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.

COMPOSITION COMPETITION ENSEMBLE ECOUTE (Fr)
For composers born after 1 Jan 1989. Submit two works for an ensemble of 5 – 18 instruments written after 1 Jan 2021. Entry fee: EUR 20. Winning composer will receive a commission to write a new work for 10 – 12 mins for 6 – 8 musicians. This will be premiered by the Ensemble Ecoute during their coming seasons in Paris.
E: e.e.concourscomposition@gmail.com
WEB: www.ensembleecoute.com
DEADLINE: 1 March 2026

JOHN SANDERS MEMORIAL COMPETITION FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS (UK)
For young composers under 30 years in March 2026. Prize of £1000 and performance in Gloucester Cathedral as part of Three Choirs Festival 2026. A setting of a psalm (given on the wesbite) for SATB choir with organ accompaniment (specification of Gloucester Cathedral set-up – see website given). Anon entry. Up to 5 mins. Must never have been performed in public – should be written for this competition. As well as score, send a short program note (upt o 200 words). UK entries should be sent by post. Overseas entries can be sent by pdf.
E: bill@armiger.org.uk
WEB: www.sanderssociety.org.uk
DEADLINE: 27 March 2026

LAWSON-MAY AWARD FOR COMPOSITION
Submit a 10-20 min work for narrator nad at least two of the following instruments: piano, violin, cello, clarinet. Text (original or existing) must be in English and spoken not sung. Not previously performed in public or recorded for public distribution. Award of £3500 for winner and premiere at the Solent Music Festival 25 – 31 May 2026. Entry fee: £10.
WEB: solentmusicfestival.com
DEADLINE: 1 April 2026

MARTIRANO MEMORIAL AWARD (USA)
Prizes of US$ 750 & 500 + performance on the campus of University of Illinois. Send full score of a work for 1 – 15 performers (any instruments or vocalists). Can include electronics/mixed media. Can have been already performed, recorded or published. Up to 20 mins. One entry per composer. Entry fee: US$ 20. Anon entry. Winners are invited to come to the performance but it is not obigatory.
WEB: www.music.illinois.edu/Martirano-award
DEADLINE: 15 April 2026

BRANDENBURG BIENNALE COMPOSER COMPETITION (G)
The Brandenburg Biennale in cooperation with Universal Edition, Vienna, offer a competition for a work for symphony orchestra created after 2019. The prize is a commission for the Brandenburg Symphony Orchestra rewarded with EUR 5000. There is also an opportunity for another composer to have a submitted work performed by the Brandenburg Symphony. The winners will be offered an opportunity to have their work published by Universal Edition, Vienna. Application fee: EUR 20. Send up to 3 scores of orchestral works created in 2019 or later in pdf format. Anon entry. Can also send up to 3 recordings.
E: biennale9@fbsym.de
WEB: www.fbsym.de/biennale
DEADLINE: 17 April 2026

DONALD AIRD COMPOSER COMPETITION (USA)
This annual competition gives the winner a cash prize of US$ 1,500 and performance by Earplay in California. Works should be for 1 – 6 players from the Earplay Ensemble: flute+, clarinet+, piano, violin, viola, cello (one player per instrument). May include electronics. Works of 8 – 15 mins is preferred. May have been previously performed. Anon entry. Entry fee: US$ 30 per score. Send brief bio, score, Prog note, application, and fee. Audio recording is recommended but not required.
E: fred@earplay.org
WEB: www.earplay.org
DEADLINE: 30 April 2026

FRIEDRICH SCHILLER COMPETITION FOR SONG COMPOSITION (IT)
For composers born after 1 May 1990. Compositions for voice and piano. Two categories: 1. Text set on a given text by F.Schiller in German. 2. A work using a text of choice of participant (need not be in German). No electronics. Anon entry. Must be unpublished. Send score by pdf. Entry fee: EUR 35. The jury will award a prize of EUR 1,500 and publication for the winner in Category 1; and EUR 800 for category 2. Award winning works may be performed in the 2027 F. Schiller Cultural Association concert program of 2027.
E: info@schillertrieste.it
WEB: www.schillertrieste.it
DEADLINE: 30 April 2026

FLUTE NEW MUSIC COMPOSITION PRIZE (USA)
Composers are invited to send flute music within 3 categories: 1. Solo flute (any instrument in the flute family). 2. Flute and piano. 3. Flute and electronics. Composers can send multiple entries. Suggested length 5 – 12 mins. Entry fee: US$ 15 per score. Anon entry. Each category has a prize of $ 500. Send score by pdf; live or MIDI sound files by mp3; program notes if relevant.
WEB: www.flutenewmusicconsortium.com
DEADLINE: 1 June 2026

BARTOK WORLD COMPETITION BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)
Submission invited from composers born on or after 1 January 1986. The 2026 competition features works for string quartet. Written for violin 1; violin 2; viola; cello. 6 – 8 mins. It should be in the tradition of string quartet repetoire and only techniques found in Bela Bartok’s string quartets should be used. No fixed audio or other instruments. Anon entry. Must be unpublshed, not won a prize, not recorded commercially and not performed in public. Entry fee: EUR 50 per entry. Send score in pdf; plus mp3 recording (MIDI etc); scanned ID or passport; short bio; photo. Prizes of EUR 5,000; 3,000; 2,000 and publication. Prize-winning works will be performed at Liszt Academy, Budapest on 29 November 2026. Composers will be invited and have travel expenses and 2 days accomodation provided. Two of the pieces will be chosen to be featured in the Bartok String Quartet competition in 2027.
E: office@bartokworldcompetition.hu
WEB: www.bartokworldcompetition.hu
DEADLINE: 25 August 2026

IANNIS XENAKIS PRIZE FOR ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION (GREECE)
Submit a work of between 7 – 15 mins of an electroacoustic composition to be difused by loudspeakers without the use of live sound. May have been previously perfomed but not an object of disc or publication rights. Enter only one work. Anon entry. Entry fee: EUR 15. The jury will select and mention the 5 highest-quality works and award three of them prizes of EUR 600; 400; and 300. They will be presented in a concert of Novemeber 2027. Submit a single zip file.
E: xenakis@auth.gr
WEB: www.xenakis.web.auth.gr
DEADLINE: 1 January 2027

OPPORTUNITIES

ORA SINGERS YOUNG COMPOSERS SCHEME (UK)
For composers under 18 who attend state schools (no fee-paying school) in UK. Ten applicants will be Young Composers who are offered 10 hours of free mentoring with a professional composer. They are to write a choral piece which will be a “reflection on a piece of Renaissance music” of up to 4 mins. The piece will be for the Ora Singers, who will perfrom and record the piece. There will be a workshop day in central London on 16 May followed by a performance in late July/August. Mentoring takes place between March/July by Zoom email. To apply submit 10 mins of an already composed piece or part-piece. Send score by pdf and sound file by mp3. Can by written for any performer/s. There will also be 40 “ORA apprentices” who receive workshops in various aspects of composition.
WEB: www.orasingers.com/young-composers
DEADLINE: 12 February 2026

LPO YOUNG COMPOSERS PROGRAM (UK)
The London philharmonic Orchestra is inviting applications from composers over 18 and not in full-time education. They need to be able to compose at post-grad level or beyond. Must be based in UK. Must be available to attend all dates on the scheme (10 -12 dates over a year in London.) Must be unpublished by a major publisher and not had a work perfroemed by a professional orchestra in concert. Accepted applicants spend a year as Composer-in-Residence with the LPO, and each will create a new work of up to 8 mins for chamber orchestra that will be performed in a public concert in the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. There will be rehearsals and workshops and mentoring.
E: youngcomposers@lpo.org.uk
WEB: www.lpo.org.uk/project/young-composers
DEADLINE: 27 February 2026

WOMEN IN NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL (COLOMBIA)
For women composers. A work for bass clarinet. To be performed at the FMMN Festival 2026. Woks will be selected by the performer and by the Festival.
E: festivalmmn@gmail.com
WEB: www.festivalmmn.wordpress.com
DEADLINE: 3 March 2026

OFFER FROM DAVID MOLINER AND BREMEN PHILHARMONIC (G)
A mentoring and development program for composers. Submit already composed works for chamber orchestra of up to 30 musicians. Submit scores by pdf and recordings (optional). Composers of works that demonstrate strong artisitc quality will take part in a mentoring program by David Moliner. Initial submission is free. Selected composers will pay EUR 200 (EUR 100 for composers from low-economic development countries). Mentoring will take place online during April and May 2026. From the already-submitted works, one work may be chosen for performance by the Bremen Philharmonic on 9 May 2027 in Bremen, Germany.
E: mentoringprogram.moliner@gmail.com
DEADLINE: 31 March 2026

SONIC ARTS FORUM (UK)
Sonic Arts Forum is holding an event at De Montfort University, Leicester on 18 April 2026. This is an opportunity for musicians to present works for sound and technology in a friendly supportive environment. Format is 20 mins to introduce, work + 10 mins for questions and discussion. All participants will need to be present on the day.
E:coryncomposer@gmail.com
DEADLINE: Before 18 April 2026.

CALL FOR WORKS FOR ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS PLUS ELECTRONICS (FR)
Open to composers under 40 for works composed after 2025. Three categories: 1. Works for ensemble of 8-20 musicians and electronics. Entry fee: EUR 20. Reward: EUR 1200. 2. Works for ensemble of up to 5 musicians and electronics. Entry fee: EUR 15. Reward: EUR 800.
3. Educational works for one musician and electronics (see list of available instruments online) . Entry fee: EUR 5. Reward EUR 600. Winning works will be performed during November 2026 at the Pierre Cochereau Conservatory in Nice, France.
WEB: www.studio-instrumental.fr
DEADLINE: 30 April 2026

OSMOSE FESTIVAL, BELGIUM
Call for works for these specification: 1. Solo violin. 2. Flute (bass, alto, C, picc) and double bass duo. 3. Piano solo. 4. Cello and accordion duo. 5. Viola and piano duo. Max. duration 3 mins. Must be unperformed in Belgium. Send score by pdf + short CV (Word format). Up to 20 works will be selected for the Osmose Festival in Oct/Nov 2026 in Evere, Belgium. Composers receive a free recording of their work. Entry fee: EUR 25 per work.
E: festival.osmose@gmail.com
DEADLINE: 15 June 2026

TREILLES FOUNDATION (FRANCE)
They hold a residency for composers every year at the Fondation des Treilles, France. Ony for professional composers. Must have already been given a commission for a work by a public or private foundation. Must send full details of this commission. Send a CV of works already composed and at least 2 scores (pdf) and links to recordings or sound files (mp3) for these. The prize-winner will be hosted at the Fondation des Treilles for up to 3 months (can be in sections). All board and lodging given, plus use of music studio. Plus cash of EUR 2650 per month.
E: prix.composition@fondationdestreilles
WEB: www.fondationdestreilles.com
DEADLINE: Apply between May to October each year.

RESPIGHI PRIZE IN COMPOSITION (USA)
Open to young composers under 40 years, currently enrolled in a music conservatory or college. Send a score of a piece for string orchestra (with few divisi) or small orchestra (no more than 7 other musicians apart from the string players). Under 10 mins. Entry fee: US$ 75. Send bio; photo; list of works; link for a recording of the work. There is no set deadline. Each year winners will be chosen from the entries and will be premiered in upcoming seasons.
WEB: www.chamberorchestraofnewyork.org
DEADLINE: Open for entries throughout the year.

FINANCE FOR MUSICAL CHILDREN – YOUNG SOUNDS UK
For children aged 5 – 17 who live and study in UK. If you are an instrumentalist, composer, producer, singer or songwriter. You are eligible if the total income of parents/carers is less than £30,000 a year. You may be eligible for income up to £40,000 a year. The criteria is: musical talent nad financial need. The grants are between £100 and £2,000. For musical support such as instruments, eqipment, lessons, transport, exam fees etc.
WEB: www.youngsounds.org.uk/awards
DEADLINE: not known

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

FRANCIS ROUTH TRUST (UK)
This Trust Fund has recently revised its terms. It gives grants to British composers. They support new commissions but also 2nd+ performances of new music. Especially chamber music. Especially those composers who are not well known but deserve better exposure. Usually grants are up to £1000. They also support money needed for recordings, performances, typesetting etc. Fill in the short application form online to introduce yourself.
WEB: www.francisrouthtrust.org
DEADLINES: 2 deadlines each year: end of January and end of July

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

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: 12 February 2026