PROGRAM AND APPLICATION DETAILS

AOP is encouraging applications from both composers and librettists.

AOP welcomes applications from musicians of all backgrounds interested in composing for opera and lyric theater and seeks to present a group of fellows that represent the diversity of our community and country. Applicants need not have any formal music education.

Applications are reviewed and fellowships are selected by the C&V Artistic Director, AOP Artistic Director, AOP Head of Development & Greater Impact and a panel of industry professionals chosen with an emphasis on diversity.

There is no age limit for participation.
There is no application fee or fee for participation.
Application work samples do not require music scores.

Letters of Recommendation are not required, but are accepted and may be sent by email to composersandthevoice@gmail.com; or by mail to The American Opera Project, 138 South Oxford St., Brooklyn, NY 11217, postmarked by April 3.

All participants must be in New York City for all in-person workshop dates. The 2023-25 cycle will also include several remote (online) workshop dates.

For more information, call (718) 398-4024 or email info@aopopera.org

The application deadline was Monday, April 3, 2023; 11:59 PM EST.

Notification of participants will be made by July 1, 2023.

Watch the Q&A Webinar about Cycle 12 below, hosted on March 29th, 2023!

Q: I am a composer, but also a librettist. May I apply for both fellowships?

A: You may apply for both by filling out both applications and noting in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for either fellowship. In early panel rounds, composer and librettist applications are evaluated separately, so be sure to fill out the forms and submit work samples as if they were individual applications. All materials and references will be evaluated without regard to the other application. Duplication of references and work samples are permitted.

If you are selected for a composer fellowship and you are a composer that often writes your own libretto, you will have the opportunity to set your own work, but some assignments will require collaboration with other librettists. Those selected for libretto fellowships however will not have an opportunity to workshop any of their own music.

Q: May I receive feedback on my application?

A: Applicants who move to the third and final round of consideration, but are not selected for a fellowship, may request feedback. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide feedback to other applicants.

Q: Do applicants need to reside in NYC to be considered for C&V?

A: You do not need to reside in NYC or even in the US, but unfortunately AOP cannot cover costs to process an 0-1 Visa, if required.

Given its home base of Brooklyn, NY, Composers & the Voice is ideal for tri-state participants. However, we encourage ALL applicants to apply, regardless of geographic location. While we can not commit to travel assistance for the 2023-25 cycle due to budgetary limitations, we do not know what funding possibilities may lie ahead, and encourage applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to introduce their work, so that we can explore the possibilities together.

To assist, there are a mix of in-person and online meeting dates (please see the “Program Description” PDF). Attendance at the in-person workshops is mandatory for all.

Q: I am a composer who writes both vocal and instrumental works. Should my work samples focus on my vocal writing, or can I include instrumental works as well?

A: Your work samples should reflect the range of your compositional voice, and a mix of vocal and instrumental works is absolutely fine. While we encourage a vocal work if you have one, if you feel that it no longer represents your current level, you are not obligated to include it. Ultimately, we just want to get to know YOU!