Composers who are currently studying at the graduate level, have graduated from collegiate studies in the last 5 years, OR are between the ages of 22 and 30 are eligible to apply. 

Key Application Deadlines

• Applications open 10:00 AM PST on December 29, 2025

• Applications close January 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

• Decisions are released February 13, 2026

Applications involve submission of a prior work, resume, and a proposal for a 5-12 minute work. Composers begin writing following their selection for the cohort. 

Upon selection, composers are asked to create 5-12 minute works for standard brass ensemble, unconventional brass ensemble, or brass chamber ensemble setting (dectet or larger). Works need not be constrained to Western art music -- LAB-A welcomes all genres and styles of composition. 

Key Cycle Dates

• Composer cohort kick-off the week of February 16, 2026

• Composer-ensemble rehearsals on 1-2 of the following Sunday mornings: April 18, 25, May 2

• Next Up! concert the evening of May 9, 2026

Selected composers will:

• Collaborate their piece over several weeks with the LAB-A board, 30+ brass musicians, and fellow Next Up! composers.

• Deepen their knowledge of idiomatic and functional writing for brass instruments by working directly with brass musicians.

• Have their work performed in a public venue in front of LAB-A's audiences.

• Receive a high-quality recording of the work from the performance for their portfolio.

• Have the option to participate in a composer-musician roundtable event and engage in peer feedback with other composers. 

Composers may also have the opportunity to conduct their work, if desired, and will retain full rights to their composition following premiere with LAB-A. Composers will recieve a small honorarium from LAB-A as a gesture of appreciation and professionalism.

Next Up! is an intensely collaborative experience between LAB-A and selected composers.

During the cycle of composition, rehearsal, workshopping, and performance, composers are expected to:

• Attend brief check-in meetings with LAB-A leadership to workshop ideas and receive feedback from the ensemble.

• Attend at least 1 Sunday morning rehearsal at the University of Southern California to workshop their piece in real time with LAB-A.

• Attend the premiere of their work. 

We also offer the opportunity to conduct your own work, if desired. Please note that this is subject to the approval of our resident conductor, Svend Lykkegaard. If you opt to conduct your own work, please be aware that you will be required to attend at least 2 rehearsals to help prepare the ensemble for performance.