Music Student Accepted to Prestigious Composition Program

Studying Music at the University of Lethbridge under the tutelage of Dr. Arlan Schultz, composition student Jordan Berg is utilizing his education and experience to go far beyond Lethbridge, even before graduation.

Berg has been accepted into the Atlantic Music Festival (AMF) Institute Composition Program in the Student Division. The residency, in Waterville, Maine takes place June 30-July 14 where Berg will learn from “a vibrant community of world-renowned musicians as well as emerging professional performers” including Pulitzer Prize winner Chen Yi, and faculty from USC, Yale and Juilliard.

To apply to the program Berg submitted a letter of intent, two recent compositions and a letter of recommendation provided by Dr. Schultz.

“My experience here at the U of L has been amazing and instrumental in achieving the successes I've experienced,” said Berg. “My work with Dr. Schultz has been an extremely fulfilling experience. He is always challenging me and encouraging me to grow as an artist. Our studies and analyses are rigorous and I always feel like I'm making another step towards achieving my goals after every lesson.”

The two composition pieces submitted were composed under Schultz’s guidance.

“During the two-week residency I hope to experience as much as possible, collaborate and learn from all of the composers, musicians and teachers there. Considering the incredible credentials of the faculty, Yale, Juilliard, USC, several Pulitzer prizes etc. I am inspired to really grow as a composer and receive as much instruction as I possibly can.”

THE AMF Institute Composition Program is an intensive four-week course designed to provide extraordinary opportunity and exposure to advanced composers. Participants gain firsthand experience through collaboration with the AMF Contemporary Ensemble in working towards a goal of premiering a new work.