To Be Held at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Oct. 16-27, 2005
NEW YORK — June 23, 2005 — With support from the National Endowment for the Arts, this intensive workshop brings twenty-five arts writers, critics and editors to New York City for a deep immersion in classical music and opera. In October 2004, the first two-week Institute was organized at Columbia University for writers who live outside the nation’s ten largest cities. Journalists from twenty states attended classroom sessions on classical music, heard concerts, and took part in writing workshops led by top critics.
The faculty included such noted scholars and critics as Michael Beckerman, Henry Fogel, Walter Frisch, Joseph Horowitz, Elaine Sisman, Justin Davidson, Anne Midgette, Alex Ross, Terry Teachout, James Oestreich and John Rockwell. The participants learned about current issues in music management from the leadership of Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Opera, BAM, American Symphony Orchestra League, Miller Theatre and other organizations. They honed their music skills during a voice-coaching session led by MET Opera choirmaster Raymond Hughes.
This fall, the Institute reconvenes at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, with a similar faculty and mix of activities. Concerts will include the Cleveland Orchestra at Carnegie Hall; Falstaff at the MET Opera, with Bryn Terfel; a piano recital by Pierre-Laurent Aimard; Midori soloing with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center; and Richard Rodney Bennett’s “The Minds of Sulfur” at the New York City Opera. Details and guidelines will be posted at www.najp.org.
Deadline: Tuesday August 16, 2005
For details, or to request an application, contact Kathleen Brow at 212.854.2717 or kmb8@columbia.edu
WHAT THE 2004 PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE INSTITUTE:
“This institute was the most important professional development I have ever had. I can’t imagine a more sound, ambitious or important program for a working arts journalist today.”
Jen Graves, staff writer, The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA)
“I feel that I have taken a giant step in my understanding of the form. I went from abject fear of writing reviews to a palpable easiness.”
Tracey Mobley-Martinez, arts reporter, The State (Columbia, SC)
“There is no doubt that my review-writing and column-writing has improved because of the writing workshops.”
Richard Bammer, features writer, The Reporter (Vacaville, CA)
“I’m coming away not only with better knowledge about how to approach concert criticism, but also better understanding of the economics and societal forces that affect classical music today.”
Joe Nickell, arts and entertainment reporter, Missoulian Daily Newspaper (Missoula, MT)
“I think I learned the importance of writing with conviction about music and the importance of trusting my gut feelings about a performance”
Gary Panetta, arts reporter, Journal Star (Peoria, IL)
“Not only did the experts give me more tools for my writer’s toolbox, but they also worked on our style of writing. I have compiled a list of more than 100 great suggestions to help my reviews and my writing.”
Terry Rindfleisch, reporter, La Crosse Tribune (WI)
“It felt like three weeks of academic and practical work crammed into 12 days.”
James D. Watts, staff writer, Tulsa World (OK)
