Composition Summit

May 1–2, 2026

The 2026 Drake Composition Summit is a two-day immersive experience designed for student composers, educators, and musicians interested in contemporary composition, collaboration, and the recording process. Hosted by the Drake University Department of Music, this year's summit brings internationally recognized composers and industry professionals to campus for presentations, rehearsals, and professional-quality recording sessions.

Participants will engage directly with guest artists through lectures, discussion, and live recording sessions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how new music is prepared, refined, and captured in a professional setting.

Dates & Location

Friday–Saturday, May 1–2, 2026
Drake University Campus Fine Arts Center

Guest Artists & Clinicians

The 2026 Drake Composition Summit will feature the following guest artists:

• Nicole Piunno, Composer
• Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri, Composer
• Benjamen Blasko, Audio Engineer, Composer, and Conductor
• Dr. Neal Endicott, Assistant Professor of Music Theory & Composition

Each guest will lead presentations and collaborate directly with participants during recording sessions.

Who Should Attend

The Drake Composition Summit is intended for students and educators of any level, interested in contemporary compositional practice, recording, new music collaboration, and the creative process.

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 1, 2026

• 3:00 – 4:00 PM – Registration – Fine Arts Center Lobby (Composition Summit Attendees)
• 4:00 – 5:00 PM – Presentation: Nicole Piunno, Composer – Turner Jazz Center
• 5:00 – 6:00  PM – Dinner Break (On your own)
• 6:00 – 9:00 PM – Record Safely Rest (Nicole Piunno) – Performing Arts Hall
  • Q and A/Meet and Greet - Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri, , 7:30-8:30 – Monroe Recital Hall
• 9:00 PM – Presentation/Q and A with Audio Engineer/Composer/Conductor Benjamen Blasko (we’ll start this earlier if the session ends before 9pm) – Performing Arts Hall

Saturday, May 2, 2026

• 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Presentation: Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri, Composer – Turner Jazz Center
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Recording Session: Khaen (Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri)
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Lunch Break
• 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Recording Session: Khaen (Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri)
  • Q and A/Meet and Greet, Nicole Piunno, 1:30-2:30pm – Monroe Recital Hall
  • Composition Workshop, Neal Endicott, 2:30-3:30 – Monroe Recital Hall
• 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Dinner Break (On your own)
• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Recording Session (as needed): Khaen (Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri)

Drake University's Dr. Neal Endicott will be offering a free composition lesson to student composers (high school) attending the summit. To schedule a free lesson with Dr. Endicott, send him an e-mail directly at neal.endicott@drake.edu (Schedule Permitting)

Registration Information

Registration fee for the event is $25. Advance registration will be required.

Drake University will employ the use of Eventbrite to confirm all registrations and choose a payment option for Summit participants.  Payment is due on or before May 1, 2026. A registration fee of $25.00 per participant is due by the day of the event. A registration desk will be located in the lobby of the Performing Arts Hall of the Fine Arts Center. Participants are asked to check-in upon arrival between 3:00pm-4:00pm, Friday, May 1.