Musical and Sound Creation - Call of the Sea
from November 2, 2026 to April 9, 2027
3 composers for the "Musical and Sound Creation" residency on the theme "Call of the Sea"
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About
THE PROJECT:
Each year, PAX MUSICA organizes three multi-week artistic residencies at La Rocabella, designed as a true creative laboratory and a space for rebuilding for its laureate musicians — professional artists who have found refuge in France. Previous editions have given rise to hybrid formats such as "music to image" or "drawn concerts," resulting from collaborations between musicians and other artists in residence.
PAX MUSICA is seeking a composer-in-residence for each of the three sessions of the 2026-2027 season, to join this creative ecosystem. The season's theme is the role of artificial intelligence in artistic creation: the composer will work in conjunction with the resident songwriters/poets and musicians, within a supported and coordinated work environment, and will benefit from a training period with a recognized expert in AI-assisted composition.
This residency is open to any composer, regardless of their background: it is not a program exclusively for PAX MUSICA laureates.
MISSION:
- Compose works resulting from collaboration with the resident songwriters/poets (original versions and variations exploring AI composition tools)
- Collaborate with the resident musicians for the performance of the created works
- Participate in a training period in AI-assisted composition
- Contribute to the collective project of the session and its public presentation
A RESIDENCY, A COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS
The Rocabella residency is not just a place for individual work: it's a collective living experience, at the heart of an exceptional estate overlooking the Mediterranean. Designed as a true creative laboratory and a space for rebuilding, it brings together, at the same time and in the same place, musicians, a composer, and poets/songwriters, as well as artists from other disciplines in cross-residency: filmmakers, sculptors, painters and illustrators, photographers.
This daily proximity naturally fosters dialogue between practices: informal discussions, screenings, impromptu workshops, common projects. Each resident is invited to draw inspiration from this artistic diversity, in a spirit of sharing and openness, while also having the time and space necessary for their own creative work.
THE SESSIONS:
- Session 1: November 2, 2026 to December 18, 2026
- Session 2: January 4, 2027 to February 19, 2027
- Session 3: March 1, 2027 to April 9, 2027
HOSTING CONDITIONS:
- Residency Stipend: €1,000 per month
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip travel covered up to €250
- Accommodation and Catering: Single room and full board provided on-site by the estate for the entire duration of the session
- Workspace: Dedicated room (baby grand piano subject to the estate's availability)
- Setting: The Rocabella estate, on the Var coast facing the Mediterranean
PREREQUISITES:
- Be available for the entire duration of a session: commitment is mandatory, with no possibility of withdrawal during the residency
- Be comfortable with digital tools to explore artificial intelligence as a composition tool and produce the necessary elements for the project's artistic presentation and delivery, without external technical intervention
- Have a genuine desire to learn how to use artificial intelligence as a creative tool: the residency does not require prior mastery of AI, but a sincere curiosity and motivation to learn about it
- Possess strong skills in musical composition and writing
- Have a genuine desire to learn how to use artificial intelligence as a creative tool: the residency does not require prior mastery of AI, but a sincere curiosity and motivation to learn about it
- Commit fully to a collaborative approach with the other artists of the residency
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Application package to include:
- Artist's CV (current)
- Cover letter (1 page maximum), explaining your background and interest in the residency
- Artistic statement describing the project you wish to develop during the residency
- A letter of recommendation (from a professor, mentor, artistic collaborator, or cultural institution)
- Portfolio : examples of composed works, including scores or score excerpts, as well as audio recordings, sound demos, or video links where available.
Submission of complete application: via the online form
SELECTION TIMELINE:
- Applications open: June 24, 2026
- Application submission: from June 26, 2026 to August 31, 2026
- Selection interviews: September – October 2026
- Results: September - October 2026
For any questions: coordination-rocabella@paxmusica.fr — https://www.paxmusica.fr
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FAQ
What is the duration of the residency?
Depending on the themes, a residency can last from one week to several months, which gives participants enough time to immerse themselves in the environment and carry out their projects successfully.
Who can participate in a residency?
The residency is open to artists and researchers aged 21 and over and of all levels of experience. Priority is given to those who wish to exchange with their peers or with other creatives from other disciplines. The selection is based on an application file, which includes a project proposal, a portfolio and a statement of interest. A panel of competent experts reviews all applications.
Are there any costs associated with the residence?
All essential expenses are covered: accommodation, full board, housekeeping, consumables, round-trip transportation, as well as access to shared tools and spaces required for collective projects. Residents remain responsible for their personal expenses and any specific costs related to their individual projects. An artistic grant is also awarded to support each residency.
Does the residency include coaching or mentoring?
Each residence is specific. Depending on the themes, participants can have access to personalized coaching and mentoring from renowned experts in their field. Storytelling and pitch training workshops are also often included in programs to help residents better value their work.
Are international applications welcomed?
We welcome applications from around the world for a portion of our residencies. The diversity of perspectives is highly valued in our program and the common language is English.
Please consult the specific residences to see which are in French and which in English.
Are-the residents alone on site ?
During the winter residency periods, Rocabella focuses on its artist-in-residence program.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Artistic residencies are periods during which artists and creators come to work on their projects around a specific theme. Residents are supervised by a specialist mentor and can benefit from advice from professional artists or specialists to enrich their creative activity.
