National Association of Composers / USA   

44th Annual Young Composers’ Competition
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Previous First Prize winners will not be eligible

SUBMISSION PORTAL

1. The competition is open to all NACUSA members who are American citizens or residents, who have reached their 18th birthday but have not yet reached their 29th birthday by the submission deadline. Proof of age and citizenship must be submitted along with the links to music as described below.

2. Music by non-members will not be considered. National and at least one Chapter Dues for 2025 must be paid prior to entering the competition. Membership in NACUSA offers many options for performance and networking opportunities.

3. Compositions submitted should not exceed 10 – 12 minutes in length.

4. Different categories will fluctuate over the course of future NACUSA competitions; this year composers can submit works in the following categories: 

A. Solo instrument: Piano, Flute, Violin, Cello, Alto Saxophone 

B. Solo instrument (flute, violin, cello, alto saxophone) with piano

C. Computer/electronic compositions (prerecorded sound file only); score not required. 

5. Compositions submitted must not be published, previously performed in public nor have won any other competitions. Each composer may submit up to two works created during the last three years (between January 2021 – October 2024).

6. Recordings (WAV format only) of the entire composition are mandatory.

7. Compositions will be judged, in part, on legibility and clearness of music score (where appropriate).

8. All scores and WAV files must be anonymous and have no identifying names, dedications, tags, etc. in the score and recording. They should be submitted via the call soon to be available on the NewMusicEngine.com site.

9. Application window will open on November 1st, 2024 and close on December 1, 2024.

10. The winners will be announced on this site in January 2025.

11. First Prize $500, Second Prize $300, Third Prize $200. Top awards and honorable mentions will include 2026 memberships to national NACUSA and one chapter. Cash prizes as determined by a panel of judges will come with a possible performance during the NACUSA 2025 concert season (Chapter Event) and the NACUSA 2025 National Conference (dates TBD). Winners will need to be in attendance for any award performance. Additionally, NACUSA reserves the right to not award any cash prize based the panel’s decision.

Procedure

• Join/renew with a 2025 national and chapter membership starting on November 1, 2024.

• The call for scores will be available at NewMusicEngine.com from November 1 to December 1, 2024.