Our list of competitions, awards, and calls for scores of interest to current and prospective members of the Walden community.

The Walden School in no way endorses these opportunities above others that may not appear, nor does it claim to have achieved a comprehensive listing. If you feel there is an opportunity that we have omitted from our list, we encourage you to contact us. We also encourage you to check out The Composer’s Site, which maintains extensive and up-to-date opportunity listings.

Featured Opportunities

The Lance Reddick Scholarship
10 students will be awarded full scholarships to Walden’s 5-week summer Young Musicians Program in honor of Lance Reddick, a proud Walden alumnus and former faculty member, esteemed actor and accomplished musician. The scholarship will allow students in need of significant financial support to attend the summer program and enjoy the experience of a summer at Walden. Five of the scholarships will be awarded specifically to students from the Baltimore area in honor of Lance’s hometown and the birthplace of the Walden School.

Summer 2024

Young Musicians Program for
musically-inclined students ages 9-18

Creative Musicians Retreat for
adult musicians

Start your application for 2024!

APPLY

Opportunity Archive

Name of opportunity
Details
Eligibility
Application fee
American Composers Forum ProgramsACF has a variety of opportunities for composers at various stages of their careers. Learn more at https://composersforum.org/programs/VariesVaries
American PrizeThe American Prize in Composition recognizes and rewards the best composers in America of works for orchestra, chorus, concert band, chamber ensemble, pops, or theater music (opera-musical theater, theater, film, dance) that have been read or publicly performed.
https://www.theamericanprize.org/compinfo.html
Separate awards for student and professional composersVaries
ASCAP Awards and ScholarshipsWide variety of awards and scholarships for emerging composers and songwriters. Peruse ASCAP's many intiatives at https://www.ascapfoundation.org/programs/awardsVariesVaries
ASCAP SEAMUS Student Composer Commissioning ProgramThe purpose of this program is to stimulate student participation in SEAMUS activities, and to encourage young composers to pursue creative endeavors in electro-acoustic music. https://seamusonline.org/ascapseamus/Applicants to the SEAMUS Student Commissioning Competition must be student members of SEAMUS and must be either currently enrolled in an academic program in the United States (high school through doctoral studies) or a United States citizen studying abroad.Free
Ballora-Wang Young Composer PrizeThe Ballora-Wang Young Composer Prize is an annual prize which recognizes three composers at the high school level each year. The call typically opens in August of each year and closes in November with winners announced each spring. https://sites.psu.edu/pennstatecomposition/young-composer-prize/Composers who are U.S. citizens and in high school during the 2023/2024 school year.Free
Barlow Prize CompetitionThe winning composer will receive a $12,000 commission to compose a major new work, performed by a consortium of musicians. Submissions are due anually on June 1. Learn more at https://barlow.byu.edu/barlow-prizeAnyoneFree
BMI Pete Carpenter FellowshipThe Pete Carpenter Fellowship is an annual, competitive residency for aspiring film, television, and video game composers. The program awards two $3,000 awards each Fall for an intensive, in-studio mentorship with established composers in New York and Los Angeles, as well as offering the opportunity to consult with other distinguished leaders in the entertainment industry. https://bmifoundation.org/by-application/petecarpenterfellowshipAt least 21 years old, pursuing a career in TV, film, and/or video game composition and must be a US Citizen or resident with a valid visa or green card, and eligible for employment during the residency period.Free
BMI Student Composer AwardsAwards totaling $20,000 are determined annually for vocal, instrumental, and/or electronic compositions submitted by students of classical music. https://bmifoundation.org/by-application/bmicomposerawardsMust be a citizen of a country in the Western Hemisphere currently studying music, either in an educational institution or privately, and under the age of 28 as of time of submission. Free
Cambridge Chamber Singers Composition CompetitionAnnual competition for choral works to be performed by the Cambridge Chamber Singers. https://cambridgechambersingers.org/compcomp/ AnyoneFree
Centre International Nadia et Lili Boulanger ScholarshipsOne scholarship each per year for a performer, composer, and musicologist, carrying out studies in France, adapted to the needs of each candidate.Candidates must be at least 20 years old and at most 32 years old by the deadline, and must pursue their studies in France.Free
Composers & Schools in Concert: Composer Commissions and WorkshopsCommissions for professional composers to write pieces for high-school students; opportunities to develop music-creation workshops for students. https://www.composersandschools.com/Professional composersFree
Delta Omicron Composition CompetitionAnnual competition sponsored by the Delta Omicron International Fraternity. In 2024, the call is for works of 7-15 minutes duration for clarinet and piano. Winning composer will receive $1,000. https://www.delta-omicron.org/conference/composition-competitionAll composers of college-age or older. Submitted works must not have been previously commissioned, published, or publicly performed.$25
Downbeat Student Music AwardsThe award categories include various genres and styles, including jazz, blues/pop/rock, Latin, and original compositions for small and large ensembles; there are also awards for sound engineering. https://www.downbeat.com/?/sma/Separate awards for students in middle school, high school, and college. Students may not be enrolled in full-time professional work.Free
Earplay Donald Aird Composers CompetitionAnnual competition awarding $1000 cash prize and a performance by Earplay in their next season, for compositions for 1-6 players, with or without electronics. https://www.earplay.org/donald-aird-competitionAnyone$26/score
Emerging Composer Completion GrantsThe San Francisco ARTZenter Institute and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players offer these grants to young composers currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of study in composition. The grant program offers $3,000 completion grants to six winners, who will then have the opportunity to participate in a three-day open rehearsal workshop. The workshops will culminate in a recorded “open work-in-progress rehearsal” of the six works. https://artzenter.org/the-grant-program/Composers must be currently enrolled in an academic program of study in music composition in the United States.Free
Emory University Symphony Orchestra – Call for CompositionsEmory University and the Emory University Symphony Orchestra are excited to announce a commissioning opportunity for BIPOC female-identifying composers. The selected composer will receive $5000, workshop time with the orchestra, a premiere in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts and a professional recording of the performance. https://emorysymphony.org/emory-university-commission-call/BIPOC women composersFree
Encore Wind Ensemble Charles Olson Young Composers ContestCall for 5-8 minute compositions for wind band. The winning composition will receive a $1,000 cash award with a public performance. https://encorewinds.com/composer-contestComposers must be 15-22 years old at the time of application$25
Face the Music Composer ProgramThe Face the Music Composition Program welcomes composers at all levels and with varying stylistic interests. Instrumentalists who have never composed before but have always wanted to can use this as an opportunity to compose their first piece of music! Student-composers who have experience and are working on larger-scale works may be invited to write a piece for a Face the Music ensemble and have the opportunity to develop that piece in a laboratory environment. https://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/ftm/composition/Composers under college age, and studying a musical instrument.$40
Foundation for Modern Music: Robert Avalon Composition Competition$75-$1,000 cash prizes and performance by FMM performers of the winning submissions in a variety of categories. https://www.modernmusic.org/competition4 Divisions ranging from through 8th grade to professional. Varies by category ($30-$75)
Fromm Commission Grant$12,000 commission for all compositions regardless of idiom, instrumentation, style, or the use of technology. Submissions in jazz, hybrid, electronic, or other idioms are welcome. https://frommfoundation.fas.harvard.edu/aboutTo be eligible, a composer must be a legal resident of the United States for a term of one year or more during the time of the application. For these purposes, "residents" shall be deemed to include U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, temporary residents, asylees, refugees, and nonimmigrants who have been lawfully admitted to, and reside in, the United States and can ensure they are legally able to be paid for services by Harvard University.See website
Heartland Symphony Composition CompetitionHeartland Symphony Orchestra is a 50-piece volunteer, nonprofit, community orchestra located in and serving the central Minnesota area of Brainerd, Little Falls, and the surrounding rural communities. HSO invites composers nationwide to submit original orchestral compositions. Winners will receive a $1000 monetary prize, an opportunity to work with HSO and its conductor, and a recording of the concert. https://heartlandsymphony.com/See websiteSee website
Heckscher Foundation-Ithaca College Composition PrizeAnnual prize affiliated with the Ithaca College Music Department. In 2023, the call is for works for solo viola. https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-music-theatre-and-dance/department-music-theory-history-and-composition/heckscher-foundation-ithaca-college-international-composition-prizeAnyoneFree
ICEBERG Young Composer AwardThese awards are intended to reward composers and music-makers of exceptional ability who hail from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. https://www.icebergnewmusic.com/young-composer-awardApplicants must be at least 16 years of age, a citizen or permanent resident of USA, and currently enrolled in an accredited high school (or homeschooled). Free
InterContinental Music AwardsThe Los Angeles-based InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) evaluates music entries from a global and ethical perspective by a panel of judges who are active industry professionals and Hollywood music executives. ICMA welcomes amateur and professional musicians and songwriters of all ages to submit original music and/or performances (including covers and remixes of existing music). https://www.intercontinentalmusicawards.com/music-competition/AnyoneSee website
Intermusic SF (Formerly SF Friends of Chamber Music) Musical Grant ProgramGrants for composers, performers, and presenters to cover composer fees, performance and rehersal fees, production costs, etc. for a concert series or festival. https://intermusicsf.org/mgp/Must reside in one of the 15 counties of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Must be at least 18 years old. Must confirm eligibility with the organization prior to applying.Free
International Society for Contemporary MusicOngoing list of competitions for composers at https://iscm.org/community-opportunities-from-members/competitions/VariesSee website
International Society of Bassists: David Walter Composition Competition$1000 and world premieres for new works in four categories: 1. unaccompanied solo bass, 2. chamber ensemble featuring bass, 3. bass ensemble, and 4. bass and electronic media https://www.isbworldoffice.com/composition.asp?ISB-Cookie-Agreement=AgreeAnyone$35 per composition
International Songwriting CompetitionAnnual song contest. Winners receive cash prizes and career development opportunities. https://songwritingcompetition.com/Anyone - various categories$35 per song or category
Iowa State University Carillon CompetitionCompetition to encourage young composers to write for carillon. https://www.music.iastate.edu/carillon/festival/competitionwinnerSee websiteSee website
Ithaca College Choral Composition ContestCash prizes up to $1200 and performances for 3-5 minute works for mixed choir. https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-music-theatre-and-dance/student-resources/music-students/competitions/choral-composition-festivalAnyone$25 per composition
Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble Composition ContestComposers are invited to submit new works for jazz big band. $1500 cash prize and performance by Ithaca College students and guest artists. https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-music-theatre-and-dance/music-ensembles/instrumental-jazz/composition-contestAnyone$25
Ithaca College Walter Beeler Memorial Composition Prize A bi-annual call for works written for wind ensemble/concert band. Cash prize of $5,000. Learn more at https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-music-theatre-and-dance/music-ensembles/ithaca-college-bands/walter-beeler-memorial-composition-prizeAnyoneFree
Jâca Emerging Composers CompetitionThe Jâca Emerging Composers Competition (ECC) is an initiative that commissions new works for the clarinet and guitar from emerging composers worldwide.
Selected composers work directly with Jâca in a collaborative process culminating in widespread exposure of their works.
https://www.jacamusic.com/ecc-competition
See websiteSee website
Jerome Foundation Grants2-year Artist Fellowship supports creation of new work
workspace/studio/rehearsal rental, research, travel, professional development, professional equipment purchase, residency participation, development of new skills, and/or other needs directly related to artistic and career development as defined by the Fellow. https://www.jeromefdn.org/all-grant-opportunities
Open only to non-student early career generative artists who are legal residents of Minnesota or the five boroughs of New York City and not-for-profit arts organizations that serve those artists.Free
Lake George Music Festival Composition CompetitionBi-annual competition. Call for works for 3-8 players, under 25 minutes. 1-2 winners receive $500 and performance of their work at LGMF. Winner is invited to be "Composer In Residence" to work with the musicians performing their work. https://www.lakegeorgemusicfestival.com/competition/Anyone$10
League of American Orchestras Women Composers Readings and Commissions ProgramSelected works will be read by various partner orchestras. Selected composers will receive $15000 commisions. https://americanorchestras.org/learn/artistic-programs/women-composers-readings-and-commissions-program/WomenSee website
Left Coast Chamber Ensemble Composition ContestCall for works between 5 and 20 minutes for 1-7 instruments. Winners are awarded $2000, a performance by Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, and a recording of the performance. https://www.leftcoastensemble.org/composition-contestAnyone$16 per composition
Loadbang International Commission CompetitionAnnual commission competition. The winning composer will receive a prize of $1,000 as a commission to write a new piece, which will be premiered in New York City by loadbang. Learn more at http://www.loadbang.com/commission-competition.htmlAnyoneFree
Luna Composition LabYearlong program in which young composers write a piece to be performed at the end of the program. Includes 1:1 mentorship and bimonthly lessons with an established female composer, performance opportunity as part of the Face the Music season, recording of their work, and networking opportunities. https://lunacompositionlab.org/Female, gender nonconforming and non-binary composers, ages 12-18$15 application fee; $600 program fee. Scholarships available.
MATA Festival Call for SubmissionsSelected works will be performed at the MATA Festival in New York City. All sorts of music is accepted: fully notated, improvised, sound art, video, electronic, found instruments, toys, installations, and everything in between. https://www.matafestival.org/mata-festival-call-for-submissions-2024Composers under age 40Free
MATA Jr. Founded in 2014 as the educational arm of MATA. MATA Jr. participants are chosen through a free, global online call for submissions; six composers are selected to work with MATA Jr.’s composer-mentors as they write new works, culminating in an evening of world premieres by New York’s top performers of new music. https://www.matafestival.org/about-mata-jrComposers who have not yet graduated high schoolFree
Miquel Llobet Guitar Composition ContestCall for scores for 3-6' unpublished classical guitar works. Winning compositions will receive performances and winning composers will receive cash prize and honorary certificate. https://mllobet.com/en/certamenllobet/c/2023/Anyone15 Euro
mise-en Music Festival Call for ScoresSelected works will be performed at the annual Mise-En Festival in NYC, and composers are offered free housing to attend and participate. https://www.mise-en.org/Anyone$25 per composition
MIZZOU New Music Summer Festival Call for ScoresEight composers from around the world will be selected through a portfolio application process to compose a work to be performed by the internationally acclaimed new music ensemble, Alarm Will Sound. Composers will take part in workshops with Alarm Will Sound and receive a professional live recording of the premiere performance of their work. https://newmusic.missouri.edu/micf/mizzou-international-composers-festival-applicationSee websiteFree
Music International Grand Prix CompetitionMusicians in four age groups in the categories of Voice, Piano, Strings, Woodwinds and Brass will be selected for performances at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall and will receive cash prizes. https://www.musicinternationalgrandprix.com/Anyone (four different age categories) in four different vocal/instrumental categories$25
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) CompetitionsCompetitions for a variety of age groups and instrumentations
https://www.mtna.org/MTNA/Engage/Competitions/Competitions_Guidelines.aspx
MTNA membership required, or nonmember fee of $150Varies between categories
National Association for Music Education Composition CompetitionsLearn more about NAfME-sponsored programs and competitions at https://nafme.org/student-opportunities/composition-competitions/VariesSee website
National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Junior Composer AwardsCash prizes for various types of pieces: choral works, piano solos, small ensemble pieces, and pieces for voice and accompaniment. https://www.nfmc-music.org/competitionscategory/junior-composers-awards/Various awards and categories for composers under 9 through 18 years old.$5
National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Student Collegiate DivisionCash award for student/collegiate composition students. https://www.nfmc-music.org/competitionscategory/student-collegiate-division/Must have reached the 19th, but not the 26th birthday by the application deadline. Must be a junior, senior, or graduate student in college, majoring in composition$10
National Flute Association Flute Choir Composition CompetitionThis annual competition selects one work each year to be premiered by the Professional Flute Choir, High School Flute Choir, or Collegiate Flute Choir, in rotation. The winning composition will be performed by the High School Flute Choir during the NFA Convention. The winning composition will also be displayed in the Exhibit Hall during the convention and deposited in the NFA Music Library at the University of Arizona. https://www.nfaonline.org/scholarships-competitions/nfa-competitions/non-performance-competitions/flute-choir-call-for-scoresMust be a current NFA memberFree
National Guild of Piano Teachers Composition ContestVarious prizes and categories for new compositions for piano & piano chamber music. https://pianoguild.com/composition-contest.htmlSee websitebetween $20-$60, depending on category
New England Philharmonic Call for ScoresPerformance of a 15 minute or shorter orchestral work on a New England Philharmonic concert. https://nephilharmonic.org/call-for-scoresEmerging composers$40 per composition
New Music on the Bayou FestivalLearn more at https://www.newmusiconthebayou.com/See websiteSee website
nief-norf Summer Festival Call for ScoresSelected works are premiered by Performance Fellows at the nief-norf Summer Festival. https://www.niefnorf.org/call-for-scores/Anyone$15 for the first composition, $10 for each additional work.
NIH Community Orchestra (NIHCO) Call for ScoresThe NIHCO, a community orchestra in Maryland, has announced a new competition for composers aged 30 or younger, especially those studying or based in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. https://nihco.org/cms/call-for-scores/Composers ages 30 and youngerFree
North/South Consonance Call for ScoresSelected works will be performed and recorded by North/South Consonance (NYC). https://www.northsouthmusic.org/Call-For-ScoresAnyoneSee website
Pacific Musical Society Annual CompetitionSeries of competitions for performers, composers, and arrangers ages 8-25, awarding scholarships ranging from $100-1200.
https://www.pacificmusical.com/entry-information
Various age categories. Applicants must be residents of the United States.$100
Parma Recordings Call for Scores/SphinxThroughout the year, PARMA leads initiatives to curate and promote new music from a wide variety of today’s composers, for recording or performance with top ensembles. https://www.parmarecordings.com/call-for-scores/See websiteSee website
Pulitzer Prize in MusicOne $15,000 prize. https://www.pulitzer.org/page/music-submission-guidelines-and-requirementsAnyone. Works submitted must have their premiere in application year.$75
Quadre Composition CompetitionCall for scores for horn quartet or horn quartet + 1 percussionist. https://quadre.org/projects/?p=competitionSee websiteSee website
Random Access Music Call for ScoresEach year, RAM collaborates with an ensemble to present a concert of world premieres. As part of this collaboration, RAM conducts an anonymous call for scores on which the winning composition is included. https://www.ram-nyc.org/aboutAnyoneFree
Red Note Composition CompetitionThe RED NOTE New Music Festival Composition Competition is an annual competition, usually with multiple calls for scores of varied instrumentation. The composers of the winning pieces each receive a cash prize and a performance at the RED NOTE New Music Festival, which takes place in March. https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/events-activities/red-note/competition/AnyoneSee website
Red Note Composition WorkshopThe RED NOTE New Music Festival Composition Workshop will help composers widen their creative perspectives and hone their craft through open rehearsals with guest performers, seminars with distinguished guest faculty composers, as well as resident faculty composers. https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/events-activities/red-note/workshop/Anyone
$25 for first score, $20 for each additional score
San Francisco Choral Artists "New Voices Project"San Francisco Choral Artists is soliciting new works for chamber choir from composers under 30. Learn more at https://www.sfca.org/new-voices-project/Composers under the age of 30Free
San Francisco Contemporary Music Players Call for ScoresSan Francisco Contemporary Music Players produce and perform virtuosic, large-ensemble concerts of contemporary music featuring the works of iconic and emerging composers while shining a spotlight on California artists. Learn about upcoming opportunities for composers at https://sfcmp.org/See websiteSee website
Society for New Music: Brian Israel AwardTwo prizes — one for $1,000 and one for $750 — are awarded. Also, each of the two prize-winning compositions will be performed by the Society for New Music during the following season. https://www.societyfornewmusic.org/resources.cfmOpen to any composer in New York State who are 30 or youngerFree
Stephen Paulus Emerging Composers CompetitionAmerican composers age 18-40 are invited to submit a 5-6 minute SATB choral work, with or without piano or single obbligato instrument. Learn more at https://trueconcord.org/stephen_paulus-emerging-composers-competition/Emerging composers ages 18-40Free
Suzanne and Lee Ettelson Composer’s AwardAnual competition awarding $1,000 for a new chamber work. Learn more at https://www.ninthplanetmusic.org/ettelson-composers-award.htmlAnyoneSee website
Texas New Music Ensemble (TNME) Student Composers CompetitionAnnual competition for young composers, with winning works to be premiered at the annual TNME summer concert each July. https://www.tnme.org/sccOpen to any composer currently enrolled in a music degree program at a Texas institution or a High School student attending school in Texas$35
The Choral Project's Rachel Moore Composition ContestAnnual competition. High school and undergraduate students are invited to submit original choral works. First prize is $1,500, a live performance and recording, and possible publication with Santa Barbara Music Publishing. 2nd prize is $750; 3rd prize is $500. https://www.choralproject.org/contest-application-formOpen to High School (grades 9-12) and undergraduate students of any nationality.$20 per composition
The Composer's SiteExtensive list of regularly updated Calls for Scores and other composer opportunities. http://www.composerssite.com/VariesVaries
The Flute New Music Consortium Composition CompetitionThe Flute New Music Consortium is an organization with the shared mission of promoting new music for the flute by commissioning works and organizing simultaneous premieres. FNMC hosts its annual Composition Competition to connect members of the flute new music community to new works by talented composers. https://www.flutenewmusicconsortium.com/anticipation.htmlAnyoneSee website
The George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation FellowshipsThe George A and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation annually awards nine fellowships of $40,000 to early mid-career artists and scholars. A total of ten fellowships of $40,000 will be awarded in April 2024 for 2024-25 in the fields of Emerging Arts and Science and Technology Studies. https://www.brown.edu/howard-foundation/aboutearly mid-career scholars and artistsSee website
Toolbox Percussion International Composition CompetitionTPICC is an annual competition for emerging composers across the globe who share our vision to create percussive arts practices with creativity, originality and potentials. https://www.ticafestival.org/Composers of any nationality under the age of 30Free
Toru Takemitsu Composition AwardOne cash prize of 3,000,000 yen and performances of selected orchestral works.
https://www.operacity.jp/en/concert/award/entry/index.php
Composers of any national under the age of 35Free
Tribeca New Music Festival Young Composer CompetitionTribeca New Music announces its 25th Annual Young Composer Competition (YCC). Its two-fold purpose is to encourage outstanding young composers in the U.S., and to provide a prominent forum for their recognition. The winner in each division will receive $1,000, a performance at the festival, and a recording. https://www.tribecanewmusic.org/youngcomposercompetition/Two divisions: 1. composers ages 22-35; 2. composers ages 21 and younger. Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident.$35 per composition
Underwood New Music Readings and CommissionChosen composers will have their pieces workshopped and recorded by the American Composers Orchestra (NYC). Composers also participate in a series of professional development workshops covering such topics as promotion, score preparation and publishing, copyright and commissioning agreements, and other career essentials. https://www.americancomposers.org/earshot-composer-incubator/earshotU.S. citizens or non-citizens lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in the United States.Free
Vox Novus Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame Project Call For ScoresVox Novus commissions fifteen 1-minute scores to be performed by that year's performer http://www.voxnovus.com/15_Minutes_of_Fame/calls/AnyoneFree
wasteLAnd Featured ComposerPerformances of selected works on the wasteLAnd ensemble's concert series. https://www.wastelandmusic.org/featured-composer/AnyoneSee website
Women Composers of Hartford Festival: Composer in Residence ApplicationThe Composer-in-Residence will have her music showcased on the Festival, will give talks and masterclasses to area schools, participate in other outreach and publicity activities, compose a new work to be premiered at the Festival, and more. https://www.womencomposersfestivalhartford.com/calls/composer-in-residence-application/Women composersFree