TEXAS NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
A nonprofit organization dedicated to the enrichment of Texas communities through the performance of contemporary art music.
TEXAS NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL
GLOBAL SOUNDS, TEXAS MUSICIANS
About the festival
The Texas New Music Festival is a vibrant international summer music festival bringing contemporary aesthetics to the Houston community through world-class performances, workshops, and lectures. During the eight-day festival, TNMF provides daily professional development opportunities for a broad range of international musical artists throughout various stages of their careers.
Participating composers and conductors will work alongside our international roster of guest artists, creating a series of immersive concerts for Houston audiences and visitors. Scholarships and work-study opportunities are available. Come join us!
At a glance...
Located in the heart of America’s 4th largest city, the Texas New Music Festival runs from July 6th - 13th, 2025, at the Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH).
While attending the festival, composers can expect to have their music performed by ALL THREE of our resident ensembles and soloists; Texas Festival Ensemble (12-piece Chamber Ensemble), the Reinhuber-You piano duo, and Meg Griffith (flute), while conductors will have the opportunity to lead these remarkable musicians in multiple performances, rehearsals, and sectionals.
Composer participants will present their music in focal sessions with Rob Smith and Marcus Maroney and receive feedback from Chad Robinson in rehearsal. Conductors will receive individual and group lessons from Felipe Tristan. All participants will take part in multiple entrepreneurship and fundraising seminars, and attend a dynamic set of artist lectures and workshops.
Participation Fees
Our mission at Texas New Music Festival is to provide the greatest opportunity at the most equitable level possible. TNMF has worked with our broad base of donors and supporting organizations to create built-in scholarships for all participants, allowing us to keep the participation fees as low as possible. TNMF does not offer housing or food, but hotels, AirBnBs, and Midtown’s renowned food and drink scene all within walking distance of the festival. Additionally, Houston’s MetroRail connects participants to the entire city with a stop located at MATCH’s main entrance. Come experience all this magnificent city has to offer! Additional Scholarships and work-study opportunities are available.
Composer Fellows
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Each composer fellow will write THREE new works for the festival!!
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One work for the 12-piece Texas New Music Ensemble - up to 6 minutes in length (shorter works are acceptable). Instrumentation: violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, double bass, flute (doublings: piccolo, alto, and bass), clarinet (doubling: bass clarinet), trumpet (Bb or C), tenor trombone, piano, and 2 percussionists (list of percussion available: marimba, vibraphone, bass drum, snare drum, tam-tam, wood blocks).
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Each work will receive 5 rehearsals and a public performance (in-person and live-streamed).
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One work for the Reinhuber-You Piano Duo (piano four hands) to be workshopped and recorded. Up to four minutes in length.
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One work for solo flute to be workshopped and recorded by TNME flutist Meg Griffith. Up to 2 minutes in length.
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Professionally mastered audio and video files will be sent out after the festival concludes.
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Total fee: $2000
Application Materials
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CV
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1-3 scores and recordings (midi realizations are acceptable)
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Deadline to apply : December 1st 2024
Conductor Fellows
All Conductor Fellows will lead the Texas New Music Ensemble in performance and 5 rehearsals for 2-3 works at the festival.
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All will receive feedback and individual coaching from Principal Conductor Felipe Tristan.
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One Conductor Fellow may be selected as an Assistant Conductor Fellow and will work directly under Felipe Tristan and will receive a full-tuition scholarship.
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Total fee: $1250
Application Materials
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CV
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Repertoire List
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List of Ensembles Conducted
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2 Videos (any camera orientation)
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Deadline to apply : December 1st 2024
Deadlines
Composer Fellows
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Deadline to apply : December 1st 2024
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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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Texas New Music Ensemble - score and midi due by March 1st (end of day). After receiving feedback from Principal Conductor, Felipe Tristan and Director, Chad Robinson, fellows will have the opportunity to edit and resubmit the final score, parts, and midi no later than April 15th 2025 (end of day)
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Reinhuber-You Piano Duo—score and midi are due April 1st 2025. If necessary, feedback and editing time will be given.
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Solo flute work—scores are due by July 1st 2025
Conductor Fellows
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Deadline to apply : December 1st 2024
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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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Conducting assignments will be made by April 1st 2025