Young Composers Competition
The International Youth Composers Society is thrilled to provide a platform for aspiring young musicians to explore the exciting world of musical creation. This free competition is designed to encourage creativity and provide a supportive environment for composers of all experience levels, from those taking their very first steps in composition to more experienced young artists. Keep reading below to learn more.
(UPON CLICKING BELOW, CHOOSE LANGUAGE)
Are You Eligible?
Experience
All levels are welcome, from absolute beginners to those with more advanced knowledge in music theory and composition.
Age
Open to young musicians aged anywhere from 6 to 20 at the time of the submission deadline.
Residency
Participants can reside anywhere! They can speak any language and live in any country—they just have to be human.
Competition Levels
Beginner: Participants at this level will be provided with a simple, pre-composed melody. Your task is to take this melody and "make it yours" by introducing creative changes that personalize it.
Intermediate/Advanced: Participants at this level will be provided with a poem. Your task is to compose an original musical setting for this poem, interpreting its mood, themes, and rhythm in any way you see fit. You have complete creative freedom regarding instrumentation, style, and form.
Submission Requirements
Beginner
Modified Melody: Submit your altered melody in standard musical notation. This can be handwritten clearly or created using music notation software (e.g., MuseScore, Sibelius, Finale, Noteflight, etc.). Ensure it is legible and accurately represents your musical ideas.
If possible, submit an audio file of your melody.
Descriptive Paragraph: Accompany your modified melody with a paragraph (maximum 250 words) explaining the changes you made and why you chose them. Describe how these changes make the melody "yours" and what musical effect you were aiming for.
Intermediate/Advanced
Musical Score: Submit a complete score of your composition in standard musical notation. The score must clearly indicate all musical elements, including melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, tempo, and instrumentation. It is strongly encouraged to use standard music notation software and to submit an audio file in addition to your complete score for the purpose of aiding the judges.
Optional - Performance Notes/Program Notes: You may include brief notes (up to 150 words) describing your compositional approach or any specific interpretive ideas.
General Guidelines
Format: All musical scores must be submitted as PDF files, with audio files (.mp3, .wav, etc.) also encouraged to aid judges. The descriptive paragraph (Beginner Level) and optional program notes (Intermediate/Advanced Level) should be included within the PDF score file, as a separate plain text/PDF file, or as plain text on the submission portal.
Anonymity: To ensure fair and unbiased judging, do not include your name or any identifying information on your submitted score or descriptive paragraph.
Submission Method: Submissions will be accepted exclusively through our online portal.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What's the entry fee?
There is no entry fee! All are able to submit as many compositions as they want, completely free of charge.
Do I have to speak English or live in the US to participate?
At IYCSY, we welcome all backgrounds to participate in a shared passion for music—so no, you can speak any language and live in any place.
What if I don't know how to compose yet?
That's perfectly fine; as long as you are willing to learn, we accept submission types of all qualities.