National Association of Composers USA
45th Annual Young Composers’ Competition
Deadline: August 1, 2026
Fixed Media/Acousmatic
The competition is open to all NACUSA members who are American citizens or residents, who have have not yet reached their 32nd birthday by the submission deadline. Music by non-members will not be considered. Dues Portal
Works will be electronic composition for 2-speaker installation appropriate for new music recitals.
Previous 1st Prize winners are not eligible for this competition.
Compositions submitted should not exceed 6 minutes in length.
Compositions submitted must not be published, previously presented in public nor have won any other competitions.
Submissions are anonymously submitted using New Music Engine, 1 submission per composer.
The winners will be announced on the NACUSA YCC website.
All prizes come with a possible non-exclusive release on a NACUSA album (Sounds New Chapter) and presentation at a NACUSA concert event.
No edits. The file submitted is the file that will be used for presentation or releases. Minimum CD quality uncompressed WAV or AIFF required, mp3s or other compressed formats will not be considered.
Questions regarding the Contest can be sent using this form.