Let It Be New

Composer Mentorship Program

This free, one-of-a-kind opportunity pairs ten promising composers with today’s most respected voices in the art song field for invaluable mentorship.

Program Highlights

  • One-on-one mentorship with a celebrated composer, tailored completely to each participant’s goals, ambitions, and specific interests in professional development

  • Group sessions with industry leaders on:

    • Best practices for writing for the voice and working with artists when bringing a premiere to life

    • Becoming published and the various models for working with publishers

  • A commissioned song, fully produced and premiered by CSI in the annual Let It Be New digital concert

  • Consideration for publication in North Star Music’s Let It Be New anthology series

Application Requirements

Deadline to Apply: October 18, 2026

Apply Now

  • Composer’s statement (maximum 150 words): Your composer’s statement should indicate your experience with vocal music, and why this program would be helpful to you.

  • Brief biography (max 200 words)

  • Headshot (upload as JPEG or PNG): The file name should include your name.

  • Two short work samples (upload BOTH the score PDFs and sound files)

Sign Up For Program Updates

Make your voice heard! Supporting this program ensures a vibrant future for song, directly fueling the creation of new music through life-changing mentorship and world-class performing.

Sponsor the commissioning of a song and receive a personal copy from the composer with your or your loved one’s name in the dedication!

Meet the 2026-2027 Composer Mentors

Lori Laitman, Founding Mentor
2026-2027 Program Co-Advisor

Tom Cipullo, Founding Mentor

Steven Mark Kohn

Laura Schwendinger

Scott Wheeler

Jeffrey Mumford

Leanna Kirchoff

Stephen Eddins

Shawn E. Okpebholo

Jodi Goble
2026-2027 Program Co-Advisor