Very Young Composers Teaching Artists Guide

The Very Young Composers Program is an inspiring music education initiative that empowers 4th and 5th grade students to explore their creativity by composing original musical works from scratch. Designed for young musicians of all experience levels, this immersive program guides students through the fundamentals of melody, rhythm, and sound with support from experienced music teachers and mentors, including University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point students. Over the course of the program, participants not only develop their own compositions but also have the unique opportunity to hear their pieces rehearsed and performed by real musicians, culminating in a public celebration of their creative achievements. The program is presented by the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra in partnership with regional educators and is rooted in a long tradition of fostering artistic expression in children.

Very Young Composers (VYC) Teaching Artist Guide

Welcome to the Very Young Composers Project! As a VYC Teaching Artist (TA), you play a vital role in unlocking the musical creativity of local students. Your mentorship helps them transform their imagination into an original composition.

Below is an overview of what to expect and your core responsibilities for a successful and inspiring season.

The VYC Experience: What Your Role Entails

As a Teaching Artist, you are more than an instructor, you are a creative guide and cheerleader. Your goal is to create a welcoming, fun, and collaborative space where students feel safe taking artistic risks and exploring their musical voices.

1. Preparation & Training

• Seminar/Workshop: Attend the seminar/workshop on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM. (Note: If you have already attended in a previous year, you only need to join for the first part of the day). This session will equip you with the tools, strategies, and materials needed to guide your students.

2. Zoom Classes (January 4 – 15, Monday through Friday)

• Pre-Class Arrival: Have your Zoom room open and be on the call by 4:15 PM (classes run from 4:30 – 6:30 PM) to get settled and warmly welcome students as they log on.
• Icebreakers & Community Building: To keep things lively and engaging, TAs may occasionally be asked to lead fun questions or quick games to help the kids get to know one another and feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
• One-on-One Mentorship: Work closely and encouragingly with your assigned student, helping them build and develop their very own original composition using the tools provided during your training.

3. Score & Part Preparation

• Bringing the Music to Life: After the creative phase, you will be responsible for translating your student’s musical vision into a professional score and individual instrument parts ready for rehearsal and performance.  You will work closely with Alexandria Mueller (alexandria.m.mueller@gmail.com) to complete the scores.

 Schedule, Logistics & Policies Reference

• Key Dates & Attendance: TAs are expected to attend all scheduled classes (January 4-15, 4:30–6:30 PM), dress rehearsals (January 23, 2027, 10:00 am–4:30 PM at UWSP, lunch provided), and the Showcase/Celebration (January 24, 2027, 1:00 PM at UWSP).
• Communication: Please communicate any unexpected absences to CWSO Operations Manager Heidi Corcoran (hcorcoran@cwso.org) as soon as you are aware of them.
• Compensation & Status: TAs are independent contractors (1099 status) compensated at $350, paid via paper check delivered in the mail 1–2 weeks after the Showcase/Celebration.
• Showcase Attire: Dress in good condition with your VYC T-shirt. As a professional courtesy to students and colleagues, please refrain from wearing fragrances.
• Background Check & Mandated Reporter Training: Per CWSO policy, all TAs working with minors must complete an approved Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Training program and submit a valid certificate, alongside clearing a background check, prior to beginning work.

Technical Support & Contact Info

If you have any questions:

📧 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.