Composing Studio - OAcademy

Gabriela Ortiz
Composing Studio

The 6-month Global Artist Diploma in Composition.

The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio by OAcademy brings together a cohort of early-career composers from around the world for an intensive six-month experience in composition, artistic development, and professional growth.

Limited to 12 outstanding rising composers of any nationality.

About the Fellowship

The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio by OAcademy is a six-month studio for rising composers ready to sharpen their craft, expand their professional network, and develop original works with leading artists.

Guided by Gabriela Ortiz and shaped by a faculty of internationally recognized composers and industry leaders, the Studio offers serious artistic mentorship, career-focused workshops, and the opportunity to develop and record original works with leading musicians.

Faculty and guests include Du Yun, Andrew Norman, Missy Mazzoli, Marcos Balter, Tyshawn Sorey, Vanessa Rose, Ted Hearne, Tonia Ko, and others.

The Studio meets bi-weekly for 90-minute sessions from January through June, with an in-person residency in Maryland led by Gabriela Ortiz.

The Global Artist Diploma

A professional pathway for composers building international careers.

The OAcademy Artist Diploma is a fast-track professional certificate for rising artists navigating today’s music field.
Across 24 weeks, fellows develop original works, refine their artistic identity, strengthen professional materials, and gain a deeper understanding of the composition sector, from commissions and publishing to branding, contracts, and long-term career strategy.

Fellows graduate with:

Professional recordings of original works developed with leading musicians
A strengthened creative voice shaped through mentorship with Gabriela Ortiz and guest faculty
A polished portfolio for commissions, residencies, applications, and industry opportunities
A global network of composers, performers, mentors, and arts leaders
A stronger platform for the next stage of an international composing career

The experience

Masterclasses

Interactive sessions with leading composers focused on craft, artistic process, and creative development.

Workshops

Career seminars covering publishing, branding, contracts, commissions, SEO, artist statements, and portfolio strategy.

Industry Sessions

Conversations with agents, publishers, artistic planning leaders, and professionals across the contemporary music sector.

Networking

Structured opportunities to build relationships with composers, performers, mentors, and creative leaders across the OAcademy network.

Career Guidance

Focused support around professional positioning, artistic identity, and the practical realities of sustaining a composing career.

360° Artist Development

Access to OAcademy’s broader masterclass environment and international ecosystem of performers and faculty.

Creative Artistry

Development of original works with professional performers, culminating in professional recordings.

Residency

An immersive Maryland residency with Gabriela Ortiz, including workshops, rehearsals, mentorship, and artistic exchange.

Who should apply?

The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio is built for classically trained composers ready to refine their craft, expand their network, and move with greater confidence within the composition field.

Created by leading composers and guided by Gabriela Ortiz, the Studio supports innovative early-career composers from around the world.

Open to 12 composers of any nationality and background.

“The Gabriela Ortiz Composing Fellowship gave me the comfort that comes from having a sense of community, and the OAcademy journey gave me the confidence that comes from having a sense of direction.”

Damian Norfleet, Composing Fellow

Gabriela Ortiz Composing Studio