Summer Institute Application

Program Overview

The Sō Percussion Summer Institute (SōSI) brings together ambitious composers and performers to learn and perform in a hands-on environment with the world-renowned ensemble Sō Percussion and their collaborators.

SōSI has been going strong for 16 years! The more than 350 alumni of SōSI have contributed so much to the percussive world since we started in 2009. For SōSI 2024, we are going to continue looking ahead to the future of new ideas in percussion music.

This unique two-week program allows participants to experience Sō Percussion’s processes for creating and premiering new work firsthand. SōSI features mentorship from the members of Sō Percussion, our composition faculty, a diverse array of guest artists, our artists-in-residence, Princeton faculty, and other special guests.

As in past years, percussion students at SōSI will be placed in groups to perform in numerous concerts and masterclasses throughout the two weeks. Composition students will study with Andrea Mazzariello as well as with members of Sō Percussion and guest faculty. Both undergraduate and graduate composers are welcome to apply. Composition parameters and guidelines are available through the application portal.

Applicants should apply in only one category; however, those with an interest in both performing and composing are invited to inquire about opportunities to explore both during the Summer Institute. Email us at [Please enable javascript to see the email address]

2024 Application Instructions

Deadline for Online Submission is March 1, 2024 for all materials.

Tuition

SōSI - Tuition/Room and Board for SōSI 2024: $2950

Tuition breakdown and offerings available in program descriptions and FAQs

A $400 deposit (included in total tuition cost) will be due by May 1, 2024.

Application Requirements

The following materials will be required for all applicants in SōSI: (all materials must be submitted through the application portal. You may save your progress while working.)

• Completed 2024 Application Form (online)
• Statement of Intent (1:00 minute video introducing yourself and stating why you would like to attend the Sō Percussion Summer Institute.)
• One letter of recommendation, preferably from a current or former teacher. (uploaded as PDF)
• Current Resume (optional – uploaded as a PDF)

* Students must be at least 18 years old in order to be eligible to attend the Summer Institute.

Requirements for Instrumentalists

• List of chamber works performed and works you would like to perform
• Audition recordings (uploaded or linked through the application)
• Recording Requirements for Instrumentalists: 10-20 minutes of solo and/or chamber audio/video recordings that best demonstrate your abilities and interests as a player.

Requirements for Composers

• Audio recordings and/or PDFs of scores (if applicable) for two—three recent works
• A list of works written and/or a statement about your compositional process
• Graduate and Undergraduate composers will be considered for the program.
• Please read the Composition Guidelines before starting your application.
• Composers are only eligible to attend SōSI two times total. Composers who have attended once may reapply. Composers who have already attended twice are no longer eligible and should not re-apply.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for the Sō Percussion Summer Institute through application via the application portal. Scholarships range from $250–$1,500.

Sō Percussion offers 3 types of scholarships. You may apply for any and all scholarship opportunities that you are eligible for.

• General Scholarship
• BIPOC Scholarship
• Composition Assistant Scholarship

General Scholarship Details and Eligibility Requirements:

Details:

Tuition assistance is offered for all new students who apply.

The purpose of these scholarships is to provide financial support for the selected students to participate, learn, and perform in the 16th annual Sō Percussion Summer Institute 2024 held at Princeton University.

All students are eligible for general scholarships, and those who would like to be considered for general scholarship support must apply in the scholarship application portal.

BIPOC Scholarship Details and Eligibility Requirements:

The purpose of these scholarships is to:

1. assist promising and deserving students of color, and
2. provide financial support for the selected students to participate, learn, and perform in the 16th annual Sō Percussion Summer Institute 2024.

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be eligible for the BIPOC scholarship fund, applicants must identify as BIPOC on the scholarship application form.

Composition Assistant Scholarship Details and Eligibility Requirements:

The purpose of these scholarships is to:

1. Assist composition program director and faculty.
2. provide financial support for the selected students to participate, learn, and perform in the 16th annual Sō Percussion Summer Institute 2024 held at Princeton University.
3. Composition Applicants will be asked to assist Composition Director, Andrea Mazzariello and Sō Percussion Summer Institute Team prior to the festival and during the festival.

Eligibility:

Eligibility for the composition assistant scholarship fund is determined by your application submission through the “composition” track. If interested, please answer the questions in the application that refer to this scholarship fund.

Questions

Direct any application questions to Alex Appel: [Please enable javascript to see the email address].

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