May 2025 Saxophone Ensemble Composition Intensive
The Wizarding School for Composers invites composers of all skill levels, ages, and nationalities to apply for a Saxophone Ensemble Composition Intensive taught by composer Dr. Joseph Sowa with The Saxyderms, a vibrant Boston-based saxophone choir conducted by Tom Beraldi.
In this intensive, you will have the opportunity to write an original piece (up to 3 minutes) for 1-8 saxophones (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass) with percussion. Your composition will be read, performed, and recorded by The Saxyderms—a talented ensemble with a 19-year history of bringing music to audiences throughout New England.
Details at a Glance
Your saxophone piece recorded live at the May 1 reading session at 7:30 PM Eastern.
A pre-recorded mini-course on saxophone writing with Dr. Joseph Sowa, covering everything you need to know about writing effectively for saxophone ensemble.
2 private composition lessons with Dr. Joseph Sowa. He'll review your piece, offer feedback, and help you prepare it for performance.
By the end of the intensive, you'll have a polished, new score and recording in your portfolio. The saxophone community is known for being particularly welcoming to new music, creating potential for your piece to find additional performances.
Logistics and Tuition
Cost: $300
Submissions due: Monday, April 28, 2025
Reading session: May 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM Eastern (online)
Format: Live online event (composers in the Boston area are welcome to attend the reading session in person)
Enrollment: Rolling basis starting March 20, 2025, until the 5 available slots are filled
How to Apply
Please fill out the following form (or click the button below), including sharing links to ONE representative score (PDF) and recording (mp3 or weblink): forms.gle/nfUJbdRwuv3tJQKx9
About The Saxyderms
Founded in 2006 at Tufts University, The Saxyderms have evolved from a modest quartet idea into a thriving ensemble that performs throughout New England—at art fairs, nursing homes, schools, colleges, fundraisers, and public parks. As a non-profit organization, they are dedicated to bringing music to the Boston area and beyond, promoting musical excellence in a warm, friendly environment, and supporting music education.
Don’t miss this chance to grow as a composer and get your work recorded!
↓ The Saxyderms
Boston-based saxophone ensemble, led by Tom Beraldi
↑ Dr. Joseph Sowa
Composer, Founder of the Wizarding School for Composers
Got an original hymn performed at 1000 churches across the US
“Before the course I had lots of processes scattered about. After the course, I feel much more organized and productive. Your mentoring, resources, and presentations all gave me what I needed.”
— Tom Lough, composer
Secured 2 commissions, plus the premiere of a band piece
“I've been experiencing great success modeling my communications after your email templates and have been able to charge a lot more for my commissions than I would have felt comfortable with before working with you!"
— Karalyn Schubring, composer, pianist