The competitions and opportunities listed here are usually non gender specific, but Women in Music offers this section as a service to inform and encourage women composers and musicians.

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Disclaimer: This listing is for your information and does not imply an endorsement of any of the organisations listed.

COMPETITIONS Please send for full details to the appropriate organisers before
sending off your entries.

For contributors: please include a deadline date if possible.

UUNO KLAMI COMPOSITION COMPETITION (FINLAND)
Open to all citizens of nearly all European countries (check list). Written for the members of the Kymi Sinfonietta. The work will be unpublished and unperformed and last 15 – 30 mins. Anon entry. The jury will select 3 – 5 entries for performance. Prizes of EUR 11,000; 9,000, 7,000. Composers of works performed are invited to be closely involved with the rehearsals.
E: reetaliina.marin@kymisinfonietta.fi
WEB: www.klamicompetition.fi
DEADLINE: 4 December 2023

USA INTERNATIONAL HARP COMPETITION (USA)
Submit a work for solo pedal harp (electronics permitted so long as no additional personnel are required). 6 – 8 mins. Must be unpublished, unawarded and not available on commercial recording. Score must be unavailable for purchase. Anon entry. Send anon pdf of score + mp3 recording played by a harpist. Prize of US$ 2000 + publication and performance in required repetoire for USA International Harp Competition.
E: director.RICC@gmail.com
WEB: www.usaihc.org
DEADLINE: 10 September 2024

 DELTA OMICRON MUSIC FRATERNITY (USA)
A work for clarinet and piano from 7 – 15 mins. Anon entry. Should not be previously commissioned, published or publicly performed. Entry fee: US$ 25. The prize is US$ 1,000 and premiere performance. The composer is encouraged to attend.
E: imcginn@austincollege.edu
WEB: www.delta-omicron.org
DEADLINE: 31 March 2024

NEW NOTE COMPETITION, CROATIA
Submit a composition for the Cameratat Bern – string orchestra (4.4.3.2.1) without conductor. No tape or live electronics. Up to 15 mins. Must have been composed after 31 December 2017 and not won any other prizes. Can have been performed but not published or professionally recorded for commercial use. Can submit more than one work. Prize of EUR 2500 and concert performance by Camerata Bern in Samobor Music Festival, September 2024. Entries by Email. Anon entry. Entry fee: EUR 60. Send score by pdf and audio realization by mp3.
E: sgj@samobor.hr
WEB: www.samobor-festival.com/en/new-note
DEADLINE: 7 June 2024

OPPORTUNITIES

OPPORTUNITY IN GLASGOW (UK)
The organisation “Cryptic” is looking for UK and Ireland based artists who create sonic installations. To take part in Sonica Glasgow, 19 – 29 September 2024. This should be pre-existing audio-visual work for live performance or installation. Particularly intersted in installation for outdoor spaces and site-specific works for places in Glasgow. The work must have been completed already and have had at least one public showing beforehand. Performance works should have both sound and visual elements. A fee of £750 – 1000 will be awarded. Also travel and accomodation for artists based outside Glasgow. Artists must not be in full-time education. Particularly interested in artists from under-represented areas. Complete form on the website.
E: crypticprojects@gmail.com
WEB: https://sonic-a.co.uk
DEADLINE: 4 December 2023

LONDON OPPORTUNITY (UK)
The Borough of Wandsworth is looking to bring together “creatives” of all kinds for activities for the Wandsworth Arts Festival of 7 – 23 June 2024. This will include concerts, performance art, outdoor activities and more. Send expressions of interest. There are offers of up to £2000 per project. Wandsworth Borough is also looking ahead to aim at applying for the London Borough of Culture in 2025.
E: arts @ wandsworth.gov.uk
WEB: www.wandsworthfringe.com
DEADLINE: 13 December 2023

CALL FOR SCORES (NEW YORK)
The Mise-En Music Festival of 2024 has put out a call for scores for performances at their festival in New York City 19 – 23 June 2024. There are several categories: 1. Works for solo instruments. 2. For chamber ensembles of 2 – 6. 3. Large ensembles of up to 14 players. 4. Works for electronics.
E: manager@mise-en.org
WEB: www.mise-en.org
DEADLINE: 15 December 2023

CALL FOR CONFERENCE PROPOSALS (USA)
A conference on Women in Music will take place at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York (USA) on Sat, 9 March 2024. This call is for proposals of research papers etc on any topic to do with women in music. In order to promote student research there will also be some sessions featuring undergrad students. Send a proposal of 300 – 500 words (including footnotes and endnotes). Supplementary material not counted in the word count. Undergrads need a letter from a supporting faculty member familiar with their research. Lecture recitals welcome, but must include at least 50% dedicated to speaking.
Questions: E: smarlowe@esm.rocester.edu
DEADLINE: 15 December 2023

MARTIN READ FOUNDATION AWARD AND COMMISSION SCHEME (UK)
For composers aged between 14 & 17 in this academic year. Awarded composers will be asked to create new works for untuned percussion (1 player) up to 2 mins. The scheme will be using the Junior Dep’t of the Royal College of Music, and their extensive percussion suite. Successful applicants will be given an introduction to percussion and individual lessons in composition by a mentor-composer. The new pieces will be work-shopped in mid-Feb and premieres of the pieces will be performed at an RCM concert in mid-March. A recording of the performance will be provided. Award-holders will also have the opportunity to write a short piece for choir for a choir event in April 2024 in Alton, Hampshire. To apply go to website and register. Send 2 contrasting compositions each up to 3 mins, and a reference from a music teacher who is aware of your interest in composition.
WEB: www.martinreadfoundation.org
DEADLINE: 29 December 2023

ORA OPPORTUNITY FOR GRADUATE COMPOSERS
For applicants resident in the UK. Must have completed an undergrad degree (any subject, any Uni or Conserv in UK) no earlier than 2021. Five composers will be selected to write a commission for the ORA Singers of up to 4 mins. They will be paid £1000 commission fee and a premiere of their piece in Cardiff, 28 September 2024. They will receive a video recording of the premiere. To apply, send a sample composition or part of composition, up to 10 mins. Send score by pdf and sound file by mp3. Also the completed application form. This composition can be for any forces, but if you have already written for a cappella voices that would be especially suitable. The commission will be for a cappella voices of up to 18 singers (6 sop, 4 alto, 4 tenor, 4 bass). The commission must be submitted by 26 August 2024.
E: info@orasingers.com
WEB: www.orasingers.com
DEADLINE: 22 January 2024.

ORA OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS
Applicants must be resident in the UK, be attending a UK secondary school, and born on or after 1 September 2005. Thery must be a pupil at a non fee-paying school. Ten young composers will be selected and up to 40 ORA apprentices. Each young composer will have personal mentor and receive 10 hours of compositional guidance. They will then write a new choral work which will be a “reflection” of a piece of Renaissance choral music. They will take part in a composition workshop and their finished works will be performed and a recording made. To apply send in a composition of up to 10 mins with a pdf and mp3 sound file (can be MIDI). Also a completed application form. The submitted composition can be for any forces, but if you have already written something for unaccompanied voices, then submit that. The young composers will have a mentor and will recive 10 hours of composition support (by personal Zoom lessons or email) They should have access to desk or laptop computer. The completed composition will be up to 4 mins.
E: info@orasingers.com
WEB: www.orasingers.com
DEADLINE: 5 February 2024

CALL FOR ONE MINUTE WORKS FOR MELODICA
Vox Novus is calling for one-minute pieces for solo melodica. Selected works will be premiered in March 2024 featuring David Bohn. Will be live streamed. Will also have a recording session. Must be unperformed. One entry only. To receive info about the melodica and how to enter contact:
RobVoisey@voxnovus.com
DEADLINE: 15 January 2024

LONDON SINFONIETTA (UK)
Calling for four music creators to join next round of “Writing the Future”. This is an opportunity to write a new work for up to 6 players of the London Sinfonietta. Enter your project ideas. They are especially interested in applications from under-represented groups.
WEB: www, london sinfonietta.org.uk
DEADLINE: 22 January 2024

RESISTER MUSIC AGENCY 515
Resister Music Agency has set up an agency called 515 that is specifically for women and gender minority composers. It is to create a platform to give women an opening, mainly for film and TV work. They provide guidance in artistic development and support for careers.
(NOTE: Women in Music does not usually publicise or endorse agencies, but this one, being for women, may have interest for our members.)
E: submissions@resistermusic.com
WEB: www.resistermusic.com
DEADLINE: open

SINGER WANTS RECOMMENDATIONS OF VOCAL MUSIC BY WOMEN
A vocal student would like suggestions for a recital of vocal music from the female perspective. She is a soprano/high mezzo. Keen to discover new music.
E: niamhpragnelltoal@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR CLASSICAL MUSICIANSPDCM offers for composers include opportunities to work with professional orchestras in Eastern Europe or Asia. Can arrange for live concert performances, profesional studio recordings, CD recordings etc at reasonable prices. Some dates still available for this summer. Composers have the option of attending but are not required to do so.
E: Director.pdcm@gmail.com
DEADLINE: open

SCORES BY WOMEN COMPOSERS
A work for cello and piano: “in the steps of Rachmaninov”. 3 mins. Selections will be performed in Belgium on 26 November, 2 pm.
WEB: https://danbasss.wordpress.com/call-for-scores
DEADLINE: unknown

CALL FOR SONGS FOR VOICE AND PIANO
The Christman Opera Company are calling composers who are women, people of colour and/or LGBTQIA+. They are looking for songs, arias, and/or songcycles for voice and piano. Could also be small vocal ensembles (eg duets, trios etc). They will match vocal works with appropriate singeers who will record them – with pre-recorded accompaniments if necessary. Then they will be released on YouTube and social media. They will be released one by one when ready. Composers retain rights and COC will not claim any profits. On current register of singers they have 5 sops, 2 mezzos, 1 tenor, 1 baritone. Send via E address:
E: christmanopera@gmail.com
DEADLINE: Ongoing

ROYAL PHILHARMOPNIC SOCIETY (UK)
A useful website which lists organisations and opportunities, including funding.
WEB: www.royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/composers
DEADLINE: Ongoing

FRANCO-BRITISH FUND FOR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Diaphonique assists in supporting French contemporary classical music in Britain and British contemporary classical music in France. Projects which involve works composed by living British or French composers of the last 30 years. Financial support can cover concerts, tours, promotion, commissions of new works, composer residences, workshops, scholarships. Application made by organisations and producers, not by the artists. Priority given for non-profit organisations.
E: info@diaphonique.org
WEB: www.diaphonique.org/en
DEADLINE: Ongoing

SINGERSPRO
An online directory for professional singers.
WEB: www.singerspro.com
DEADLINE: Ongoing

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR SCORES
ThatNewMusicLibrary is a new online site for unpublished choral scores. The scores will be heavily promoted to college libraries. The site will be password-protected and will be referred by editors with an established reputation in  new music. Subscribers to the site will pay a fee, and the composers get 40%, distributed according to time subscribers spent viewing. Music will be protected from being copied or duplicated in any way.
Chris Brubaker  E: chris@thatnewmusiclibrary.com
WEB: www.thatnewmusiclibrary.com
www.thatnewmusicwebsite.com
DEADLINE: Ongoing

SYLVIA WADDILOVE FOUNDATION
Provides grants to charities for educational projects, music composition and performances and other things unrelated to music. Grants available to small charities with turnover less than £500,000 annually, especially charities that will carry out the project themselves, who rely on volunteers and who can demonstrate a successful history of projects. The Trustees meet to consider applications in Jan, April, July and Oct. Applications need to be submitted before the last week in the month before the next meeting.
WEB: www.pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charitable-applications/charity-details/the-sylvia-waddilove-foundation-uk
DEADLINE: ongoing

HILDEGARD PUBLISHING COMPANY
Hildegard Publishing Company (USA) are launching a series called “Voices of Tomorrow” featuring women composers under 21 years. They are on the lookout for further compositions, so young women are encouraged to send material to the editorial committee for consideration. Would teachers please alert promising students.
E: earmsby@hildegard.com
WEB: www.hildegard.com
DEADLINE: Ongoing

WEB PROJECT
All women are invited to contribute to a new web project called “Make your own Herstory”
WEB: www.makeyourownherstory.org
DEADLINE: Ongoing

SOUND SENSE FOR COMMUNITY MUSICIANS
Sound Sense is a professional organisation representing musicians working in the community, helping people make music. If you run workshops or music sessions this is the organisation for you. Free insurance covering planning and carrying out community music activities. Can get criminal record checks at a competitive rate; a respected UK journal of community music; free advertisements on the website and jobs and funding info.
E: membership@soundsense.org
WEB: www.soundsense.org
DEADLINE: Ongoing

MUSIC SOUND FOUNDATION
This foundation is dedicated to improving music education and it focuses on youth. It is accepting applications for:
Schools (non-specialist) to fund music education.
Music students in full-time education to fund instrument purchase.
Music teachers for courses and training.
WEB: www.musicsoundfoundation.com
DEADLINE: Ongoing

MUSICIANS BENEVOLENT FUND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
Professional musicians from all musical backgrounds are invited to apply for the new MBF Professional Development Awards of up to £5000. Funding can be used for projects which will inspire musical creativity and develop skills, explore new directions and extend professional knowledge. Musicians who earn their living by performing, creating or teaching can apply at any stage of their career after the first 5 years. Projects can last for a few weeks, up to a year.
WEB: www.mbf.org.uk/professionaldevelopment
DEADLINE: unknown

SEARY CHARITABLE TRUST
This trust has been set up to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in the UK in all its aspects. Amongst other things it offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, exhibitions or maintenance allowances, tenable at any school, university or other educational establishment approved by the Trustees, to persons
resident in the UK in respect of their musical education. If you think that the Trust may be able to assist you, please apply to the Secretary at:
Cranbourne, 14 Castle Ave, Dover, Kent CT16 1EZ. So far, awards have ranged between £500 and £10,000. The Trustees meet to adjudicate on applications about 3 times a year.
Info: gnharby@onetel.com
DEADLINE: Ongoing

VISBY INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR COMPOSERS, SWEDEN
VICC is a working and meeting place for all composers. Composers can apply for residencies in the centre in Gotland, Sweden.  All info and how to apply is on the webstie. Can download application form.
WEB: www.centreforcomposers.org
Ongoing

ROSA TRUST
Set up in June 2008, Rosa is a new charity which aims to help women and girls turn their ideas into reality. It champions and invests in exciting initiatives to improve the lives of all women and girls in the UK. At the moment Rosa is still growing, with the intention of distributing grants in 2009. In the meantime, you can sign up for their e-newsletter at www.rosauk.org.

FINZI SCHOLARSHIPS
Grants with total value of up to £12,500 will be given this year for projects within the UK or overseas lasting, on average, 3 – 8 weeks. The scholarships aim to give opportunities for broadening horizons and must have a musical foundation. Candidates must be aged 25 – 70 and resident in the UK at the time of the application.
WEB: www.geraldfinzi.org
DEADLINE: Ongoing

MICHAEL TIPPETT MUSICAL FOUNDATION GRANTS
The trustees have decided to focus on group music making, especially involving young people. Application in writing, with short introductory letter with a project description and budget. The letter should identify the organisation and indiviuals applying and the sum requested. Include aims of project, project leaders, range and number of participants, and project plan, schedule and venue(s). Plans for monitoring and evaluation should be included. Budget needs to show full estimated expenditure and anticipated income from all sources, including applications to other bodies. Give names and contacts for two referees who are willing to support the project. Grants of £500 – £4000.
Contact: Gwyn Rhydderch, The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation, 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0BL
WEB: www.tippettfoundation.org.uk
DEADLINE: Continuing deadlines

INSTRUMENT LOANS
    Interest free loans for musical instruments from Arts Council England.
  Take it Away W: www.artscouncil.org.uk/takeitaway

WELCOME TRUST ARTS AWARDS
The Arts Awards are the Welcome Trust’s new funding scheme to support arts projects which engage with biomedical science.  They are looking for projects which stimulate interest and debate in biomedical science, and foster high-quality collaborative partnerships across the arts, science and/or education. The Awards provide funding for a range of projects.  Small to medium-sized projects of up to £30,000 have several deadlines each year.  Large projects of above £30,000 have once a year deadline. The scheme is open to artists, scientists, film-makers, teachers, arts workers etc. Applicants must be based in UK or Republic or Ireland  and the activity must be based in either of those 2 countries. Application forms and guidelines are available on the website. Advice can be given about the eligibilty of your project, and should be sought well before each deadline.
E: arts@wellcome.ac.uk
WEB: www.wellcome.ac.uk.arts
DEADLINE: See web, and ongoing.

CALL FOR SCORES
THe ensemble Either/Or based in USA regularly call for scores for particular instruments or combinations. Either/Or is a new music group which focuses on the European avant-garde and American experimentalists and emerging composers. Always interested in new scores.  Please send scores by PDF and recordings by compressed mp3/aac.  Include: name, address, birthdate, Email, short bio and history of the piece submitted.  Only 2 scores per composer.
E: eitherorsubmit@gmail.com
WEB: www.eitherormusic.org
DEADLINE: Ongoing

PRSF/BLISS TRUST GRANTS

The PRS Foundation are offering support for professional development for talented new composers.  Their scheme is aimed at the contemporary classical sector in the UK.  Special one-off grants of up to £500 to help with costs for promotional recordings, travel, study at summer schools, commissioning costs, or computer equipment.
View guidelines and download application form: www.prsfoundation.co.uk
Ongoing.

BELLAGIO STUDY AND CONFERENCE CENTER
The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Study and Conference Center, located in northern Italy on Lake Como, is accepting applications for its artist residencies and workshops. Four of each take place each year. Scholars, artists and others may apply. Applicants can be citizens of any country and work in any discipline, providing they have significant and substantial publications, compositions, or other accomplishments to their credit. Composers who apply should anticipate their work at the Center resulting in publication or performance. Deadlines are throughout the year. More information is available by email.
EMAIL: bellagio@rockfound.org

THE BRITTEN-PEARS FOUNDATION
The Britten-Pears Foundation provides grants towards the furtherance of
music by living composers.  Grants are awarded to performing groups
and/or concert promoters for live performances, commissions and
recordings. Funding for new commissions is focused on less well-known
and/or young composers. Musical education projects are also eligible
for funding, especially those which deal with new music.  In addition,
limited funds have been made available to local community projects.
Website:http://www.brittenpears.org/?page=about/foundation/grants.html

PRS FOUNDATION FOR NEW MUSIC
A number of bursaries and scholarships are available for classical composers professional development, or for PhD studies in composition.
WEB: www.prsfoundation.co.uk/funding
DEADLINE: various

GUIDE TO ARTS FUNDING IN ENGLAND
The purpose of the guide is to help artists and art organisations navigate the way around the arts funding system in England.
www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/publications/3597.aspx

Women in Music gratefully acknowledges the work of composer Jennifer Fowler in providing the Comps & Ops section.

Last updated: 28 November 2023