Composition Competition

February 20, 2025

| $24

Composition Competition

IN MEMORY OF ALMA GRAYCE MILLER

POSTMARK DEADLINE:

February 20, 2025

FEE

$24.00 per entrant. Non-NVMTA members have to pay the $50 fee (per student per event) plus registration fee. All fees are nonrefundable.

One payment per studio should be made for this event by the teacher at this link: PAYMENT

Your competition certificates will be available for digital download.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Fill out the Online Form (https://forms.gle/aui5sW4eZiv36ZHc6)
All entries will require:
  • Contact information for the teacher and composer
  • PDF of the score
  • Header to include Title, Age & Years of Study
  • Do not include the composer’s name on the PDF
  • Multi-instrument compositions require a cover page listing the instrumentation
  • Audio recording of the composition (MP3 or MP4)
  • No video recordings please
  • One paragraph artist’s statement
If you choose to submit your entry manually:
  1. Fill out the application.
  2. Submit a PDF of the score to nvmtacomposition@gmail.com. The PDF should include the title of the piece, composer’s age and number of years of study. The composer’s name must not appear on the manuscript.
  3. Submit a digital file (mp3 or mp4) of the composition to nvmtacomposition@gmail.com. Label the entry with the title of the composition only.
  4. Mail application, manuscripts, and one check per studio payable to NVMTA to:

Christy Tallamy, 1712 Tomworth Ct. NE, Leesburg VA 20176

CHAIR

Christy Tallamy, NCTMKay Willett, Co-chair

ABOUT THIS EVENT

This competition is intended to encourage the writing of original creative compositions. It is in memory of Alma Grayce Miller, a former NVMTA member, who left funds for this purpose.

Not sure how to navigate student compositions? Can it be done between now and the deadline? (The answer is yes.) For ideas, tips and inspiration, check out and information video here.

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must study with an active member teacher of NVMTA or pay the non-member fee (as defined in the bylaws). Composition scores are to be submitted in a digital format (PDF preferred) personally produced by the composer and should not exceed 10 minutes in playing time.

There is no restriction on the selection of instruments. There are neither age or grade requirements nor requirements concerning form or style.

Audio recordings may be produced by the student or teacher (preferred). Computer generated recordings are also permitted. Video recordings are not allowed.

TEACHER GUIDELINES

Participating teachers must pick up materials from the chair at the conclusion of the event or pay $5 to the chair to have materials returned by mail.

AWARDS

The Jo Lombard Award ($150) will be given by competition judges to one overall outstanding composition. Second ($75) and third place ($50) awards may be awarded by judges at their discretion.

The Frances Hollans Award ($25) will be awarded to a student age 12 and under whose original composition is judged to be most creative.

Each student will receive judges’ comments and a certificate of participation or special award. Recordings of all entries will be available online via Google Drive.

When available, a local orchestra may review and choose one composition entry for full orchestration and performance. There are no eligibility requirements for this opportunity. All compositions are considered.