ACWC masterclass series.

Providing the opportunity for ACWC members to learn from composers in our community and a chance to connect with those at different stages of their career and musical path.

We host an annual series of online masterclasses presented by ACWC composers open to any ACWC member to attend.

Past masterclasses

Composing for voice

•

Ways of listening

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Just intonation techniques

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Composing for film

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Grant writing

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Mental health practices for artists

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Composing for orchestra

Composing for voice • Ways of listening • Just intonation techniques • Composing for film • Grant writing • Mental health practices for artists • Composing for orchestra

Edition 3

ACWC masterclass series.

We’re excited to launch the 3rd edition of the ACWC/ACC Masterclass series!

At this time, we’re in search of members interested in presenting an online masterclass. The masterclass series welcomes proposals for presentations of any topic related to composition, but priority will be given to presenters on topics listed below. 

Suggested topics for presentations (in no particular order):

This is a suggestion of topics based on membership feedback, open to additional topic proposals!

  • Composing with electronics—particular topics such as fixed media, live electronics, using technology in artistic practice, etc.

  • Technology & composition

  • Sharing Work & Artistic Practice: A composer would share a piece of theirs and talk about their composition process & artistic practice

  • PR for composers

  • Composing educational works

Topics covered in previous editions of the Masterclass Series that we will not choose this year:

  • Grant writing, mental health practices for composers & musicians, composing for orchestra/large ensemble, composing for voice, ways of listening, common tone techniques in Just Intonation, composing for film

    • Masterclass will be approximately 1 hour long, including 10–15 min. Q&A or time for discussion

    • This 1 hour duration does not include the 15 minutes prior to the meeting (noted above) during which the Presenter(s) and Host will test/troubleshoot the Zoom Settings. 

    • Presenters should have the latest version of Zoom.

    • Presenters should be familiar with Zoom and all its settings on their specific device (especially screen sharing, audio sharing, and original sound for musicians) to be able to provide high-quality audio, video, and content quality. An external microphone is recommended for highest audio quality. 

      • If presenters have any questions on their tech setup, we recommend reaching out to ACWC at least a week in advance to help resolve any issues.

    • Presenters will be expected to test all settings ahead of the time of presentation to minimize the chance of technical difficulties occurring. To help facilitate this, the meeting host (an ACWC board member) will meet with the presenter(s) in the Zoom Meeting approximately 15 minutes before the presentation. The Host will be able to provide limited technical support during this time based on their individual knowledge of Zoom.

    • All classes will be recorded to be shared with the membership after the event

    • In order to present an ACWC Masterclass, all presenters must give their permission for ACWC to record the masterclass for the purposes of distribution to the ACWC membership. This includes all ACWC members including those present at the masterclass, members not present at the masterclass, as well as members who join ACWC after the masterclass has taken place.

      Please note that this recording will only be sent to the membership—it will not be published publicly online.

2026 Call for presenters.

Application deadline for 2026 is now closed

Looking for 3 ACWC composers to fill the available spots. $125 paid to each presenter.

  • Could be either a solo presentation given by a single ACWC member or a dual presentation involving two ACWC members (eg. composer & performer) that combines 2 classes into one. 

  • If the presentation is a dual presentation with 2 ACWC members, each presenter would still be paid $125 each.

Online classes held — between February–June 30, 2026. We will work with each presenter to find a time that best suits their schedule.

Presenters will be chosen by the Board. Priority will be given to topics listed under Suggested topics as well as to choosing a group of presenters that cover a broad range of content.

How to apply.

Complete and submit the application form by or on the deadline. You can access the form by clicking the button below.

If you have any questions, please contact our Secretary, Katherine Bonness at secretary@acwc.ca.