We accept:

• Un-conducted ensembles (up to 6 performers) applying together with a collaborator (typically a composer, but could be a sound artist, installation artist, songwriter, poet, choreographer, etc.)

• Improvising ensembles and other non-new music groups (all genres and backgrounds welcome)

• A limited number of solo performers applying with a collaborator

• The full Institute will be capped at 20 performers total, and 5 total collaborators/composers across the entire Institute.

• Multiple collaborators: Ensembles may apply with more than one collaborator if it genuinely supports the project.

• We accept both brand-new collaborations and projects already in progress

• Pieces may include electronics / fixed media / video

• Staging and lighting will be not be possible

• Projects may include music using improvisation, graphic scores, and nontraditional notation

• Project duration should be no longer than 20 minutes

• Final concert expectation: ideally the full work within the above duration; excerpts are acceptable if the project is work-in-progress

• Each project should submit ONE application.

• As part of the online application form, applicants will be asked for a brief description of their project, 2-3 representative work samples (recordings, video, or other relevant media) for both ensemble and composer, as well as basic technical needs/instrumentation for the proposed project.

• All Institute participants must be at least 18 years old, and there is no application fee.

• Applicants with full-time faculty positions will not be considered.

The application deadline is MARCH 22, 2026.

Over the course of the Institute, participant ensembles will receive chamber music coaching by the members of Yarn/Wire, composers will be given one-on-one consulting on their work, and all attendees will participate in forums and workshops intended to support career development and artistic growth.

Participants will have limited time for unsupervised practice and rehearsals, as space allows.

The 2026 Yarn/Wire International Institute will take place in NYC at the Manhattan School of Music & Yarn/Wire’s studio in Ridgewood, Queens.

All locations are accessible by public transit (subway/bus), and limited street parking is available nearby.

Participants must attend all sessions in person.

There is no application fee.

Total tuition cost for the Yarn/Wire International Institute is sliding scale, from $125-250 per person, depending on total ensemble size.

Solo (1): $250
Duo (2): $225
Trio (3): $195
Quartet (4): $165
Quintet (5): $145
Sextet (6): $125

Example: a quartet project is $165 per person for each ensemble member and any collaborator(s) for a total of $825.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants must arrange for their own housing and meals

for the duration of the Institute (see next Q).

Participants will be responsible for arranging their own housing and meals for the duration of the Institute.

There are hostels throughout the city that offer lower-cost accommodations, but here are just a few recommendations we can make for you:

• International Student Center * (Upper West Side, Manhattan) - approx. 30 min on public transit from MSM or 45 min to YW studio

• HI New York City Hostel (Upper West Side, Manhattan) - similar transit times to above

• The Central Park North (Harlem, Manhattan) - approx. 25 min to MSM or 50 min to YW studio

• The Local (Long Island City, Queens) - approx. 45 to MSM or 35 min to YW studio

*highly recommended