The purpose of the MMEA Young Composers of Michigan Workshop is to extend the work of the YCM Premier Concert by further nurturing the composers (and their teachers) throughout the state of Michigan. Topics will most likely overlap between the two sessions. Topics may include:

• “What is a composer?”: creating an all inclusive/expansive definition of who is a composer, different professional paths/roles for composers, a quick rundown of tools/software
• Group composition activities: a “found sound” game where students find an item around their house that makes noise, a “speed composition” where I use notation software and students send me notes/rhythms in the chat
• Composition feedback session: students can choose to submit their work to us ahead of the session and I will select one or two pieces to analyze with both virtual sessions (teachers and students), specifically with the teachers we will unpack how to give feedback to a composer and how we ultimately assess their work (process over product, asking guiding questions, pointing the way towards future musical ideas based on their current work)
• Composition activities: a list of small prompts and larger projects for both students and teachers to spur compositional ideas both inside and outside the classroom

Virtual workshop, Saturday, April 18, 2026

Member registration $10 each (includes SCECHs)
Non member registration $15 each (includes SCECHs)
Student registration $10 each (regardless of teacher membership)
Teachers: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Students: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm