guarantee this, as students pick which instruments they compose for and there aren’t always equivalent parts/levels available.
Tickets for the concert on March 7, 2026, will be sold separately closer to the concert date.
Pricing: A4TY engages outside teaching artists, faculty at Bloomingdale and provides students a performance opportunity at a professional venue, in turn we present this program as a pay what you can model. The program is valued at $650 for the full cost per student, we encourage you to consider the value of the program and what your family is able to contribute to offset these costs. Suggested pricing levels are as follows:
A4TY $35.00
A4TY $75.00
A4TY $125.00
A4TY $225.00
A4TY Half Cost $350
A4TY Full Cost $650
*If your family is unable to contribute through the tiered pay what you can model, please contact Margo Cantor at mcantor@bsmny.org directly.
For 19 years Bloomingdale School of Music (BSM) has maintained a special focus on introducing students (ages 7-18) to composition through their A4TY (Album for the Young) Student Composing Program. Every year, A4TY produces a final concert to feature the world premieres of the compositions of our young students. The final concert will feature student compositions, ranging from solo works for piano, to works for small chamber ensembles of mixed strings, percussion and winds. The concert will also feature the premiere of a new commissioned work by a composer that will be selected at a later date. (See composers from previous years below)
“And yes, they were works of art indeed – no kiddie recital this! Professional composers, take note: This hopping center of creativity at Bloomingdale deserves national attention!” – John Deak, Founder, New York Philharmonic’s Very Young Composers Program, Commenting on A4TY
“For young music students the composer is perhaps the most remote figure in the musical process—either a famous name from the history books or little more than an afterthought. Professional composers often work with professional musicians, writing with their particular abilities in mind. For both students and composers it can be revelatory to participate in the process of creating and preparing a piece of music written for young performers. A4TY seeks to bring these two groups into direct contact, opening a window into the other’s working methods and creative process. In addition, students perform each others’ works, increasing their exposure to new, original music, and honing their ability to articulate musical ideas through the rehearsal process.” – Margalit Cantor
Interested in joining A4TY and not currently enrolled in other Bloomingdale lessons or classes?
Learn more at the link below.
Currently enrolled at Bloomingdale and want to join A4TY: Album for the Young?
Learn more at the link below.
2025
Seong Ae Kim
2024
Justin Jay Hines
2023
Mariel Mayz
2022
Yvonne Troxler
2020
Pauline Kim
2019
Taylor Brook
2018
Beata Moon
2017
Doug Balliett
2016
Paula Matthusen
2014
Andy Kozar
Karen & Douglas
Bloomingdale Parents
323 West 108th Street
New York, NY 10025
212.663.6021
Bloomingdale School of Music is a 501C3 non-profit organization EIN: 13-2562192.
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Join us for Instrument Discovery Day – January 26th, 11 AM – 1 PM. Explore the violin, guitar, trumpet, and more with the guidance of Bloomingdale’s expert faculty. Explore the violin, guitar, trumpet, and more with Bloomingdale’s expert faculty.
Free & fun for all ages!
