PMTA Keystone Composition Competition

Purpose

To give students an opportunity to develop creativity, self-expression and better musicianship through the art of composition.

Classes of Entry

  • Class I: Age 5-10 as of January 1
  • Class II: Age 11-14 as of January 1
  • Class III: Age 15-18 as of January 1
  • Class IV: Age 19-25 as of January 1

Eligibility & Requirements

Student

  • Students must be studying with an active PMTA member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year.
  • Students must reside in Pennsylvania or study with a PMTA member with an established studio in Pennsylvania.

Teacher Requirements

  • Participating teachers’ state dues must be paid for the current year before entering event.
  • Teacher must be a PMTA member in good standing.
  • Teacher must have an established studio in Pennsylvania.

Composition

  • For all classes, the composition may be in any recognized tonal or atonal style for any instrument or style.
  • The following length requirements apply:
    • Classes I & II: 16 measures minimum
    • Classes III & IV: 32 measures minimum
  • Total performance time will not exceed 15 minutes.
  • Words used in vocal compositions may be original. The author of the text must be identified. No compositions shall infringe on existing copyrights.
  • Ensemble works are limited to a maximum of nine (9) performers.
  • Compositions for prepared piano will not be accepted.

Submission Requirements

  • Entrants may submit only pieces that have not been previously submitted for this contest or previously published, recorded or performed for commercial purposes.
  • Entrants may submit any number of compositions per event. However, an entry fee of $20 must accompany each submission.
  • A fully realized score, completely notated by the composer, is required. The manuscript must be in the composer’s handwriting or in the form of a computer printout produced by the composer. Illegible copies will not be accepted.
  • Manuscripts must be titled on the top of the first page. Under no circumstances shall the composer’s name or teacher’s name appear on the manuscript. Manuscripts of more than one page should be numbered, bound or stapled.
  • Measures of the composition must be numbered at the beginning of each system.
  • Students may include an explanatory note or brief description of the submitted composition on a separate page, to be attached to each copy of the composition. Note/description should not exceed 100 words. The explanation may, for example, include a brief discussion of the structure, development of thematic or programmatic material, special modes employed, etc. The student’s name should not appear on the note.
  • No change may be made to the manuscript once it has been submitted with the application.
  • No tape-recorded entries will be accepted.
  • One copy of the score and one copy of the application should be submitted with your non-refundable fee of $20 (per entry). Please keep the original for yourself and send us the copy.
  • Students submit completed compositions to their teacher, along with entry fee of $20 (payable to the teacher). It is the teacher’s responsibility to forward the three copies of each composition in one package, along with applications and single check for the total entry fee.
  • Compositions, applications and the entry fee should be postmarked no later than March 10, 2012.
  • Competition financial obligations are the responsibility of the entrant.
  • Any submission that does not meet the submission requirements will be disqualified.
  • If the PMTA teacher wants the manuscripts to be returned by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the entries. Please check the weight to attach proper amount of postage.

Awards

  • Awards in each category are:
    • Classes I and II
      • First Place $75
      • Second Place $60
      • Third Place $45
      • Honorable Mention
    • Classes III and IV
      • First Place $100
      • Second Place $75
      • Third Place $50
      • Honorable Mention
  • Additional prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the judges in collaboration with the committee.
  • Awards may be suspended if, in the final opinions of the judges, none of the entries submitted warrants commendation.

Performance Requirements

  • Winners will be invited to perform their composition on one of the fall DSPF Showcase Recitals. Performance is not a requirement of winning.
  • If performed in recital, compositions must be performed on the instruments for which it was written.
  • It is the composer’s responsibility to provide the appropriate instrumentation for the performance of his/her winning composition.
  • Teachers may perform a student’s composition.

Judging Procedures

  • Compositions are blind judged on originality; form and style; correct, well-edited notation including marks of expression, tempo, phrasing and dynamics.

Contact Information

Composition Competition Chair
Warren Magid
2210 Landon Lane
York PA 17403
717-741-0051
CompositionCompetitionsChair@pamusicteachers.org

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