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What is ICCI
The International Choral Composers Institute (ICCI) is a 5-day immersive program dedicated to nurturing & instructing choral composers and lyricists of all levels while connecting them with real-world editors and publishers.
Both virtual and in-person options available!
What to Expect:
Daily Master Classes & Lectures – Explore key aspects of choral composition, including techniques, intros and endings, lyric writing, publication insights, music technology, and more.
Small-Group Private Lessons – Gain firsthand knowledge from award-winning composers:
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Non-Auditioned Track: Watch small-group instruction sessions with master composers and participate in large-group classes.
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Auditioned Track: Receive personalized, one-on-one feedback in small-group instruction from an award-winning composer.
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Auditioned - Lyricist Track: Receive personalized, one-on-one feedback in small-group instruction from lyricist/poet, Tony Silvestri.
Reading Sessions & Performance Opportunity (Auditioned Track only) – Participants will have their compositions or poetry/lyrics either featured in a reading session or performed for the Final Concert on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
All classes will be during the day from 9-5 (EDT), and evenings will be reserved for creating, socializing/collaborating with other composers, and dining. A virtual option is also offered.
Cost and Registration
The cost for ICCI is $1190.00 USD. Participants may pay over 7 months at $170 per month as long as the full balance is paid by May 15, 2026. Your spot is guaranteed as long as full payment is made by May 15, 2026.
(There is a discounted rate of $989 for current college students and retirees. Participants may pay over 7 months at $141.29 per month as long as the full balance is paid by May 15, 2026.
TUITION SCHOLARSHIP
Read Carefully
We received a generous donation to cover the entire tuition of one composing student! This scholarship will be awarded to someone who shows talent and promise as a composer. Extenuating financial needs will be considered but the applicant must also have a strong application otherwise.
We are only offering this to an ICCI 2025 composer who is returning in 2026.
IF you are interested in applying for this scholarship, keep reading VERY CAREFULLY for the requirements. I recommend printing these directions. I am picky!
You must email the following to Sherry Blevins by midnight Eastern Time on March 15, 2026:
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A complete up-to-date resumé or CV WITH your name as a PDF
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Submit ONE or TWO choral octavo(s) (PDF format).
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You should also submit an mp3 of the work(s). Software generated mp3s are fine. Your name should NOT be on the score, in the file names, or attached to the recordings. Only the name of the work should be included. This should NOT be a score/scores that were submitted for ICCI 2025. If you are using copyrighted lyrics, please demonstrate proof that you have permission to set it/them. ONLY 2.5 to 5-minute works are acceptable.
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You should write a statement WITH your name not to exceed two pages regarding why this scholarship is needed, why you think you should receive it, how it will benefit you in the future, and what your goals are as an composer. Send as a PDF.
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Two letters of recommendation from professionals who know your composing skills and your character. (You may ask one ICCI instructor to write this for you. It is up to them whether they agree or not.)
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If you have financial needs based on something which you can show via documentation, please provide those documents. Your name should be included. Note that if you don't have a financial need, you will still be considered based on all other submission materials.
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ALL of the above should come to me in ONE email including items 1-6. DO NOT send any items separately.
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Please label your subject line: "ICCI FULL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION MATERIALS"
Those who fail to follow these directions will not be considered.
Please read carefully and feel free to email me with questions as long as you email questions prior to March 1. Please do not "reply all" to this thread for any reason.
I recommend asking for recommendation letters at least 2-4 weeks in advance.
All ages 18+ are eligible. We do not discriminate for any reason. Judging will be blind. If you have already paid all or a portion of your tuition, it will be returned to you if you win.
Good luck!
Costs are for the institute only and do not cover housing or meals. There are many hotels and restaurants within walking distance of ICCI.
All instructors speak English as their primary language.
Other languages spoken by at least one instructor: Italian, German, and French
Founder
Sherry Blevins
Sherry Blevins is a sought-after artist, award-winning composer, lyricist, as well as an award-winning music educator and conductor. Since 2017, she has 30 publications with 5 different publishing houses and has been honored to compose for a variety of ensembles across the world including Italy, the United States, and Canada. She has premiered a new work with National Concerts at Carnegie Hall in June 2024 and will again with MidAmerica in July of 2025; premiering a major, multi-movement work called “Tipping Point.”
Sherry has a bachelor’s degree in music education with a principal in voice from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Appalachian State University. She currently resides in Huntersville, North Carolina and is thrilled to be working with faculty and students from Alaska’s Region 1! Her hope is that whether through composing or teaching, that the music she shares will bring hope, life, and light to others.
Contact Sherry at sherryblevinsmusic.com.
