Emerging Composer Completion Grants

Emerging Composer Completion Grants is sponsored by ARTZenter Institute. ARTZenter Institute offers Emerging Composer Completion Grants in three annual cycles to encourage the creation of new music by emerging composers for large-ensemble performance.

The Grant Program – ARTZenter Emerging Composer Completion Grants ARTZenter Institute is pleased to announce the “Emerging Composer Completion Grants. These grants are designed to cultivate the creation of new works for chamber orchestra and will be awarded to emerging composers, for works-in-progress. As of February 2026, ARTZenter Institute is expanding eligibility for the Emerging Composer Completion Grant Program.

In addition to composers currently enrolled in a degree granting program in composition, we will now accept submissions from composers who are within three (3) years of completion of a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph. D.) at the date of application but are not currently matriculating.

Priority for grants will be given to first-time awardees. No applicant may receive a grant more than twice Previous grantees must wait a minimum of one full calendar year before reapplying. ARTZenter Institute offers Emerging Composer Completion Grants For each cycle, up to 8 finalist composers will receive $3,000 completion grants and be asked to submit a completed composition by a specified date.

From this group of finalists, 4 winning composers will be invited to participate in a 2-day rehearsal session in San Francisco. The 4 winning composers will receive a $600 airfare/travel stipend and hotel accommodations in San Francisco. The session will culminate in a world premiere performance of the 4 winning works.

To apply, each composer must submit: A draft (50-75 measures) of a Work-in-Progress with the following instrumentation (NOTA BENE: The instrumentation has changed from previous rounds) : A MIDI realization of the work-in-progress. (Wind doubling is limited to flute/piccolo.) One example of a completed 10-15 minute composition, along with an audio or video recording (if available – MIDI is acceptable).

A one-page set of responses (PDF) to the five (5) questions/statements ( one sentence per question ) listed in the “How to Apply” section below. Works that have been previously completed and/or have received a performance or reading will not be considered. January 15 and May 1 deadlines are now closed.

Please submit materials for the following submission deadlines: Deadline 3: August 15, 2026 Composers who are currently enrolled in an academic program of study in music composition in the United States. Able to submit a final score by the requested date Available to attend the scheduled rehearsal workshop/open work-in-progress reading sessions prior to the scheduled performance.

January 15, 2026: The initial 8 finalist composers will be notified by February 15, 2026. The 4 winners will be notified by June 15, 2026. Rehearsals and the concert will take place on dates to be determined in September 2026.

May 1, 2026: The initial 8 finalist composers will be notified by June 1, 2026. The 4 winners will be notified by October 15, 2026. Rehearsals and the concert will take place on dates to be determined in January 2027.

August 15, 2026: The initial 8 finalist composers will be notified by October 1, 2026. The 4 winners will be notified by February 15, 2027. Rehearsals and the concert will take place on dates to be determined in June 2027.

Please apply by uploading all materials utilizing the https://artzenter. org/apply/ portal. To apply, each composer must submit: A MIDI realization of the work-in-progress.

(Wind doubling is limited to flute/piccolo.) One example of a completed 10-15 minute composition, along with an audio or video recording (if available – MIDI is acceptable). A one-page set of responses (PDF) to the following five (5) questions/statements ( one sentence per question ): 1: Describe a non-musical experience that changed the way you think about or perceive music and/or sound.

2: Have you tried to write a piece that ultimately failed, and what did that experience teach you? 3: Is there a composer, genre, or type of music you no longer listen to as much as you once did? Why?

4: When you’re not composing, what activities engage the same creative instincts as composition? 5: What do you want your music to accomplish that you haven’t yet figured out how to achieve? Works that have been previously completed and/or have received a performance or reading will not be considered.

AVAILABLE PERCUSSION: marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, crotales, and an array of standard drums/non-pitched percussion instruments. DO NOT INCLUDE: timpani, xylophone, trap set (drum set), tubular bells, celesta. In considering submissions the ARTZenter panel will employ a preference for works that: Promote and advance the unique attributes of the applicable sinfonietta instrumentation.

Are dramatically structured to engage the audience’s emotional experience. DO NOT RELY extensively on the use of ‘extended’ instrumental techniques. Can be performed by a skilled ensemble within the planned rehearsal schedule (1.

5 hrs. over 2 days). Above all, the judges are seeking to identify a unique contemporary musical voice that engages an audience’s experience.

For questions about this application please contact Richard Aldag, Executive Director at richard@artzenter. org ARTZenter is a Composer’s Grant Program established to encourage the creation of new music by emerging composers that explores the power and grace of large- ensemble performance.

The fund was created by Tony Magee, the founder of The Lagunitas Brewing Company of Petaluma, CA, and is committed to creating opportunities for the works of emerging composers. ARTZenter will award upwards of 24 individual grants for new compositions annually.

Through the creation of a new catalogue of these works, ARTZenter hopes to bring these new voices to performance situations nationally while exposing performers and their leadership to the newest creative insights and never-before-experienced musical approaches.

Emerging Composition Completion Grant Program The ARTZenter Institute is a newly established Composer’s Grant Program established to encourage the creation of new music by emerging composers that explores the power and grace of the traditional orchestral ensemble. Please feel free to contact Tony Magee at (707) 481-4914 if you have any questions.