TALEA ENSEMBLE

Recording Workshop

Talea Recording Workshop in New York City: June 7-14, 2026

Applications Due March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Announcing the Talea Ensemble's 2026 Recording Workshop! Between June 7-14, 2026 in New York City, Talea will work with a group of early-career composers to workshop recently written pieces and produce a high-quality professional recording for the composer’s future use. The week will also feature a public performance of the workshopped pieces. Free of cost to participants, this program seeks to support early-career composers by addressing the barriers they face in reaching professional milestones. Workshops, recording sessions, and performance will take place between June 7-14, 2026 at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew in Brooklyn and at Queens College; final schedule to be announced.

Composers/creators of written music of all ages (18+) based in the U.S. may apply. We welcome participants of all musical styles, genres, and educational backgrounds. This program is recommended for composers who identify as in their early stages of their career who have not had extensive experience working with professional ensembles. Composers who have not had their work recorded by professional chamber ensembles are especially encouraged to apply.

Each participant will be offered travel reimbursement up to $800 towards transportation to New York and accommodation, to ensure that travel expenses do not pose a barrier to participation.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

We plan to notify all applicants in mid-April, so that selected participants can make travel plans.

DATES & DEADLINES

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Notification of Applicants: We plan to notify all applicants in mid-April, so that selected participants can make travel plans.

Workshop: June 7-14, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Through the application, we want to get to know you, your work, and how you feel the workshop will help further your artistic and professional pursuits. It’s free to apply. Here is an overview of the application:

Work Samples:

We’ll ask you to share a score to the ensemble work for 3-11 musicians that you would like Talea to record, as well as the score to another recent original work of any instrumentation. In addition to the scores, you have the option to submit recordings (non-professional or midi are fine) in the form of audio/video links. Recordings are not required to apply.

Project Statement:

In under 250 words, tell us how participating in this workshop will help you to achieve your artistic and professional goals.

Background:

Have you had any of your work recorded by a professional chamber music ensemble? (Yes/No) If yes, please tell us when, and which ensemble.

Upload a CV, resume, or bio – it’s up to you.

Professional Development:

What topics would you be interested in learning about in the panel discussions and artist talks as a part of the workshop?

Availability:

Will you be available to join Talea in-person for the entirety of the workshop from June 7-14, 2026 in New York City?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How do you define early-career?

This program is recommended for composers of any age who have not had extensive experience working with professional ensembles. Composers who have not had their work recorded by professional chamber ensembles are especially encouraged to apply.

Am I eligible if I’m a student?

Yes, as long as you are over 18.

Will you consider workshop and recording works with electronics or multimedia components?

Normally we love working with electronics, but unfortunately we aren’t able to accommodate works with electronics for the 2026 workshop.

What instrumentation is available for the recording?

Talea will workshop and record works of up to 15 minutes for 3-11 players. The following instrumentation is available for the 2026 workshop (one of each player): Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Piano, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Conductor