For over 80 years, Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) has been a driving force in the world of music rights, advocating for the value of music and ensuring that songwriters, composers, and publishers are compensated when their work is performed. With a catalog that spans over 22.4 million musical works from more than 1.4 million music creators, BMI’s influence runs deep—from chart-topping hits to the background scores that define some of the most iconic moments in film and television.
Now, BMI is turning its attention to the next generation of screen composers.
The company has just announced the launch of its inaugural Composer Lab, a professional development program designed to provide emerging composers with direct access to some of the most accomplished names in the business. “BMI is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural Composer Lab, designed to provide emerging composers with a one-of-a-kind experience to foster artistic growth and professional development,” a statement from the company reveals.
The program will be led by Peter Golub, acclaimed composer and former director of the Sundance Film Music Program, along with Tracy McKnight, BMI’s Vice President of Film, TV & Visual Media and a longtime creative executive and award-winning music supervisor. Together, Golub and McKnight will guide ten selected participants through an immersive experience that includes a two-week online workshop, followed by a nine-day in-person intensive in Los Angeles.
Throughout the program, participants will receive hands-on mentorship from a remarkable lineup of world-renowned BMI composers, including Thomas Newman, James Newton Howard, Kathryn Bostic, Stephanie Economou, Nathan Barr, Christopher Lennertz, and Harry Gregson-Williams, among others. Industry professionals such as Paul Broucek (Warner Bros. Pictures), Julia Michels (music supervisor), and Scott Macaulay (Filmmaker Magazine) will also serve as advisors, offering valuable insight into the creative and business aspects of the media music industry.
“This program will provide participants with the rare opportunity to engage directly with some of the most revered composers in the industry, who will share their expertise and creative journey in scoring some of the most celebrated works in film, television and video games,” said McKnight.
For Golub, the lab offers a continuation of his commitment to education and mentorship in the world of music. “How great to be partnering with BMI in curating a program that will help the selected artists develop their unique voices and take bold steps forward in their musical journeys,” he shared. “It’s exciting to continue my work as a dedicated educator while embarking on this new program.”
The lab will culminate in professional orchestral recording and mixing sessions with the Hollywood Cinematic Orchestra at the esteemed Bandrika Studios, giving participants an authentic, high-level scoring experience.
Applications are open now through May 30, and BMI-affiliated composers of all musical backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Finalists will be announced on July 16, with online sessions running from August 11–22 and the in-person portion taking place September 18–26 in Los Angeles.
For submission details and requirements, visit bmicomposerlab.slideroom.com.
