Yaddo — Artist Residency Applications (2026 deadlines)

Yaddo gives composers uninterrupted time and very little else, which is the point. A residency runs two weeks to two months at the estate in Saratoga Springs, New York: a private bedroom, a private studio with a piano, breakfast and lunch packed for you, and communal dinner. There's no formal programming, and nobody asks you to perform, report on progress or take part in public events. Music composition is judged as its own panel, covering instrumental and vocal writing, electronic music, film scoring and sound art; you apply to one panel, in one genre, as an individual working on original music — performers and other auxiliary roles aren't eligible, and neither is anyone still enrolled in degree coursework. Artists of any nationality can apply, though Yaddo doesn't arrange visas or interpreters. There's no stipend; the support is in kind, though modest access grants toward travel go out with invitations. You apply through SlideRoom for a non-refundable $35 fee, submitting two finished works with recordings and a score or short statement for each — choose your strongest, most recent work, since the samples carry the most weight. Early review is anonymous, so keep your name off the files. Winter applications close 20 December for residencies the following May through March, judged by peer panels on the work alone; you can only apply once every other calendar year.