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.
You can search for a particular month to bring up a list of opportunities with deadlines in that month: for example, “March” will bring up all opportunities with March deadlines. Also, you can search “free” for a list of opportunities without an application fee.
Name of opportunity | Website | Details | Eligibility | How often it's offered | Deadline month | Application fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academia Musica of Vienne International Composer Prize | https://www.cmc.ie/opportunities/academia-musica-vienna-international-composer-award | Composers are invited to submit works in two different categories: piano solo and chamber works. Composers that receive high scores receive medal and diploma, with highest scored composer in each winning 500 euro. | Anyone | Annually | May | 50 Euro |
| Amaranth Quartet: Call for Scores | http://www.amaranthquartet.com/call-for-scores/ | Four finalists will receive: 2 workshop sessions with Amaranth Quartet, a recording of the final session, and one private composition coaching with composer D. Riley Nicholson. After the workshop sessions, one composer will be awarded $500 and have their piece premiered on Amaranth's spring season.The chosen composer will be awarded $500. | Must be 16-24 years old | Annually | December | Free |
| American Composers Forum Programs | https://composersforum.org/programs/ | ACF has a variety of opportunities for composers at various stages of their careers | Varies | See website | Varies | See website |
| ACF Philadelphia Chapter Young Composers Competition | http://www.acfphiladelphia.org/programs/programs/scholarship.html | One $500 scholarship | Must be a student in the ACF Philadelphia service area (Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey) intending to major in music after high school | Annually | See website | See website |
| American Composers Forum (ACF) NextNotes High School Composition Awards | https://composersforum.org/education/nextnotes/ | Six winners receive mentorship from professional composers & musicians at a two-day workshop; paid travel and room/board for the workshop; a public concert of the winning works; a $1,000 scholarship ti be used for composition studies; a recording of their concert; and may be eligible for up to $500 in "bring it home" funds to share their work in their hometown. Winners also receive free Finale software. Up to 30 applicants will be chosen for Honorable Mention and receive written feedback on their submissions. ALL entrants deemd eligible applicants receive a free ACF student membership and 1-year subscription to Noteflight Premium. | Students in grades 9-12. | Annually | January | Free |
| American Modern Ensemble Composition Competition | http://americanmodernensemble.org/composition-competition/ | Winning pieces are performed by the ensemble in New York City. | Three categories: 1. ages 22 and under; 2. ages 18-35; 3. all ages. All composers must be North, Central, or South American residents. | Annually | April | ? |
| American Prize | http://www.theamericanprize.org/composition.html | The 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. | Separate awards for student and professional composers | Annually | February (with final deadline in April) | $45 |
| Arizona Pro Arte Call for Scores | http://www.azproarte.com/call-for-scores/ | The winner will receive a performance of his or her work by Arizona Pro Arte with the possibility of professional recording. | Anyone | Annually | April | Free |
| ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award | https://ascapfoundation.org/ascapfoundation/programs/awards/young-composer-awards | The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards (the “Award”) honors the late Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and The ASCAP Foundation’s former president Morton Gould’s lifelong commitment to encouraging young creators. Open to composers of original, classical concert music, the Award encourages developing music creators during the earliest stages of their careers. | The Award is open to young composers (each, an “Entrant”) who have not reached their 30th birthday by December 31, 2017. Entrants must also be, at the time of entry, a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or enrolled student with a valid and current U.S. student visa. Entrants under 18 may apply with parental consent. | Annually | The “Application Period” begins on December 1, 2017, and ends at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 15, 2018. Hard copy materials must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2018. | See website |
| ASCAP Int'l Songwriting Competition | https://songwritingcompetition.com/ | The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. | Anyone - various categories | Annually | The Extended Deadline is November 5, 2018. | $35 per song or category |
| ASCAP/SEAMUS Student Composer Commissioning Program | https://www.seamusonline.org/ascapseamus/ | First prize winner receives $1250 for the commission of a new electro-acoustic work, performance at the SEAMUS Nat'l Conference, and a recording on SEAMUS Compact Disc Series. Second prize winner receives $750 for the commission of a new electro-acoustic work and performance at the SEAMUS Nat'l Conference. | Must be a student member of SEAMUS AND either currently enrolled in an academic program in the USA (high school through doctoral studies) or a US citizen studying abroad. The submitted work must have been completed while the applicant was a student, and the applicant must have student status at the time the work is submitted to the competition. | Annually | October | Free |
| Astoria Choir Call for Scores | https://sites.google.com/astoriachoir.org/home/call-for-scores | $250 cash prize and performances/recording by the choir for each selected work. | Composers must live or be matriculated at a college in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut | Annually | October | $10 |
| Baltimore Composers Forum Call for Scores | http://baltimorecomposersforum.com/2018-call-for-scores | Selected works will be performed by the L'Abri Trio. | Must be a member of the Baltimore Composers Forum and resident of greater Baltimore/Washington D.C. region | Annually | September | Free |
| Barlow Prize Competition | http://barlow.byu.edu/prize-applications-guidelines/ | The winning composer will receive a $12,000 commission to compose a major new work, performed by a consortium of musicians. | Anyone. | Annually | June | Free |
| BMI Student Composer Awards | http://bmifoundation.org/programs/info/bmi_student_composer_awards | Prizes ranging from $500 to $5000 for instrumental, vocal, or electronic compositions. | Must be a citizen of a country in the Western Hemisphere. Currently studying music, either in an educational institution or privately. Under the age of 28 as of time of submission. Has not won a BMI Student Composer Award more than two times (Honorable Mention excluded) | Annually | February | Free |
| BMI Pete Carpenter Fellowship | https://bmifoundation.org/programs/info/pete_carpenter_fellowship | Residency for aspiring film, television, and video game composers. Awards $2,000 stipend for four to five weeks of intensive, in-studio mentorship with established composers in Los Angeles, and also offers the opportunity to consult with other distinguished leaders in the entertainment industry. | At least 21 years old. Pursuing a career in TV, film, and/or video game composition. Must be a US Citizen or resident with a valid visa or green card, and eligible for employment during the residency period. | Annually | See website | See website |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) New Music Festival Call-For-Scores | https://www.bgsu.edu/musical-arts/maccm/call.html?fbclid=IwAR2dl-FDK_6J59Gw-ZzyVw7kbSg29NxxYDXPW_iQsi8zNDyCqVx46DBnR24 | The MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music at BGSU calls for works to be performed on the 40th Annual Bowling Green New Music Festival. The festival will feature the music of guest composer Evan Ziporyn and others, performed by BGSU faculty, students and featured guest ensemble New Music Detroit. Composers are offered a $200 honorarium to offset travel costs to attend the festival. | Composers of any age, nationality or institutional affiliation, except those currently enrolled at or employed by Bowling Green State University, are eligible to submit scores. | Annually | March | Free |
| Brooklyn Youth Chorus Men's Ensemble Composer Competition | https://mailchi.mp/brooklynyouthchorus/announcing-2019-20-brooklyn-youth-chorus-mens-ensemble-composer-competition-1161505 | World premiere performance of new work for Brooklyn Youth Chorus Men's Ensemble, along with a recording of work and a $500 prize. | Anyone | Annually | November | Free |
| Cambridge Chamber Singers Composition Competition | http://www.cambridgemadrigals.org/compcomp.html | $700 and two performances of a 3-6 minute work for mixed choir. | Anyone | Annually | October | Free |
| Central European String Quartet International Composition Competition | https://www.centraleuropeanstringquartet.com/international-composition-competition.html | In addition to monetary prizes, the 1st prize winning piece will be premiered and performed three times by the Central European String Quartet in the 2020/21 season | Anyone | Annually | April | 40 Euro per composition |
| Centre International Nadia et Lili Boulanger Scholarships | http://www.cnlb.fr/enb/bourses/acc_bourses.html | One scholarship each per year for a performer, composer, and musicologist, 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. | Annually | June | Free |
| The Chelsea Symphony Composition Competition | https://chelseasymphony.org/tcs-2018-2019-composition-competition?fbclid=IwAR0ToH1aFxhYHlR9SH_vNBw_1OpaMHJivE4uTQG8x8R-DlnulhdPbaPTpdw | Early-career composers are invited to submit a previously unperformed work of 5-12 minutes to be performed and recorded by The Chelsea Symphony. Winners will receive a $250 honorarium. | Applicants must reside in the United States and be in the early stages of their compositional careers. | Annually | January | Free |
| The Choral Project's Rachel Moore Composition Contest | https://www.choralproject.org/rachel-moore-composition-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. | Open to High School (grades 9-12) and undergraduate students of any nationality. | Annually | March | $20 per entry |
| Chorosynthesis Call for Scores | http://chorosynthesis.org/call-for-submissions/ | Performances by the Chorosynthesis Singers ensemble. | Anyone | Rolling | Rolling | Free |
| https://www.taukay.it/data1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=911:concorso-2020-eng&catid=80&lang=en&Itemid=561 | https://www.taukay.it/data1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=868&Itemid=539&lang=en | Cash prizes between 200-1000 Euros, and public performances and recordings of the winning works | Anyone | Annually | March | 35 Euros |
| Claremont Chorale Composition Competition | https://www.claremontchorale.org/composition-contest | The Claremont Chorale, a 60-voice volunteer SATB chorus, is holding a composition contest for an original work to be premiered in Spring 2021. In addition to performance, winner is awarded prize of US$1,250.00. | Anyone | Annually | September | $25 |
| ClefWorks Composition Competition | https://clefworks.org/composition-competition/ | Winner receives $1,000 and performance by the Catalyst String Quartet | Anyone | Annually | See website | $30 |
| Community Music Center of Boston Young Composers Festival | https://cmcb.org/events/young-composers-festival-2019/ | 2-day long program of workshops, panel discussions and concerts by and for students from elementary school to college. Students work alongside professional composers and performers to create, perform and enjoy contemporary music. | Open to pre-college composers. | Annually | No sign-up required | Free |
| Composers & Schools in Concert: Composer Commissions and Workshops | http://www.composersandschools.com/our-programs/ | Commissions for professional composers to write pieces for high-school students; opportunities to develop music-creation workshops for students. | Professional composers | Rolling | Rolling | Free |
| Composers, Inc. Ettelson Award | http://composersinc.org/?page_id=29 | $1000 award and a performance by Composers Inc. during their concert season in Berkeley. | Citizens or permanent residents of the United States | Annually | January | $25/score |
| The Composer's Site Calls for Submissions List | http://www.composerssite.com/category/opportunity-type/calls-submissions | Extensive list of regularly updated Calls for Scores and other composer opportunities | Varies | Rolling | Varies | Varies |
| Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra Call for Scores | https://contracostachamberorchestra.org/2018-19-call-for-scores/ | CCCO seeks new works for chamber orchestra to be performed thrice on the following season. Winner receives $500 honorarium and travel expenses to attend performances. | Must be currently residing in US. | Annually | October | $20 for first score / $10 for additional submissions |
| Delta Omicron Composition Competition | https://www.delta-omicron.org/events/composition-competition | Delta Omicron seeks works for male voice & piano of 7-15 minutes in length, to be performed at the 2021 Delta Omicron International Fraternity Conference. Winning composer will receive $1,000. | All composers of college-age or older. Submitted works must not have been previously commissioned, published, or publicly performed. | Annually | March | $25 |
| Downbeat Student Music Awards | http://downbeat.com/site/page/2019-downbeat-student-music-awards | The 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. | Separate awards for students in middle school, high school, and college. Students may not be enrolled in full-time professional work. | Annually | December | Free |
| Dustin White, Flutist Call for Scores | http://composerssite.com/opportunity/14340 | Call for scores for works <6 minutes for flute solo or flute and electronics. Selected works will be performed and recorded within a year. | Anyone | Once | September 11, 2020 | Free |
| Earplay Composers Competition | http://www.earplay.org/www/competition.php | $1000 cash prize and a performance by Earplay in their next season, for compositions for 1-6 players, with or without electronics. | Anyone | Annually | March | $26/score |
| Ecce Ensemble Call for Scores | https://www.eccearts.com/etchings/#/new-page-2/ | Premieres of the winning work by the Ecce Ensemble. | Anyone | Annually | January | $25 early deadline/ $35 Feb deadline |
| Encore Wind Ensemble Charles Olson Young Composers Contest | https://encorewinds.com/contestapplication | The winning composition will receive a $1,000 cash award with a public performance and compact disc recording by the Encore Wind Ensemble. | Composers must be between the ages of 15 and 22. | Annually | May | $25 |
| Epic Music Inspires | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgUa3BS3m59pnjR37Ieiiw/about | Any composer can submit works to epicmusicinspires@gmail.com to be promoted on the Epic Music Inspires YouTube channel. Composers retain all rights to their work. | Anyone | Ongoing | Ongoing | Free |
| Face the Music Composer Lab | http://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/ftm/composition/ | Readings, rehearsals, recordings, and commissions for composition students. Students are encouraged to submit works for orchestra, jazz band, string quartet, and mixed chamber ensember, and will be asked to play in at least one Face the Music piece during the season. | Composers under college age, and studying a musical instrument. | Annually | May | $40 |
| Luna Composition Lab | http://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/ftm/luna-lab/ | Yearlong 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. | Any composer eighth grade to rising college freshman who identifies as female or gender non-conforming. | Annually | September | $15 application fee; $600 program fee. Scholarships available. |
| http://www.florencechoirfestival.com/MORRICONE_general-information.php | http://www.florencechoirfestival.com/MORRICONE_general-information.php | First prize: 2000 Euros cash, publication of the work and its premiere during the festival; second prize: 1000 Euros; third prize: 750 Euros. | Anyone | Annually | March | 75 Euros |
| Florence String Quartet Call for Scores | http://www.callforscores.com/ | Cash prizes up to 1000 Euros, performances and recordings of the selected works, and publication by Sconfinarte Editions. | Anyone | Annually | August | 75 Euros; 25 per additional submission |
| The Flute New Music Consortium Composition Competition | http://www.flutenewmusicconsortium.com/2020-composition-competition.html | Call for scores for solo flute, flute/piano, and/or flute/electronics works. Winning composers receive a cash prize, one or more performances, and a live recording from one or more of the performances. Winning scores will be provided to current FNMC Commissioning and Performing Level members. | Anyone | Annually | June, July, or August, depending on instrumentation | $15 per work submitted |
| Friends of the Brandenburg Symphony Composition Competition | http://www.fbsym.de/biennale/7th-brandenburg-biennial/ | Performance by the Brandenberg Symphony Orchestra | Anyone | Biennially | May | 10 Euros (20 Euros if you want your scores back) |
| Fromm Commission Grant | https://frommfoundation.fas.harvard.edu/news/2017-fromm-commission-application | $12,000 commission for allcompositions regardless of idiom, instrumentation, style, or the use of technology. Submissions in jazz, hybrid, electronic, or other idioms are welcome. | 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. | Annually | June | See website |
| The Gesualdo Six Composition Competition | http://www.thegesualdosix.co.uk/composition-competition/ | Winning works will be premiered by the ensemble at Cadogan Hall and will be considered for publication by Novello & Co Ltd. Prize fund of £1000 is available. Six texts have been specifically selected for composers to set. | Two categories: 21 years and under, and 22 years and above. | Annually | December | |
| Gil Soundtrack Award | https://www.gilsoundtrack.com/ | Composers may submit a score for the short film, Somos Tierra. The winning composer will receive 50,000 euros. | Composers must be between the ages of 18 and 36 and scores must match instrumentation listed at gilsoundtrack.com | Annually | August | |
| Heckscher Foundation-Ithaca College Composition Prize | http://www.ithaca.edu/music/current_students/competitions/heckscherprize/ | $1750 cash prize for a new composition to be premiered by Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble. | Anyone | Annually | October | Free |
| ICEBERG Young Composer Award | https://www.icebergnewmusic.com/young-composer-award | These 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, free private instruction from one or more ICEBERG member composers, and the opportunity to have a work read and recorded by one of ICEBERG's 2019-20 partner ensembles. | Applicants 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). Preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as being from a traditionally underrepresented community. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants who identify as female, nonwhite, and/or LGBTQ+. (Applicants may NOT be related to or dependents of ICEBERG New Music member composers, board members, or administrators.) | Annually | October | Free |
| International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) Residency | http://metafields.org/icecommons/ | ICE seeks six creators in the practice of performed sound (composers, sound artists, generative music makers) for residencies beginning in early 2019. Selected artists will receive commission fees starting at $2,500; compensated workshop time with musicians of ICE; electroacoustic technical support; intermedia design support; documentation including high definition performance video available for free at DigitICE.org; marketing/PR support | Early-career artists in New York City and Minnesota highly encouraged to apply | See website | December | See website |
| International Society of Bassists: David Walter Composition Competition | http://www.isbworldoffice.com/composition.asp | $1000 and world premieres for new works in three categories: 1. unaccompanied solo bass, 2. chamber ensemble featuring bass, and 3. bass ensemble. | Anyone | Annually | June | $50/composition |
| International Society for Contemporary Music | https://www.iscm.org/articles/competitions | Ongoing list of competitions for composers | Varies | Rolling | See website | See website |
| International Songwriting Competition | http://songwritingcompetition.com/ | Various prizes for original songs in various categories: Pop/Top 40, Rock, Hip-Hop, etc. | Anyone. | Annually | September | $25/song |
| Iowa State University Carillon Competition | http://www.music.iastate.edu/carillon/festival/competitionwinner.php | Competition to encourage young composers to write for carillon | See website | Biennially | See website | See website |
| Ithaca College Choral Composition Contest | http://www.ithaca.edu/music/current_students/competitions/choralcompetition/ | Cash prizes up to $1200 and performances for 3-5 minute works for mixed choir. | Anyone | Annually | December | $25/score |
| Jerome Foundation Grants | https://www.jeromefdn.org/all-grant-opportunities | 2-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. | 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. | Annually | May | Free |
| Juventas New Music Ensemble Call for Scores | http://www.juventasmusic.com/call-for-scores.html | Juventas New Music Ensemble seeks chamber music and art songs responding to current affairs, to be performed at their February concert, "Freedom of Speech" in Boston. | Any composer who identifies as both an emerging composer at the early stages of their career | Annually | November | $10/composition |
| Keuris Composers Contest | http://keurisconcours.nl/en/ | Winning pieces are premiered by the Amersfoort Youth Orchestra and Keuris Ensemble. | Anyone | Biennially | February | See website |
| Kronos Quartet: Under 30 Project | http://kronosquartet.org/projects/detail/under_30 | String quartet commission and performance. | Under 30 at time of application | Annually | See website | See website |
| Lake George Music Festival Composition Competition | http://lakegeorgemusicfestival.com/composition-competition | 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. | Anyone | Annually | January | $10 |
| League of American Orchestras Women Composers Readings and Commissions Program | http://www.americanorchestras.org/conducting-artistic-programs/women-composer-readings-and-commissions.html | Selected works will be read by various partner orchestras. Selected composers will receive $15000 commisions. | Women composers | Annually | See website | See website |
| League of Composers/ISCM Composition Competition | http://leagueofcomposers.org/category/competition/ | $750 prize and performance in NYC by Orchestra of the League of Composers | Anyone | Annually | See website | See website |
| Left Coast Chamber Ensemble Composition Contest | http://www.leftcoastensemble.org/past-contest-winners/ | $1500, a performance by Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, and a recording of the performance. | Anyone. | Annually | See website | See website |
| Miquel Llobet Guitar Composition Contest | https://mllobet.com/en/certamenllobet | Call for scores for 3-6' unpublished classical guitar works. Winning compositions will receive performances and winning composers will receive cash prize and honorary certificate. | Anyone | Annually | June | 15 Euro |
| Lydian String Quartet Commission Prize | http://www.lydianquartet.com/prize.html | A $15000 commission for a 15-30 minute string quartet. | Anyone, except for current Brandeis students | Annually | December | $25 |
| MATA Festival Call for Submissions | https://matafestival.org/faq/ | Selected 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. | Composers under age 40 | Annually | Dec-Feb | Free |
| Mata Jr. Festival | https://matafestival.org/mata-jr/ | MATA Jr. pairs pre-college composers selected from a free, global, call for submissions with emerging composers in a six-month mentorship program to create new works for performance by teen new-music ensemble Face the Music. | Pre-college composers | Annually | January | Free |
| mise-en Music Festival Call for Scores | https://festival.mise-en.org/submission/ | Selected works will be performed at the Mise-En Festival in NYC, and composers are offered free housing to attend and participate. | Anyone | Annually | December | $27 per entry |
| Mivos/Kanter String Quartet Composition Prize | https://www.mivosquartet.com/7th-mivoskanter-string-quartet-composition-prize/ | Winning composer receives a $300 cash prize, $100 travel stipend, and a performance of their work in New York City by the Mivos Quartet. | Composers must be currently residing in the United States and in the early/middle stages of developing an international career and for whom this prize would represent a significant career opportunity. | Annually | July | $10 |
| I Creation/Mivos Quartet Prize for Chinese Composers | https://www.mivosquartet.com/i-creation-mivos-composition-prize-for-chinese-composers/ | Winning composer receives $1,000 cash prize and performances of their work in NYC and Hong Kong by the Mivos Quartet | Emerging Chinese composers | Biennially | April | $35 early deadline / $45 late deadline |
| MIZZOU New Music Summer Festival Call for Scores | https://newmusic.missouri.edu/micf/mizzou-international-composers-festival | Selected composers will be selected to compose a work for a renowned new music ensemble. | See website | Annually | November | See website |
| Foundation for Modern Music: Robert Avalon Composition Competition | http://modernmusic.org/guidelines-rules/ | $75-$1,000 cash prizes and performance by FMM performers of the winning submissions in a variety of categories | 4 Divisions ranging from 8th grade to professional. | Annually | January | Varies by category ($30-$75) |
| MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year Award | https://www.mtna.org/MTNA/Engage/Commissioned_Composer/Distinguished_Composer_of_the_Year/MTNA/Engage/Commissioned_Composer/Distinguished_Composer_of_the_Year_Award.aspx?hkey=b7da1dc6-7564-4529-b760-3511f3802449 | The award is given to a selected composer of a state-commissioned work. | MTNA membership required | Annually | See website | Free |
| National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Student Composers Competition | https://nafme.org/programs/contests-calls-competitions/nafme-student-composers-competition/ | Students (K-grad school) are invited to submit original music to be performed at the Young Composers Concert. Up to ten winning composers will receive cash awards and all entrants receive written feedback. | Students, or teachers of students in grades K-grad school. 3 Categories: K-8, High School, and Collegiate. | Annually | See website | See website |
| NAfME Electronic Music Composition Competition | https://nafme.org/programs/contests-calls-competitions/nafme-electronic-music-composition-contest/ | The NAfME Electronic Music Composition Competition recognizes outstanding compositions and highlights the effectiveness of music technology in the school curriculum. Entries will be judged based on their aesthetic quality, use of electronic media, and the power of the composition. The schools of the winners in each category will receive a one-year subscription to Soundation4Education, courtesy of MusicFirst. | Students, or teachers of students in grades K-grad school. 3 Categories: K-8, High School, and Collegiate. Entrants must be sponsored by an NAfME member teacher, or be a NAfME Collegiate member in good standing. | Annually | See website | See website |
| National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Junior Composer Awards | https://www.nfmc-music.org/competitionscategory/junior-composers-awards/ | Cash prizes for various types of pieces: choral works, piano solos, small ensemble pieces, and pieces for voice and accompaniment. | Various awards and categories for composers under 9 through 18 years old. | Annually | Varies by state | $5 |
| National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) Student Collegiate Division | https://www.nfmc-music.org/competitionscategory/student-collegiate-division/ | Cash award for student/collegiate composition students | 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 | Annually | March | $10 |
| National Flute Association Flute Choir Composition Competition | http://www.nfaonline.org/Annual-Convention/Competitions/Flute-Choir-Composition.asp | $2,000 cash prize and performance by the NFA Collegiate Flute Choir at their annual convention. | Must be a current NFA member | Annually | February | $20 |
| National Guild of Piano Teachers Composition Contest | http://pianoguild.com/composition-contest.html | Various prizes and categories for new compositions for piano & piano chamber music | See website | Annually | November | between $20-$40 |
| New England Philharmonic Call for Scores | http://nephilharmonic.org/competitions/call-for-scores/ | Performance of an orchestral work on a New England Philharmonic concert. | Emerging composers | Annually | April | $40/score |
| New Music on the Bayou Festival | https://www.newmusiconthebayou.com/call-for-scores | Selected works in one of several instrumentation categories will be performed, in addition to participation in 3-day festival, and eligibility for $500 commission for a new work. | Anyone | Annually | March | $20 for first three works submitted, $5 for each additional work submitted |
| nief-norf Summer Festival Call for Scores | http://www.niefnorf.org/call-for-scores/ | Selected works are premiered by Performance Fellows at the nief-norf Summer Festival. | Anyone | Annually | January | $15 for the first composition, $10 for each additional work. |
| North/South Consonance Call for Scores | http://www.northsouthmusic.org/Call-For-Scores | Selected works will be performed and recorded by North/South Consonance (NYC). | Anyone | Annually | See website | See website |
| Pacific Musical Society Annual Competition | http://www.pacificmusical.com/ | One $1300 prize. | Various age categories. Applicants must be residents of San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, or Placer counties. | Annually | January | See website |
| PARMA Recordings Call for Scores | http://www.parmarecordings.com/call-for-scores.html | Selected scores will be recorded by PARMA's partner ensembles and commercially released by PARMA Recordings. The submitter is responsible for securing funds associated with the production, and retains all ownership of the master and underlying composition. | Anyone | Annually | October | Free |
| Polyphonos Choral Composition Competition | http://www.theesoterics.org/polyphonos | $1000 cash prize plus airfare and accommodations to attend the Seattle premiere of a newly-commisioned work by The Esoterics. | Anyone. Up to three separate prizes for 1. a U.S. citizen; 2. a non-U.S. citizen; 3. a young composer (under age 30). | Annually | September | Free |
| Portland Chamber Music Festival Composers Competition | http://www.pcmf.org/#!composers-competition/clix | $1,000 cash prize, and performance at the Portland Chamber Music Festival (Maine). | Anyone. | Annually | March | Free |
| Portland Percussion Group Call for Scores | http://www.portlandpercussiongroup.com/ | First prize winner receives $500, work published by Tapspace Publications, professional recording, and performance by PPG. 2nd & 3rd prize works will be performed and recorded by the Portland Percussion Group. | Anyone | Annually | March | $25 |
| Premio Trio di Trieste International Chamber Music Competition | http://www.acmtrioditrieste.it/en/contest-rules-2016/ | Winners receive a commission project with the Assicurazioni Generali. | See website | Annually | March | 40€ |
| Progressive Classical Music Award | https://www.pcm-award.com/en/award-2019/announcement-2019/ | Six works will be selected for performance and recording by The Twiolins. Awards are between 600-5,000€. | Anyone. Submitted works must be composed for this competition; Adaptations or arrangements of prior works are not permitted. | Annually | July | 15€ per submission |
| Pulitzer Prize in Music | http://www.pcmf.org/#!composers-competition/clix | One $10,000 prize. | Anyone. Works submitted must have their premiere in application year. | Annually | December | $75 |
| Quadre Composition Competition | https://quadre.org/projects/?p=competition | Call for scores for horn quartet or horn quartet + 1 percussionist. 1st and 2nd place compositions will receive cash prizes ($500 and $300, respecitively) and will be performed the following season by Quadre. | Anyone | Annually | April | Free |
| Quator Bozzini Composers Kitchen | http://createsend.com/t/j-1D3605B5423B20952540EF23F30FEDED | Professional residency for composers who will write a new piece for string quartet, in a combination of workshop, laboratory, master class and concert settings. Works are performed in Utrecht, Netherlands, as a part of Gaudeamus Muziekweek. | Canadian (or permanent resident) composers | Annually | December | |
| Random Access Music Call for Scores | https://www.ram-nyc.org/post/2020-ram-call-for-scores | Each 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. | Anyone | Annually | February | Free |
| Red Note Composition Competition | https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/red-note/competition/ | Composers may submit to up to three categories: Works for Chamber Ensemble, Works for Wind Ensemble, and Works for Chorus. Winners receive performance of work on Red Note Festival in Illinois State University and a cash prize. | Anyone | Annually | November | $25 |
| Red Note Composition Workshop | https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/red-note/workshop/ | Invited participants will each compose a 5 to 10-minute piece for one of the guest ensembles. Each composition will be carefully rehearsed during the Festival, and will be premiered at a formal concert. Each composer will receive a recording of his or her piece. | Applicants must be graduate or undergraduate students at time of Festival | Annually | October | Free |
| Rivers School Conservatory Young Composers Commission Award | https://www.riversschoolconservatory.org/events/competitions/young-composers-award/ | The Rivers School Conservatory invites high school-aged composers to compete for a chance to create a commissioned 6-8 minute work for four-hand piano to be performed at The Rivers School Conservatory Annual Seminar on Contemporary Music for the Young in April of 2021. Winning composer will also be awarded $1,000. | Applicants must be at least 14 years of age, enrolled in an accredited high school or home-schooling program and be a US resident or citizen | Anually | March | $35 |
| Intermusic SF (Formerly SF Friends of Chamber Music) Musical Grant Program | https://www.intermusicsf.org/mgp | Grants for composers, performers, and presenters to cover composer fees, performance and rehersal fees, production costs, etc. for a concert series or festival. | 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. | Annually | March | Free |
| San Francisco Contemporary Music Players Call for Scores | https://sfcmp.org/sf-search-2018-19-30-call-scores/ | Selected composers will receive $500 stiped in addition to a workshop and feedback session with SFCMP, archival recording, and performance on the SFCMP concert series. | Composers under 30 woth a permanent address in the US. Composers in the Bay Area are required to attend workshops and performances. | Annually | November '18 | Free |
| San Francisco Choral Artists "New Voices Project" | http://www.sfca.org/new-voices-project/ | 3 winners: selected works are premiered and recorded by SFCA at 3 concerts in the greater Bay Area. 1st prize winner receives $500. | Must be under 30 & a US resident | Annually | December | |
| Society for New Music: Brian Israel Award | http://www.societyfornewmusic.org/resources.cfm | Two $750 awards and a performance of concert music for one to seven performers. | Open to any composer in New York State under the age of 30. | Annually | May | Free |
| SoundWebs MicroCommissions | https://soundwebs-microcommissions.carrd.co/ | Up to 6 composers will receive a $500 commission fee and be given 4-6 weeks to create their works. Commissioned composers will be assigned a public space in Cincinnati and an ensemble to work with. They'll be asked to create a space-specific work that is an impactful part of the event. | Anyone - must be able to workshop in Cincinnati | Annually | April | Free |
| SPLICE Ensemble Call for Scores | https://splicemusic.org/festival/ii/call/ | SPLICE welcomes proposals from performers, composers, composer/performer teams, and composer-performers for performative works that feature human-driven live performance (on traditional or nontraditional instruments) and electronics (fixed or live), one-hour hands-on workshops, and fifteen-minute lectures. | Anyone | Annually | May | Free |
| Suzanne and Lee Ettelson Composer’s Award 2020 | http://www.ninthplanetmusic.org/ettelson.html | An award of $1,000 will be given for a new chamber work. The winning work will be performed in the San Francisco Bay Area during Ninth Planet’s 2020-21 concert season. Award winners are expected to attend performances. Works not awarded prizes will also be considered for programming. | Anyone | Annually | January | $25 for one submission; $20 for subsequent submissions |
| Symphony in C Young Composers’ Competition | http://www.symphonyinc.org/orchestra/young-composers-competition | Winning composition will be performed and recorded by Symphony in C. | Only composers born after April 28, 1988 may apply. Must be US citizens, permanent residents, or current foreign students at American schools. | Annually | February | Free |
| Symphony Number One Call for Scores | https://symphonynumber.one/scores/ | Selected composers will be invited to write a new work for chamber orchestra and chamber ensemble to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded during the following season. | Anyone | Annually | See website | See website |
| Texas New Music Ensemble (TNME) Student Composers Competition | https://tnme.org/scc-2/ | One winner will be commissioned to write an 8-10 minute piece for clarinet, cello, and piano, to be premiere at the annual TNME summer concert in August. | Open to any composer currently enrolled in a music degree program at a Texas institution. | Annually | March | |
| Third Angle New Music Composer Submissions | https://www.thirdangle.org/composer-submissions/ | Third Angle New Music accepts submissions on a rolling basis for works to be considered for performance | Anyone | Rolling | Rolling | Free |
| Third Millenium Ensemble Young Composers' Competition | http://thirdmillenniumensemble.org/19competitionguid.html | Composers will be chosen to have their works performed by members of the Third Millenium Ensemble. First prize: $400. Second prize: $200. Young Composer Prize: $150 or $100 for Pre-College. First & Second prize winners will receive performances by TME. Winning pieces in the Young Composer category may be eligible for performance. | Anyone may apply. Participants in the "Young Composer" category must be 21 or younger by February 2019. | Annually | February | $35 application fee for one piece; $15 for each additional submission. |
| Toru Takemitsu Composition Award | http://www.operacity.jp/en/concert/award/entry/index.php | One cash prize of 3,000,000 yen and performances of selected orchestral works. | Any person, regardless of nationality, who is not over 35 years old at the end of the year of the application deadlines. | Annually | September | Free |
| Treefalls Music Call for Scores | http://treefallsmusic.org/call-for-scores-SPO2015-emerging.html | Cash prizes from $150-250, and a performance of the winning work. | Composer must be a resident of SC, NC, or GA, and must not hold a graduate degree in music theory or composition. | Annually | January | Free |
| Tribeca New Music Festival Young Composer Competition | http://www.tribecanewmusic.org/youngcomposercompetition/ | The winner in each division will receive $1,000, a performance at the festival, and a recording. | Two divisions: 1. composers ages 22-35; 2. composers ages 21 and younger. Must be a US Citizen or permanent resident. | Annually | January | $35/work |
| Underwood New Music Readings and Commission | https://www.americancomposers.org/2018/10/11/call-for-applications-underwood-new-music-readings-2019/ | Chosen 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. | U.S. citizens or non-citizens lawfully and permanently residing, or studying full-time, in the United States. | Annually | Dec-Jan | Free |
| University of Vermont Festival of New Music Call for Scores | http://www.uvm.edu/~dfeurzei/FNM/call/ | (UVM-FNM) seeks instrumental chamber works to be performed at 2019 festival. Winner receives travel costs up to $400 and lodging for the festival, with the winning work performed on April 7, 2019 at the University of Vermont. | Anyone | Annually | December | Free |
| Versipel New Music Call for Scores | http://versipel.org/call-for-scores/ | Performances of selected works by Versipel New Music (New Orleans). | Anyone | Annually | January | $12 |
| Vic Salvo Music Composition Scholarship | http://www.leftcoastensemble.org/victor-salvo-music-composition-scholarship/ | One student will win 5 hours of mentoring from a professional composer and an ensemble reading of the student's piece. | High school students whose permanent address is in the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA or Sacramento-Roseville Combined Statistical Areas | Annually | January | Free |
| Vox Novus Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame Project Call For Scores | http://www.voxnovus.com/15_Minutes_of_Fame/calls/ | Vox Novus commissions fifteen 1-minute scores to be performed by that year's performer | Anyone | Rolling | Rolling | Free |
| Walter Beeler Memorial Composition Prize | http://www.ithaca.edu/music/current_students/competitions/beelerprize/ | $5,000 and a performance of the work by Ithaca College's wind band. | Anyone. | Annually | November | Free |
| Washington International Competition | http://www.fmmc.org/competitions/washington-international-competitions/ | Prizes for a new string quartet, piano quartet, piano quintet, piano trio, or string trio. | See website | Every three years | See website | See website |
| wasteLAnd Featured Composer | https://www.wastelandmusic.org/featured-composer/ | Performances of selected works on the wasteLAnd ensemble's concert series. | Anyone | Annually | See website | See website |
| Women Composers of Hartford Festival: Composer in Residence Application | http://www.womencomposersfestivalhartford.com/calls/composer-in-residence-application/ | The 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. | Women composers | Annually | Rolling/January | Free |
ComposerSite.com
- Composing in the Wilderness 2016 October 17, 2015Expiration of Opportunity: Thu, 2016-03-31 Entry Fee: 1395.00 Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD) Fellow Composers: I’m delighted to announce that registration is now open for Composing in the Wilderness 2016! This one-of-a-kind creative adventure will take place July 13-26. Published date: 17 Oct 2015 read more
- 7th Annual Jack Stone Award for New Music October 17, 2015Web site: http://sbethmay.webs.com/jackstoneaward.htm Expiration of Opportunity: Sun, 2016-02-28 In 2016, the 7th Jack Stone Award for New Music will be awarded to one student who is currently enrolled full time at a community college within the United States. Students must be enrolled in an associate's program, not a bachelor's program, but no age or citizenship […]
- Composition competition "The contemporary piano 2016" October 16, 2015Web site: http://www.an-art.com/en/activities/432-modpianocomp2016.html Expiration of Opportunity: Thu, 2016-03-31 Entry Fee: 40.00 Currency: Euro (EUR) Subject: Modern compositions for piano solo or piano 4 hands, duration 3 to 5 minutes. Description: The competition is open to composers of all ages and nationalities. The selection criteria are musical and no extra-musical parameters such as gender, level of […]
- Magpies & Ravens announce "Lineage" a mentoring program for young composers! October 16, 2015Web site: http://www.magpiesravens.com Expiration of Opportunity: Tue, 2015-12-01 Entry Fee: 0.00 Magpies & Ravens is accepting scores for its 2016 Lineage program, a mentorship program for young composers. Four young composers will be selected to receive personalized mentoring from an established, professional composer culminating in a premiere performance of a new choral work in March […]
- Musica per archi October 16, 2015Web site: http://www.klknewmusic.com Expiration of Opportunity: Thu, 2015-12-31 The Composition staff will select 12 composers who will have the opportunity to participate in the “MUSICA PER ARCHI” COMPOSERS’ MUSIC FORUM AND COMPETITION 2016” from 6 to 10 February 2016 in the city of Lviv, inside the music center of Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra. The 12 selected […]
- Assistant or Associate Professor of Composition/Theory October 15, 2015Web site: http://music.suda.edu.cn/EN/NewsView.aspx?id=830&ClassID=93 Expiration of Opportunity: Sun, 2015-11-15 Assistant/Associate Professor of Composition and Theory Soochow University (Suzhou, China) invites applications for two tenure-track positions in Composition and Theory in its newly established School of Music. Responsibilities include: teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in composition, theory, orchestration, and advising graduate student composers. Develop courses in […]
- Call for Scores | BURNING PIANOS – THE FIREHOUSE SPACE 2 PIANO FESTIVAL October 15, 2015Web site: http://thefirehousespace.org Expiration of Opportunity: Fri, 2016-01-15 Call for 5 new scores performed by an outstanding and diverse group of pianists and percussionists Published date: 15 Oct 2015 read more
- St Mary-at-Hill Carol Competition 2015 October 15, 2015Web site: http://www.stmary-at-hill.org Expiration of Opportunity: Mon, 2015-12-07 Entry Fee: 10.00 Currency: British Pound (GBP) In conjunction with the Surbiton High School Poetry Competition, composers are invited to set the winning poem to music. The new carol will be premiered at our Carol Service by Candlelight on 15th December at 6.00pm at St Mary-at-Hill Church, […]
- THE MATAN GIVOL INTERNATIONAL COMPOSERS COMPETITION 2016- MEITAR ENSEMBLE October 15, 2015Web site: http://www.meitar.net/composers-competition/ Expiration of Opportunity: Tue, 2015-12-01 Entry Fee: 30.00 Currency: Euro (EUR) Meitar Ensemble announces the 1st Matan Givol International Composers Competition. Composers from all over the world are invited to present works for Meitar Ensemble. The competition for new chamber music is an open call for composers of all ages and nationalities. […]
- 2nd Keuris Composers Contest October 14, 2015Web site: http://www.keurisconcours.nl/en/composers Expiration of Opportunity: Thu, 2016-02-18 Entry Fee: 50.00 Currency: Euro (EUR) The Keuris Competition invites composers of all ages and nationalities to participate in the 2nd Keuris Composers Contest with self-made compositions for the youth. The compositions should be challenging, but at the same time accessible, nowadays and playable by young talented […]
- New Oboe Music Project October 14, 2015Web site: http://newoboemusic.org The New Oboe Music Project aims to promote existing new music for the oboe and encourage more composers to write for the instrument. Founded in 2015 by English oboist James Turnbull (www.james-turnbull.com), the project has a number of aims: - To commission new oboe repertoire by raising money through existing charitable foundations […]
- Open Call for Blue North Music Festival Award October 14, 2015Web site: http://listhus.com/blue-north-music-festival-award.html Expiration of Opportunity: Mon, 2015-11-30 Entry Fee: 15.00 Currency: Euro (EUR) Blue North Music Festival is held in Olafsfjordur, North Iceland every last weekend in June. It is almost the first music festival in Iceland focusing on blue and Jazz. It aims at letting music lovers in the town playing music together […]
- Open Circuit Festival 2016 October 13, 2015Web site: http://opencircuitfestival.co.uk/2016/events.php Expiration of Opportunity: Fri, 2016-01-29 As part of Open Circuit 2016 the University of Liverpool is pleased to announce a call for electroacoustic works. Works must have been composed after 2104 and should fall within one of the following categories: 1. Stereo acousmatic works with a duration up to 10 minutes. 2. […]
- Eugene Contemporary Chamber Ensemble - Call for scores February 28, 2013Web site: http://www.eccenewmusic.com Call for Scores We want to play your music! ECCE seeks to expand the repertoire of concert music through a continual call for scores. Our programming is diverse, and our interests are ranging—chamber music, solo instrumental works, multimedia, electronic, collaborative, or anything else that you think we might be interested in performing. […]
- Knox-Galesburg Symphony INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR SCORES December 28, 2012Web site: http://www.knoxgalesburgsymphony.org/international_call_for_scores/ Knox-Galesburg Symphony INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR SCORES The Knox-Galesburg Symphony seeks to promote new music, particularly works by American composers. Submitted works should be of moderate technical difficulty, not more than 10 minutes in length, with instrumentation not to exceed 3222/4331/T P(2) strings. Please send submissions to: Dr. Bruce Polay Artistic Director/Conductor Knox-Galesburg […]
- Wild Rumpus General Call for Scores December 28, 2012Web site: http://wildrumpusmusic.org/general-call-for-scores/ General Call for Scores Deadline: Rolling. Pieces submitted now will be considered for 2013-2014. Our cycle for performance consideration in 2012-2013 closed on June 18, 2012. Pieces submitted now will be considered for 2013-2014, and we’ll announce the close of this cycle several months before the deadline. Wild Rumpus is happy to […]
- Anything Goes: Open Composition Competition for All Composers August 15, 2012Web site: http://freespace.virgin.net/geoffrey.alvarez/AGCC.htm Entry Fee: 26.00 Currency: British Pound (GBP) Now in its fourth successful year, the Álvarez Chamber Orchestra (ÁCO) is inviting entries for its annual composition competition for 2012; composers of any age and nationality may submit works. There is no specification as to the length or nature of the piece. There may […]
- The Native American Recording Project December 20, 2009Web site: http://www.rmamusic.com/NARP.htm RMA Music in Los Angeles is seeking music by Native American composers for recording purposes. We are seeking music of a “concert” or “classical” nature, i.e., orchestra, band, chamber and/or solo works. Some commercial music such as film scores will be considered. Participating composers must be members of a federally recognized tribe. […]