IRCAM Cursus Academic Year 2026.2027

Cursus Academic Year 2026.2027
From October 12, 2026 to September 30, 2027

Public concerned: composers under the age of 37 (born after January 1, 1987)

Cursus Program on Composition and Computer music

The IRCAM Cursus is a unique computer music training program for young composers, held every two years. It aims to provide them with in-depth technical independence and mastery of several computer programs, all in service of artistic creation.

Over the course of a full year, from October to the following September, participants receive training on software developed by IRCAM and used in musical composition (Max, OpenMusic, Modalys, ASAP, Partiel, Spat, and more).

Fully integrated into the institute, participants work in dialogue with researchers, doctoral students, developers, sound engineers, computer music designers and lecturers, composers, and guest artists, all of whom are active daily in IRCAM’s laboratories and studios.

Primarily focused on musical aspects, the Cursus program is open to all forms of artistic practice, integrating technology into a wide range of aesthetic approaches and forms.

To validate the skills acquired throughout the year, participants present mini-projects at the end of each unit. These presentations also serve as a preparation for their final project, which will be showcased at the opening of the IRCAM musical season in September.

The next session of the program will take place in 2026-2027, marking the beginning of a new chapter with Eva Reiter as Associate Composer and the introduction of new pedagogical directions.

“Composing is like creating a musical instrument,” says Eva Reiter – a concept that takes on its full meaning when composing with electronics, treating them as instruments in their own right.

Beyond being a simple composition class, the Cursus is a space-time dedicated to experimentation, taking risks, and exploring oneself through interaction with technology. It’s a place where electronics are fully integrated into musical thought and the compositional ges-ture.

What vision do we want to project onto the world and society? What do we want to express, defend, or question—and how do we address it to the audience? Under the guidance of Eva Reiter, the new pedagogical directions of the Cursus are grounded in contemporary challenges: using technology to serve musical thought, integrating artificial intelligence into the composition process, musicology and the analysis of works.

With the arrival of Eva Reiter as the new Associate Composer, adaptations to the Cursus program are currently under review. Further details will be provided in 2025-2026.

Courses are taught in English

Classes are held at IRCAM from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.*              

There are two weeks off in December for the winter break.*                                                                                   

Length of training*: 850 hours, including courses on theories and techniques, hands-on workshops, composition sessions, lectures given by guest artists and scientists, individual follow-up meetings, rehearsals, and a final concert.

* This information is liable to be changed

In partnership with the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (Cnsmdp), the Académie supérieure de musique de Strasbourg-HEAR, and the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Lyon (CNSMDL). Students enrolled in the composition Master's degree program at HEAR or CNSMDL have the opportunity, after selection by a jury, to complete their first or second year of Master’s training within the IRCAM Cursus. Those enrolled at CNSMDP may also benefit from support after their second year of the Master’s program.

The Maison de l’Île-de-France, located within the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP), offers accommodation options for composers participating in the Cursus 2026-2027 (costs to be borne by the participants).

Admission requirements

The call is opened to composers under 37 years old

A knowledge of Max is required (Tutorial 1-5: Basics, Midi, Data)
https://docs.cycling74.com/max8/tutorials/00_maxindex

Non-native French speakers are strongly encouraged to acquire a basic knowledge of French before the start of the year.

Candidates must complete their application on the Platform between June 25, 2025 and December 3, 2025.

Jury members, IRCAM Cursus teachers, and the pedagogy team are committed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact IRCAM at cursus@ircam.fr so that appropriate support can be arranged.

The application file must include the following documents (in French or in English):

• A detailed curriculum vitae, a list of professional experiences, and awards received
• A copy of a valid ID or passport
• A letter explaining the candidate’s motivations and the research ideas they wish to pursue at ircam
• One or more letters of recommendation written by well-known figures in the musical world
• 3 recent works, at least 1 of which with electronics
accompanied by scores (pdf) recordings (wav or aiff) and/or video (mov). The electronics works can be linked with visual arts, dance, installation, multimedia…

For the piece(s) with electronics, please submit at least 1 Max patch, OpenMusic maquette or other tools that you used for the electronics part. Please indicate the link where the patch can be downloaded in the notes part dedicated to the work you submit.
Please provide a permanent link, without password.

Selection process schedule
• June 25, 2025: Opening of the call for applications
• December 3, 2025: Application deadline
• December 2025 -February 2026: Selection process
• End of February, 2026: Announcement by email of selection results

Following the selection
• Early March, 2026:
Selected candidates must confirm their enrollment by email
• March, 2026:
The detailed program for the 2026–2027 Cursus and the general terms and conditions will be sent to participants
• March-April, 2026:
Upon acceptance of the terms and confirmation of enrollment, a contract will be signed between IRCAM and the participant, and a deposit of €600 must be paid by April 29, 2026

Registration fee: 2 000 euros

Further information about the IRCAM Cursus program can be found here

Contact: cursus@ircam.fr