Very Young Composers

Do you know a 4th or 5th grader with a passion for music? Or a budding Beethoven ready to create their own original compositions? The Very Young Composers Project gives young minds the opportunity to dive into the world of music composition in a hands-on, creative way — all with the guidance of area music teachers and UWSP Student mentors.

What is the Very Young Composers Project?

The Very Young Composers Project is an immersive, two-week online experience that helps 4th and 5th grade students create their own music from scratch! Whether they’re familiar with music or not, our teachers and mentors will help them compose original pieces. The program runs from January 5-18, 2025, and promises to be a creative endeavor for all involved!

Who Can Enroll?

This program is open to all 4th and 5th graders — whether they attend public, private, or home school. Prior music experience? Not necessary! We’re looking for young composers with enthusiasm and a curiosity to create.

Enrollment is limited to just 30 students, so make sure to register early and secure a spot for your aspiring musician!

Class Schedule

Classes will meet online five days a week (Monday–Friday) from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.                                                                        The program kicks off on Monday, January 5, 2026 and the last online class will be Wednesday, January 14.

Students will take part in in-person rehearsals at the Noel Fine Arts Center at UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, January 17, 2026 individually scheduled between 1:00-5:30pm

The program culminates in a Celebration & Showcase of their compositions on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm in UWSP Noel Fine Arts Center: Michelsen Hall.

🎶 Your child’s composition will be rehearsed and performed by real musicians!

What’s Included?

• Guided Composition: Your child will be assisted by area music teachers and UWSP student mentors, creating their own original pieces.
• Electronic Keyboard: Every student gets their very own electronic piano keyboard to take home and use throughout the program.
• Performance: Your young composer will have the chance to attend a live rehearsal and showcase their music in front of a real audience.

What’s Needed to Participate?

The classes are entirely online, so all you need is:

Required:

• A desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone with a front-facing camera.
• Stable internet for live video meetings.
• A parent or guardian email account (you can create one easily if you don’t already have one!).

Recommended:

• A Zoom account for seamless interaction (free to set up!).
• Headphones to enhance sound quality during the classes.

How to Apply

Ready to join the fun? Applications open on October 1, 2025, and closes on November 14, 2025. With limited spots, be sure to submit your application early!

Important Details:

• A $35 non-refundable registration fee applies, but is waived for students eligible for free or reduced lunch.
• Each applicant must submit a brief (50 words or fewer) statement on why they want to participate.

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and a waiting list will be established once we hit 30 students.

Technical Support & Contact Info

If you need assistance with the application process or have any questions, our team is here to help:

📧 Email: hcorcoran@cwso.org
📞 Call CWSO: (715)345-7726

More About Us

The Very Young Composers Project of Central Wisconsin is proud to be presented by the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, sponsored by Very Young Composers, Inc. and supported by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Founded at the New York Philharmonic through the vision of composer Jon Deak, VYC aims to empower children and celebrate their creative potential. 4th and 5th grade students from Central Wisconsin (Portage, Wood, and Marathon counties) come together for a two-week program that introduces the students to the musical basics of melody, rhythm, and sound. 

The CWSO is proud to continue the impact that VYC makes in the lives of Central Wisconsin youth!

By shaping a fun, inclusive, and enriching environment, this program empowers kids to explore their creativity and express themselves through music. So, if your child has a passion for music (or even just a curiosity about it), this is their chance to compose their masterpiece and become part of something truly special.

Inspired by the vision of Jon Deak and the model created in New York, Robert (Bob) Rosen brought the program to Stevens Point in 2010. Under Bob’s leadership and guidance, VYC of Central Wisconsin has impacted hundreds of young musicians and enabled them to create original compositions that are then performed live for their friends and family to witness.

VYC has partnered with the faculty and students of the UWSP Music Department since its inception. Each January, UWSP music majors serve as VYC Teaching Artists, assisting the lead instructors with the musical concepts and scribing of the young composers’ musical ideas.

Our current lead instructors are Schuyler Pietz and Jeannete Brown. The VYC assistant program director is Alexandria Mueller.