orchestraThe American Prize in Composition, 2024-25

The American Prize in Composition recognizes and rewards the best composers in America of works for orchestra, chorus, concert band, chamber ensemble, theater, opera, dance or film. Although readings or recorded performances of music in the composition contests is preferred, we accept midi or computer generated performances in all divisions. A separate category for works composers themselves would consider light music or "pops" may be accessed via the orchestra, choral, band or chamber music composition contest pages.

EXTENDED DEADLINE (because of many requests): Tuesday, Sept 24, 2024, with extensions available by email request. Questions? Email: theamericanprize@gmail.com


 

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APPLICATION OPTIONS:

 

*pay application fees online—or by check or credit card.

 

*fill out the application on your computer and email it to the office—or fill-in by hand, scan (or photo) and send by mail.

 

*provide online links to selections of your music, or send recordings by mail.

 

 

WHAT CONTESTANTS WIN:
The American Prize is more than monetary. The Prize grew from the belief that a great deal of excellent music being made in this country goes unrecognized and unheralded, not only in our major cities, but all across the country...in schools and churches, in colleges and universities, and by community and professional musicians. Laureates of The American Prize at all levels of achievement derive local, regional and national recognition to help generate jobs, build audiences and sustain careers. Semi-finalists, finalists and winners are announced to national arts media and on our websites, where winners are profiled. Semi-finalists, finalists and winners earn the right to use The American Prize logo and official seal on printed programs and other documents, and on the web. Thousands of artists have derived benefit from their participation in the contests of The American Prize.


SEMI-FINALISTS: All semi-finalists receive official certificates.

FINALISTS and RUNNERS-UP: All finalists receive certificates and short comments about their audition. Runners-up receive certificates and written, unbiased evaluations from our distinguished national panel of judges. When winners are announced on The American Prize blog, RUNNERS-UP are also profiled on the blog with their photos, biographies and website links.When winners are announced on The American Prize blog, RUNNERS-UP are also profiled on the blog with their photos, biographies and website links.

WINNERS: A single winner in each category and/or division is selected. Winners receive certificates, written evaluations, personalized press releases sent by us to local media and other contacts you provide as part of your application, and cash prizes up to $500, depending on the year, the category and the number of entrants. Only with your explicit permission, excerpts of winning performances may be posted to The American Prize channel on .

The judges reserve the right to award citations and honorable mentions as warranted, and to combine categories when necessary. The decision of the judges is final.

CLICK the competition names below for APPLICATION FORM and REQUIREMENTS.


RECENTLY:
* The "SOCIAL JUSTICE" category renamed for Marian Anderson.
* The CHAMBER MUSIC division renamed for Charles Ives.
* The opera/theater/film/dance divsion renamed to honor American composer Thomas Putsché.

* separate vocal and instrumental categories in the chamber music competition
* separate pops category in orchestra, band, choral and chamber music contests
* expanded categories in the American Music contest (Bacon Award)

* new PDF option available for providing scores

* new midi option for providing recordings

* high school composer category


categories: accepting applications of performances of American music from student or professional composers in practically any instrumentation or genre, with very few repertoire restrictions. (Later application deadline.)


categories: professional composer, college/university composer, high school composer—also separate "pops" division
categories: professional composer, college/university composer, high school composer—also separate "pops" division


categories: professional composer, college/university composer, high school composer—also separate "pops" division


categories: professional composer, college/university composer, high school composer—separate VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL divisions—also separate "pops" division


categories: professional composer, college/university composer, high school composer