Mentor Composer
/Job Title:
Mentor Composer
Organization:
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO)
Deadline:
Jul. 15, 2026
Organization Description:
About the VSO
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
About the VSO School of Music
VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.
The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.
Website:
https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/about/careers/
Job Description:
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is seeking an experienced Mentor Composer to join the 2026 Jean Coulthard Readings (JCR) program. This role is central to the artistic and educational mission of the JCR, providing emerging composers with expert guidance,
professional insight, and constructive feedback throughout the program.
The Mentor Composer will work closely with participating composers, VSO musicians, and VSO Education team, contributing to seminars, masterclasses, workshops, and reading session. This position requires a high level of professionalism, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting the development of early‑career composers. This is a paid professional engagement with compensation commensurate with the scope of the role.
Jean Coulthard Readings and Mentorship Program Description
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic leadership of Maestro Otto Tausk, is pleased to present the newly envisioned Jean Coulthard Readings and Mentorship Program.
Originally created in 1997 by former VSO Composer‑in‑Residence Rodney Sharman, the Jean Coulthard Readings were established to provide meaningful learning opportunities for
early‑career composers and to introduce the VSO to emerging musical voices. Named in honour of one of British Columbia’s most celebrated composers, the program continues to uphold this legacy while expanding its reach and impact.
The Jean Coulthard Readings and Mentorship Program offers emerging Canadian composers an invaluable opportunity to develop their orchestral writing in a professional, supportive environment. Under the guidance of the VSO’s artistic team and the Mentor Composer, participants engage in seminars, masterclasses, workshops, and individualized mentorship. The program culminates in a reading session where each composer’s work is performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, providing rare and essential insight into the orchestral creative process.
Approximately six emerging composers will be selected to participate in the 2026 program.
Following this cohort, the program will continue into a second year in 2027, during which one participating composer will be selected as the program’s winner and receive additional
mentorship as well as a performance opportunity of their piece on a Vancouver Symphony
Orchestra concert.
This is a fixed term, fixed hour, contract from September 2026 through May 2027.
Responsibilities:
The Mentor Composer will:
• Lead seminars, masterclasses, and group discussions on orchestration, notation,
contemporary techniques, and professional practice.
• Provide individualized feedback and mentorship to participating composers.
• Collaborate with the VSO’s Education and Artistic teams in shaping the educational content of the program.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process for participating composers, offering input on artistic merit, program fit, and cohort balance.
• Contribute to a supportive, inclusive, and artistically rigorous learning environment.
Qualifications:
• Established professional practice as a composer with a significant portfolio of orchestral
work.
• Demonstrated experience in mentorship, teaching, or workshop leadership, particularly with emerging or early‑career composers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear, constructive, and supportive feedback.
• Availability to attend all program activities in person, including seminars, masterclasses,
workshops, and reading sessions.
• Familiarity with contemporary orchestral practices, notation standards, and score preparation.
• Professional reputation for artistic excellence, integrity, and collaboration.
• A demonstrated record of participating in recruitment, adjudication, or selection processes, such as serving on juries, panels, or committees, or equivalent experience evaluating artistic work.
The VSO encourages applications from composers representing a wide range of artistic backgrounds, lived experiences, and musical perspectives.
How to Apply:
The application details are found here:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=wg2RF6m09U6w83eFYPluuP7Yj85VevxNoGaMc4IFfohUQ0JHWEVDV0xJS1MwUzNSQTE5RTZJREZBVi4u
Remuneration:
$100/hr
