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.
“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
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 (Frederic Rzewski in 2006; Paula Matthusen in 2016), students not only gain a deeper understanding of the creative process but also experience the thrill of hearing their work performed live.
In its 23rd 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 in the David Greer Recital Hall at Bloomingdale School of Music. The project was founded by Katy Luo and is currently curated by Josh Perry and Margalit Cantor.
“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
For 23 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
Take a look at highlights from past performances in the clips below.
(To view entire playlist of videos by year, click on any of the boxes below and click “YouTube” button on the bottom right corner.)
2026
Aaron Nichols
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
Karen & Douglas
Bloomingdale Parents
Bloomingdale’s A4TY program was supported by New Music USA’s Organization Fund, with support in part from Fifth House Ensemble and legacy contributions to the New Music USA endowment. Support for organizations based in New York State is provided in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor. Support for organizations based in New York City is provided in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and with support from the Howard Gilman Foundation.
