• The CAPMT Commissioned Composer Program serves to support the careers of professional composers and is not to be confused with the MTNA Student Composition Competitions. As such, composers currently enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or master’s degree programs are NOT eligible to apply. However, submissions from doctoral candidates are accepted.

• Composers must be residents of the State of California.

Submission Process

DEADLINE:  May 18, 2020

CAPMT Commissioned Composer Application Form will be available in the Spring

1. All materials must be uploaded as part of the CAPMT Commissioned Composer Application Form

2.  Composers must submit the following for TWO representative contrasting works (a movement of a multi-movement work is acceptable):

   • PDF of scores

   • Audio recording (MP3) and/or video link

3. Composers must also submit the following Accompanying Documents:

   • Introductory Cover Letter

   • Résumé and/or Curriculum Vitae

   • List of Complete Works

4. Composers are also encouraged to submit Supporting Documents, such as:

   • Press clippings

   • Reviews

   • Links to performance videos

   • Composer’s website

   • Any other social media sites that the Composer would like the selection committee to review

5. A single PDF containing all accompanying and supporting documents and links is acceptable, but not mandatory

Selection Process

The Commissioned Composer will be selected by a committee comprising the CAPMT Commissioned Composer Chair, CAPMT State President, and a third judge chosen by the Commissioned Composer Chair.

Commissioned Composition & Premiere Performance

The selected Commissioned Composer will write a work 10–15 minutes in length for any performance medium. Since the commissioned composition is typically premiered at the CAPMT State Conference on a chamber music concert, a solo or small chamber work, not to exceed seven players, is preferable. CAPMT will provide a stipend of $150 per performer, maximum of $1,050 (7 performers), to engage musicians for the CAPMT State Conference premiere performance. CAPMT offers no additional financial assistance in this regard and does not offer any additional stipend for travel or lodging. The 2020 CAPMT Conference TBA.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• April 20, 2020 (MON)
  Composer’s submitted materials must be uploaded as part of the CAPMT Commissioned Composer Application Form

• May 4, 2020 (MON)
  The Commissioned Composer Selection Committee will notify the winning composer

• September 1, 2020 (TUES)
  Delivery of commissioned composition: PDF of completed score must be sent via e-mail to the CAPMT Commissioned Composer Chair at craigrichey@me.com

• October 2020 (FRI–SAT)
  Premiere performance of the commissioned composition at the CAPMT State Conference TBA

• December 1, 2020 (TUES)
  Deadline for CAPMT Commissioned Composer Chair to submit the commissioned composition to the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year Award Competition

• March 21-25, 2020 (SAT–WED)
  MTNA National Conference • Chicago, Illinois