Reed College
Reed College

Tango for Musicians at Reed College

Arrangers & Composers 

The Arrangers & Composers Program is designed for musicians who wish to create a new work in collaboration with the TFM Resident Ensemble or with their own ensemble and premiere it during TFM’s weekend concerts.

There is no additional application fee, and any officially registered participant of Tango for Musicians at Reed College 2026 may apply.

Artistic Process

Participants must prepare their piece in advance; new works cannot be written during the on-site week.

During the program, activities include:

  • Morning Masterclass Sessions: rehearsal and refinement of the work with faculty guidance
  • Premiere Performance: presentation of the piece in a weekend concert

Applicants may work with the TFM Resident Ensemble (tango sextet) or with their own pre-formed ensemble, provided all members are registered and available.

Spots & Eligibility
  • Up to 10 participants, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis after approval
  • Accepted applicants must complete their TFM 2026 registration payment within 48 hours
  • Faculty may assign extra online coaching if needed
  • Those who do not complete the required online preparation may still attend classes but cannot have their work rehearsed
Important Dates
  • Application & Registration: January 12 – April 1, 2026
  • Final Score Deadline: May 25, 2026 (no late submissions)
APPLICATIONS OPEN ON JANUARY 12, 2026.

Ensemble Options
  • TFM Resident Ensemble
    Standard tango sextet organized by Tango Sin Fin (2 bandoneons, 2 violins, piano, double bass)
  • Own Pre-formed Ensemble
    All members registered in TFM 2026
    Availability for all three Morning Masterclasses and the weekend concert
    Minimum four instruments
  • Other Ensemble Formats (e.g., guitar quartet, string quartet)
    Applicant must coordinate participating musicians
    All required availability
    Minimum four instruments

Tango Sin Fin does not coordinate ensembles other than the Resident Ensemble.

Music Requirements

Works must:

  • Be an original arrangement or composition
  • Not have been previously premiered, recorded, or performed
  • Include full musical information
  • Be written for 3+ instruments
  • Last 2–4 minutes

Applicants are evaluated on previous works or a near-final draft. Early application is recommended for those who may need online coaching.

How to Apply

From January 12 – April 1, 2026, applicants must submit the online Arrangers & Composers Application Form, including:

  • Ensemble type
  • Whether the project is an arrangement or an original composition
  • One evaluation material:
    – Sibelius 8 file
    – PDF + audio
    – PDF + MIDI
    – PDF + recording of the applicant’s ensemble

Materials may be previous works or a final/near-final version of the new piece.