Cortona Sessions Statement of Ethics

presented by the International Foundation for Contemporary Music

Brianna Matzke, President/CEO
Ari Streisfeld and Anthony R. Green, Artistic Co-Directors

To all Fellows, Faculty, Auditors, and Groupies:

The Cortona Sessions for New Music prides itself on being one of the most inclusive, supportive, and open environments for music study, performance, and personal development in the music world. Of particular importance is the idea that everyone involved in the Sessions feels equally important, equally respected, and equally supported in both their art and their personal convictions. To that end, the Sessions has no tolerance for discrimination of any kind, and is particularly sensitive to issues affecting race, gender, and sexuality. We deliberately invite participants with a range of compositional styles, and a diverse range of contemporary music experiences to encourage an experience that benefits all, and furthers some of these social goals.

By agreeing to attend the Cortona Sessions, you are affirming that you will act in accordance with the statements above and below. Please understand that failure to do so may result in your being removed from the Sessions, and forced to disassociate with all Sessions venues and activities for the remaining time, and that all payments made are non-refundable. Both students and faculty are held to the standards of this agreement.

Principles:

  1. All Sessions participants and faculty will be treated with respect and dignity. Discrimination or verbal attacks of any kind, particularly those associated with race, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, age, or ability will not be tolerated.

  2. All Sessions participants will be afforded equal opportunity to present their opinions during symposiums, workshops, coachings, etc., provided they are done so without malice towards another participants’ work or ideas. Constructive criticism of work is essential and important, but should always be provided in helpful and not hurtful ways.

  3. Social and professional relationships between faculty and participants are an important part of the Sessions. However, romantic/sexual activity between faculty and participants will not be tolerated during the Sessions, unless both parties arrive at the Sessions in a relationship (which must be clearly addressed prior to arrival). Between participants, it is expected that any romantic connections will be consensual. Any non-consensual activity will result in the immediate dismissal of the offending party as determined by the directors of the Sessions.

  4. Narcotics will not be allowed on the premises of any Sessions activity. If found in possession of these substances, the offending party will be immediately asked to leave the Sessions.

  5. As a representative of the Cortona Sessions, all participants and faculty will reflect positively on the program in all activities both inside and outside program facilities, particularly in manners associated with alcohol and noise.

  6. All Sessions participants understand that in all instances except for numbers 3 and 4 above, Sessions directors or faculty will offer warnings prior to dismissal. Multiple warnings prior to dismissal are at the discretion of the director(s).

  7. No refunds or reductions will be offered to any person dismissed from the Cortona Sessions for a violation of this Statement of Ethics, and any costs accrued post-dismissal will be the responsibility of the offending individual.