Seattle Music Collective
About the Course
Seattle Music Collective is a contemporary ensemble experience inspired by the sounds and creative spirit you hear on Seattle's own KEXP. Students collaborate to develop new music rooted in a variety of styles, whether that’s indie, electronic-influenced, alt-pop, experimental, or anything in between. Guided by Cornish teaching artists active in Seattle’s music scene, students learn how to shape initial ideas into arranged, performance-ready pieces.
The elective emphasizes creative exploration, modern production approaches, group decision-making, and the unique process of building a collective sound. Throughout the session, students will write, arrange, rehearse, and refine original material, culminating in a final performance that showcases the ensemble’s work.
All instruments, voices, and musical backgrounds welcome!
What students will learn:
• How to generate contemporary musical ideas within a collaborative group
• Modern arranging techniques used in today’s wide variety of music and experimental scenes
• How to integrate live instruments, vocals, and electronic elements
• Rehearsal skills and creative communication for shaping group decisions
• How to craft a cohesive group sound while maintaining individual artistic identity
• Strategies for preparing a polished live performance
While this elective can be taken on its own, is is designed to pair perfectly with the core Summer@Cornish morning Music Intensive program.
We encourage students to enroll the morning intensive to build a strong foundation, then expand their skills and interests through these afternoon electives.
Explore the morning Music Intensive [here], or email plus@cornish.edu with any questions.
How the Summer@Cornish Program Works
Design your own schedule: full days, morning Intensive only or afternoon Electives only!
Three Ways to Participate
• Full-Day Program
• Half-Day Program
• Single Elective
Full-Day Program
• Morning Intensive: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–12 PM
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• Afternoon Electives: Monday/Wednesday/Friday) & Tuesday/Thursday, 1 PM–4 PM
Half-Day Program
Students can select a combination of:
• Only morning Intensive
• Only two afternoon Electives
Residency Program (Optional Add-On)
Available to Full-Day students:
• Evening & weekend activities
• Extra studio time
• On-campus supervision and housing