Composition Competition

The IMEA Composition Competition is an annual competition that offers young Indiana composers (grades six through college) the opportunity to have their work evaluated by established composers/educators who provide written feedback. This event is designed to help these young composers learn and grow as creative musical thinkers.

Click here for a list of the 2023 Gold Rating recipients!

Registration is now open!  See details and registration link below.

Submission Deadline:

  • Online Registration Deadline for the 2024 competition: June 5, 2024
  • Registration is considered complete when the online registration is submitted and entry fees are received/paid.

Cost: $35 per composition entry.

Competition Entry:

The IMEA Composition Competition is open to students in three different divisions:

  • Middle School (grades 6-8)
  • High School (grades 9-12)
  • College (undergraduates only)

Each student must reside in Indiana and be sponsored by a school or private teacher who is an IMEA/NAfME member. Students should enter their concurrent academic school year, or the most recently concluded year.

Categories:

Composers may enter in multiple categories, but may only submit one work in each category. 

  • Arranging
  • Chamber Instrumental
  • Concert Band/Wind Ensemble
  • Electroacoustic
  • Jazz Big Band
  • Jazz Combo
  • Instrumental Solo
  • Orchestra (String)
  • Orchestra (Full)
  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Vocal Choir
  • Vocal Jazz
  • Vocal Solo (Accompanied or A Capella)

Judging:

Judging will be completed by a panel of 3 professional composers. The rating system will be based on a Gold-Silver-Bronze rating system. All applicants who receive the Gold rating will be recognized at the IMEA Professional Development Conference on January 18, 2025.

All applicants will receive feedback from all 3 judges.

Results:

Gold Rating recipients will be recognized Saturday, January 18, 2025 in Fort Wayne, in conjunction with the 2025 IMEA Professional Development Conference

 

 

Composition Competition Past Winners