Learning Lab
Each season, ACO presents a series of digital professional development sessions led by composer mentors and industry leaders. An evolving resource for composers at all stages of their careers, sessions have covered topics including orchestration, networking, publishing, copyright, orchestra unions, media rights, fundraising, public speaking, educational program design, and more.
Shoot Your (Ear)Shot: Stories and Guidance on Applying to EarShot Readings & CoLABoratory
Staff Moderator: LaRob K. Rafael
Featured Speakers: Shelley Washington + Kimberly R. Osberg
EarShot is the first systemic program connecting composers with orchestras, providing a unique opportunity to rehearse and interact with large ensembles in a way many composers never have. This webinar, featuring two previous EarShot participants from our Readings and CoLABoratory programs, will offer insights into the application process and program outcomes.
Beyond Bars: Creating Non Traditional Scores and Parts
Staff Moderator: LaRob K. Rafael
Featured Speakers: Mali Irene, Mazz Swift
While creating and providing standard orchestral scores and parts remains a key component of developing new work, more ensembles are increasingly exploring graphic notation and improvised scores. LaRob K. Rafael, Director of Composer Advancement at the American Composers Orchestra, will be joined by composers Mali Irene and Mazz Swift for a dynamic conversation on their experience navigating and creating within this expanding area of new music.
Onstage Do’s and Do’s: Rehearsal Techniques and Procedures
Staff Moderator: LaRob K. Rafael
Featured Speakers: Jimmy López, Kyle Dickson
Receiving a performance by an orchestra isn’t the end of the road for a composer—it’s the beginning of an ongoing artistic relationship. In this webinar, composer Jimmy López and conductor Kyle Dickson join us to explore how composers can navigate the rehearsal room with clarity, confidence, and collaboration. Together, we’ll discuss practical rehearsal techniques, effective communication strategies, and how composers can meaningfully engage conductors, orchestras, and musicians throughout the rehearsal process to build lasting partnerships.
Put Me On: Commissions and Consortia Workshop (ft. Jeff Scott and Dan Visconti)
Featured Speakers: Dan Visconti and Jeff Scott
Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan and LaRob K. Rafael
There is much more to securing a commission or building a successful consortium than simply writing a great piece of music. In this candid conversation, Melissa Ngan, President and CEO of American Composers Orchestra, will be joined by arts leader Dan Visconti of Visconti Arts and composer and performer Jeff Scott to explore the behind-the-scenes realities of commissioning. Together, they will unpack how artists, managers, and partner organizations collaborate to navigate contracts, fee negotiations, consortium structures, and the delicate balance of honoring the composer’s voice while meeting institutional priorities.
Composing the Future: Composers and Music Education
Featured Speaker: John Kilkenny
Staff Moderator: Melissa Ngan and LaRob K. Rafael
New music isn’t just for adults - a growing population of grade school students are also pushing the boundaries of music creation. John Kilkenny, Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony, will join ACO President and CEO Melissa Ngan to offer insights on what a successful collaboration between composers and grade schools looks like.