Composition Competition Tip #1: Give Them What They Want

Find out what a contest/conference is really looking for, and tailor your submission to that.

I recently posted (below) about the SCI 2010 Student National Conference's Call for Participation. Their site mentions a conference theme of "Giving Voice: Social Justice and the Arts." It says: "Compositions and paper proposals that fit with theme are encouraged, though all submissions will be considered."

Don't ignore this! When conference/contest organizers express a preference for something, try to acknowledge that by what you choose to submit. For calls that allow multiple submissions, include at least one that fits the theme.

Giving those in charge of programing a choice that truly fits the concept of the event can give you a leg up on someone who submits their same great piano trio every time.

As always, leave comments below, or contact me through my Profile Page or my website.

Deadline Reminder: Sat., August 1 - SCI 2010 Student National Conference

Hi composers. This is a quick reminder that tomorrow, Saturday August 1, is the postmark deadline for submission to the SCI (Society of Composers, Inc.) 2010 Student National Conference, to be held March 5-6, 2010, at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. Time to get those scores, CDs, and bios in the mail!

Bring your own performers if possible. Otherwise, they have a strong selection of available performing resources, including:
* most standard orchestral instruments
* sizable brass section
* saxes
* guitar
* voice (soprano, mezzo and baritone).
(No full orchestra, though.)

Also of note: They're holding a 60x60 event. If you have a 60-second electronic work, particularly one that deals with social justice or "noise" (what music doesn't?), consider this as well. A performance is a performance, right?

See their Call for Participation page for detailed instructions and the mailing address. Best of luck!