Join Dr. Dan Forrest for three days of intensive critique, discussion, enrichment, and inspiration at Dan’s home and #forrestgardens. A small cohort (6-8 people maximum) enables the benefits of group learning while allowing intensive personalized review of each participant’s works in an encouraging yet honest environment.
Forrest Fellows experience three full days of deeply rewarding discussion, study, and mentoring in a tranquil and inspiring setting in Dan’s studio (Greenville, SC) with other composers matched for experience and skill, for less than the cost of four private lessons.
Areas of focus include text and text-setting, melodic line, voice-leading/counterpoint, musical intuition, development/workflow, evaluating strength of ideas, form, idiomatic writing for voice, keyboard, and instruments, instrumentation and orchestration, creative process, strength of idea, notation, publication, the business side of music, and more, all rooted in a personalized review of composers’ works.
Applications are welcomed from established composers seeking to further hone or take next steps, or from aspiring composers with notable potential who seek input and guidance. All applicants will be reviewed for their potential ability to thrive and succeed from this mentoring. Accepted applicants will be grouped into cohorts with other composers of similar experience level and stage (regardless of age) as well as schedule availability.
$1100 per person. (The total cost of $1850 is reduced by a $750 scholarship for each Forrest Fellow, funded by the John Ness Beck Foundation.)
Fellows are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, and most meals.
UPDATE:
Deadline has passed for first round of applications; four cohorts were formed from these applications, and will meet in fall 2026 and in 2027. The next call for applications will come after these have met, potentially in later 2027.
Applications for our first cohort (September 2026) are due by March 31, 2026.
Acceptances will be announced by May 1 (or earlier) and specific September dates will be chosen based on cohort input.
Tuition payment in full ($1100) for accepted participants is due by June 30, in order to reserve their place.
