arts, letters & numbers
CREATIVE MUSIC INTENSIVE

08/01–08/9, 2026

Creative Music Intensive (CMI) is a one-week in-person program held from August 1–9, 2026, at Arts Letters & Numbers. The program is open to musicians working in any genre. Participants will be immersed in the creative process of making and performing music, exploring new approaches, and developing individual and collaborative works as creative artists.

This year’s program will be directed and led by Bergamot Quartet, the New York City based ensemble consisting of Ledah Finck and Sarah Thomas on violin, Martine Thomas on viola, and Irène Han on cello. Composition faculty will include Bergamot Quartet, Erin Rogers and Dennis Sullivan of Popebama, and Jason Eckardt. Participants will have the opportunity to compose for and collaborate directly with both Bergamot Quartet and Popebama.

Activities include private lessons, classes, seminars, workshops, performances, performance projects, and potential collaborations with participants in Bill Morrison’s concurrent filmmaking intensive and other programs at ALN. Alec Goldfarb will also lead a workshop focused on just intonation.

Participants may elect to have one on one lessons in composition and/or instrumental topics with Erin Rogers (saxophone), Dennis Sullivan (percussion), Jason Eckardt, Irène Han (cello), Martine Thomas (viola), Ledah Finck (violin), and Sarah Thomas (violin).

Topics covered during group and private sessions include composition, improvisation, performance, interdisciplinary practice, and collaborative methodologies. Please see the program breakdown page for details. Participants are encouraged to come with creative projects they want to develop. There are spaces to work, and opportunities to collaborate, present, and receive technical and artistic support.

Arts Letters & Numbers Campus
Averill Park, NY, United States
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Sep 14-18, 2026 ~ NMOP September retreat // Vermont

Popebama joins the faculty of New Music on the Point at Vermont’s scenic Lake Dunmore. The NMOP experience includes intensive interaction between participants and faculty artists through private lessons, masterclasses, workshops, reading sessions, ensembles and daily seminars in addition to performing concerts of works by Rogers, Sullivan and festival participants.
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