.svg){kind=icon}
Sound Under the Hand
A fully-funded residential weekend for three UK composers exploring the craft of writing for piano.
What is it
Sound Under the Hand is JAM’s first Intensive of the year: a focused exploration of solo piano writing.
The Experience
Over a residential weekend on the Kent coast, three composers create a new five-minute work in close collaboration with pianist Thomas Kelly, guided by JAM mentorship and wrap-around online development.
WHY piano
The piano reveals everything. This Intensive explores resonance, pedalling and colour at the instrument itself, writing in direct dialogue with a virtuoso performer.
WHY JAM
For 25 years, JAM has paired composers with exceptional performers. This Intensive continues that commitment: intimate, rigorous and artist-led.
The Intensive
Dates
10-12 April 2026
In person
Title
Location
Kent coast, UK
Residency weekend
Title
Participants
3 composers selected
Title
UK-based
Focus
Title
Writing for solo piano
New 5-minute work
Performer
Thomas Kelly
Britten Fellow, RCM
Title
Mentorship
John Frederick Hudson
Artistic Director, JAM
Title
Includes
Fully-funded residency
Professional rehearsal & filming
Title
Premiere
London
November 2026
Title
The Structure
March
An online mentoring session to develop your ideas and prepare for the residential weekend.
10-12 April
An in-person residential weekend on the Kent coast: arrival Friday evening, intensive sessions at the piano with Thomas Kelly on Saturday, and a dedicated composition tutorial on Sunday + shared meals and discussion.
May
A one-to-one online tutorial to refine your work. Final delivery of your score.
November
A professional London performance of your new work, professionally recorded.
Who Can Apply
Open to composers aged 18+ who are living, working, or studying in the UK, at any career stage.
What We’re Looking For
Curiosity, craft and a collaborative spirit.
Style
All musical styles are welcome.
Availability
You must be available for:
Late-March and May online sessions
10–12 April residential weekend (in person)
What to Submit
Two contrasting examples of writing for piano.
Statement
A brief statement (max. 300 words) outlining:
– Your experience writing for or playing the piano
– What you hope to gain from the Intensive
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of composers and performers.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short online interview.
Upload
Submit PDFs through JAM's portal.
Deadline
All entries by Friday, 13 March 2026, 5pm.
.svg)
If you have any questions, please email:
john@jamconcert.org
The Artists
Thomas Kelly
Artist in Residence at JAM (2025) and current Britten Fellow at the Royal College of Music. Thomas is a virtuoso pianist and trusted collaborator for new music.
John Frederick Hudson
With an international performing and commissioning profile, he brings both artistic depth and practical experience to mentoring composers in the craft and presentation of their work. He is a composer, pianist and conductor, and Artistic Director of JAM.
What You’ll Leave With
Focused, practical outcomes designed to strengthen your craft and your professional profile.
+
A new 5-min solo piano work
+
Professional performer collaboration and rehearsal
+
Personalised compositional mentoring
+
Audio and film documentation
+
A London premiere in November 2026
“My association with JAM has not only been invaluable, but essential to my development as a composer.”
Hannah Kendall
|
Composer
Frequently asked Questions
Do I need to be early-career to apply?
No. The Intensive is open to UK-based composers aged 18+ at any career stage.
Do I need to write in a particular style?
All styles are welcome. We are looking for craft, curiosity and a collaborative spirit.
What about prepared piano?
Prepared piano that damages or permanently alters the instrument will not be explored in this Intensive.
Do I need to be available for the entire weekend?
Yes. You must be available for the full residential weekend from 5pm in Littlestone, Kent on 10 April until 4pm on Sunday.
Is there a fee to take part?
No. Participation is fully funded and includes mentoring, the residential weekend, rehearsal, performance and professional film and audio recording.
What costs do I need to cover?
Travel to and from the Kent coast is the composer’s responsibility unless otherwise stated.
What accommodation is provided?
Accommodation during the residential weekend is provided free of charge. Composers will share a cottage in Littlestone, Kent, each with a private bedroom and access to a shared bathroom. Bedding and towels are provided.
When will the online tutorials take place?
Tutorial times will be arranged individually. Preferred sessions take place Monday to Wednesday between 9am and 5pm.
Will the residential weekend be recorded?
Yes. In addition to the November performance being professionally recorded, a filmmaker will attend the residential weekend to document sessions as part of a guide on writing for piano. Further details will be shared during the first online session.
I have additional questions
Please email john@jamconcert.org
