COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE
In partnership with Oklahoma City University's Project 21
Each season, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (OKYO) and the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University (OCU) proudly present the OKYO Composer In Residence Competition. This unique partnership, facilitated through OCU’s Project 21, invites composition students to apply for the opportunity to serve as Composer In Residence for OKYO.
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The competition offers emerging composers an invaluable experience, giving them the rare chance to write for a youth orchestra and collaborate with young musicians throughout the creative process. In turn, OKYO students benefit from the exciting opportunity to work directly with a living composer, bringing new and original music to life in a dynamic, collaborative setting.​
Through a joint selection process, one student is chosen each year to compose an original piece tailored to one of OKYO's ensembles. The selected composer works closely with conductors and musicians, witnessing their music come to life during rehearsals and performances.
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This collaboration not only fosters creativity and professional development for the composer but also introduces OKYO's young musicians to new and original works, enriching their musical experience. Recent winners of the competition include Emma Neasby, who wrote for Sinfonia; Ben Rosfeld, who composed for the Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic (OYP); and Antonio Gallegos, who created a work for the Chamber Orchestra.
2024-25 Season Composer In Residence
Hamed Erfani writing for Oklahoma Youth Winds
Hamed Erfani is a versatile composer, producer, and audio engineer, currently advancing his studies with a master’s degree in music composition at Oklahoma City University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Knight, Hamed is refining his craft, focusing particularly on film scoring, which he envisions as the cornerstone of his professional career. His work is distinguished by a combination of technical skill and cultural depth, drawing heavily on his Persian heritage to infuse his compositions with a unique and evocative voice. Hamed’s work spans a broad spectrum, from intimate solo pieces to complex ensemble works and full-scale orchestral compositions. His music stands out for its integration of traditional Persian musical elements with contemporary forms, bridging the past and present in a compelling way. In addition to composing, Hamed works professionally as an audio engineer and music producer. His technical expertise allows him to seamlessly navigate sound design and production, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the music creation process—from initial composition to the final polished recording. He also produces pop tunes that have been published on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
