"What is the process like?"
Selected participants will be placed on teams (composer, writer, singer, pianist) from the very outset. Each team will take part in a facilitated intro conversation to discuss interests and navigate what the collaboration will look like.
Composer and writer have approximately 3 months to create a brand new song from scratch, collaborating as much/little with performers as discussed. During this time, there will be several check-ins and a draft deadline to facilitate feedback and time for edits. The final deadline will be 1 month before the program, at which time the finished songs are sent to faculty and performer-participants to learn.
June 24-29 is when everyone comes together in person, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. First run-throughs of songs will happen with all 4 collaborators in the room! The week will be filled with rehearsals, talks, workshops, performances, and plenty of opportunities for social and creative play.
The program will culminate in two mixed recitals of faculty and student performers, featuring world premieres of the newly written works.
"How Many Participants are Accepted?"
The program has room for 12 Composers, 6 Writers, 6 Pianist and 6 Singers. Each team will work closely together during the winter and spring, then everyone comes together to share their experiences in June. Participation in (art) Song Lab requires in-person participation in Winnipeg.
"What Do I Need to Submit to Apply?"
All applicants need to complete the online application form, which includes submitting the following support material.
Composers and Writers:
100-word bio
samples of your work: 2 scores (recordings highly suggested) for composer, up to 3 poems for poets)
Singers:
Partial repertoire list
2 separate recordings of single-line vocal works (i.e., solo songs).
At least one selection must be in English.
At least one selection must be in collaboration with piano.
At least one selection must have been written after 1998.
Pianists:
Partial repertoire list
2 separate recordings of your playing
At least one selection must be in collaboration with a singer(s).
At least one selection must have been written after 1998.
"Is (Art) Song Lab 2024 in person or online"
After providing digital and hybrid experiences during the times of COVID restrictions, we are excited to be returning to fully in-person programming in June 2024. We are committed to making the experience available to artists of all lived experiences, and continue to build and adapt our program to meet the accessibility needs of our participants. While the initial stages of the program (Jan-May) happen online due to the nature of cross-continental collaboration, participation in (art) Song Lab requires in-person participation in Winnipeg from June 24-29, 2024.
"What does the participant fee include?"
The singer/pianist fee for (art) Song Lab is $1,000. The composer fee for (art) Song Lab 2024 is $500. The writer fee for (art) Song Lab 2024 is $300.
The program fee goes towards performer fees, venue rentals, workshops, and administrative costs.
The fees do not cover lodgings, food, or personal costs during your time at the program. We have some helpful hints and suggestions, but participants are responsible for their own food and lodging during the program.
"I'm interested, but I've never worked with a musician before..."
Not a problem! Many of our previous poet-participants arrived at (art) Song Lab with no art-song experience. In fact, that's why we started this program - to bridge the gap between poets and composers!
"I've got a great poem I'd love to hear as a song..."
This can be a fantastic exercise for creative pairs, but (art) Song Lab focuses on the collaborative process. We really want to see what each collaborative pair creates from a blank slate!
"I want to apply, but I've never written Art Song before..."
Not a problem! The pieces you submit in your application should highlight your ability to work with voice and piano, but needn't be limited to art song.
"I've got a great tune, I've been searching for the perfect words..."
This can be a fantastic exercise for creative pairs, but (art) Song Lab focuses on the collaborative process. We really want to see what each collaborative pair creates from a blank slate!
"I picked up a hurdy-gurdy at a garage sale, oh, and instead of a soprano, can we have a tight-rope walker?"
(art) Song Lab loves multidisciplinary collaboration within reason. Presently, participants are limited to writing for high/medium/low voice (Soprano, Contralto, or Baritone) and piano.
"How Long?"
Finished songs to be workshopped and performed at (art) Song Lab 2024 should be between 4-6 minutes in length. This time limit will be strictly enforced.