Cursus Program on Composition and Computer Music
Serving the institute’s missions of research and creation, the Cursus program for composition and computer music is the flagship program in the broad range of IRCAM’s educational activities. Initiated in 1990 under Pierre Boulez, numerous composers (such as F. Baschet, F. Bedrossian, O. Bianchi, E. Campion, R. Cendo, F. Filidei, J. Fineberg, S. Gervasoni, C. Iannotta, M. Lanza, B. Mantovani, Y. Maresz, B. Pauset, H. Parra, Y. Robin, L. Ronchetti, G. Spiropoulos, C. Trapani, F. Verunelli) have enhanced their musical thought through the technological tools made available in the Cursus program where the philosophy is that the computer is a tool for musical creation.
For 10 months (from September to June), everything is put into place so the students can acquire real, technical autonomy with a number of computer programs. The Cursus program is divided into two periods: a “program” phase from September to December with 5 courses followed by the “project” phase from January to April where optional classes can be added in addition to the core program.
The Cursus program includes academic classes on IRCAM software (Max, OpenMusic, Modalys, AudioSculpt, Spat, etc.), hands-on studio classes, workshops on composition and improvisation with electronics, meetings with the institute’s research teams and guest composers in addition to individual supervision by the educational team (Simone Conforti, Jean Lochard, Grégoire Lorieux, Mikhail Malt, Sébastien Naves) and the composer associated with the Cursus, Thierry De Mey.
At the end of each key module during the program, the students present their “mini projects” that prepare them for the production of their final project presented in concert during the ManiFeste festival at the CENTQUATRE-PARIS.
As a part of IRCAM’s continual renewal and openness, this composition can now be expressed using a multitude of forms: a work for solo musician and electronics (as has been the practice for several years), an electroacoustic work, a sonic installation, etc. This composition can also include other media such as dance, text, or images once the project is validated by the educational team. Students from the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (Cnsmdp) perform the concert. The Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (Cnsmdp) is one of the largest higher-education establishments in the domain of music and dance. Projects are supervised by Thierry De Mey, a team of 5 computer music designers/professors, IRCAM sound engineers, and professors from the Conservatoire de Paris.
Throughout the program, IRCAM provides students with a special classroom reserved for only the Cursus students in addition to 5 studios each equipped with a computer, mixing table, synthesizer, loud-speakers for sound spatialization, and a piano.
Through a partnership with the Conservatoire de Paris, the Haute École de musique de Genève and, beginning in September 2019, the Académie supérieure de musique de Strasbourg-HEAR and the Université de Strasbourg, students signed up in a Master’s degree in composition in one of these establishments can take their first year of their degree in IRCAM’s Cursus.
Applicants selected for the Cursus program have the possibility, upon request, to be housed at the Cité internationale des arts de Paris. They will have a studio/room throughout the program. Monthly housing fees are paid by the students.
Public composers (under 35 years old)
Contact 01 44 78 48 17 | cursus (at) ircam.fr
Selected composers for the 2020.21 academic year
Utku Asuroglu (Turkey), Didem Coskunseven (Turkey), Matteo Gualandi (Italy), Jug Marković (Serbia), Megumi Okuda (Japan), Clara Olivares (France), Leah Reid (United States), Aida Shirazi (Iran), Alexandru Sima (Romania), Jon Yu (United States).
The 2019.20 Class
Sofia Avramidou
Oren Boneh
Kayla Cashetta
Fernando Manassero
Maxime Mantovani
Paul Ramage
Justina Repečkaitė
Ko Sahara
Claudia Jane Scroccaro
Antonio Tules
Episodes about IRCAM's Cursus
Apply to the Cursus Program
> The call for applications for the 2020.21 academic year is closed
Applicants
Applicants must be under 35 years old.
There are no applications fees
Calendar
Applications accepted from September, 15
Results are sent by email on December 2019
Apply online: ULYSSES Platform
Applicants must create an account (or use an existing account) on the ULYSSES platform, complete their profile, and click on “apply” on the Cursus call for applications 2020/2021 page.
Application File
Your dossier must include:
- A copy of valid ID or passport
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- The list of professional experiences and awards
- A cover letter
- One or several letters of recommendation
- Three recent works, at least one with electronics (score, audio recording, video, etc.)
- The URL to download a patch for one of your compositions (Max or any other real-time software) from the platform of your choice. Remember to give a permanent URL that does not require a password.
For non-Francophone applicants: a copy of your TEF exam (level B2) or equivalent diploma or any other document proving an equivalent level of oral comprehension.
Conditions for Applicants and Selected Candidates
10 places are available
Registration fees: 2,000€ (includes the Premium Individuel membership to the IRCAM Forum for 2 years)
Deposit due before February 15, 2020: 600 euros
Applicants selected for the Cursus 2020/2021 program must confirm their participation in writing before January 15, 2020 and commit to take on any other professional engagements during the program (September 2020-June 2021). Classes are held at IRCAM from Monday through Friday, from 10am to 1pm and from 2:30 to 5:30pm. There are two weeks of vacation in December for the holidays.
Scholarships
IRCAM does not give out any scholarships or pay for any travel, but can assist you when looking for financial aid. The Cursus program is considered to be continued professional training.
Contact: cursus (@) ircam.fr
Applicants selected for the Cursus program have the possibility, upon request, to be housed at the Cité internationale des arts de Paris. They will have a studio/room throughout the program. Monthly housing fees are paid by the students.
Furthermore, applicants selected for the Cursus program signed up in the Sacem repertory are eligible for a scholarship. Contact the Sacem directly to request a dossier.