Call for Scores Competition

Eligibility:

• Submissions are welcome from all composers based in the U.S. and internationally.

• The performance of the submitted score must be no longer than 15-minutes in duration.

• The application fee of $40 per score must accompany each submission. Composers may submit as many scores as they would like.

• Submissions must be for full orchestra and follow the instrumentation guidelines. Concertos, vocal works, and works for string orchestra, woodwind, or brass ensemble are not eligible for application.

How to Take Part:

To participate in the Call for Scores, please complete the following steps:

• Complete the registration form below to submit your score and recording by 11:59pm ET on September 14, 2025.

• Pay the $40 per score registration fee through the link provided below.

Please note: If you are submitting multiple scores for consideration, you must submit them individually and pay the $40 fee per score.

Instrumentation Guidelines:

Instrumentation may include up to the following:

• 3 flutes (1 doubling piccolo)

• 3 oboes (1 doubling English horn)

• 3 clarinets (1 doubling bass clarinet)

• 3 bassoons (1 doubling contrabassoon)

• 4 horns

• 3 trumpets

• 3 trombones (3rd is bass trombone)

• 1 tuba

• 1 timpanist

• 3 percussion

• harp

• piano/celesta

• strings

Readings Session:

Applicants who have had only two or fewer works performed by an orchestra (30+ players) may also be considered for a Readings Session. Selected composers will have their works performed by the NEP during a 3-hour readings session. Guest mentor composers will provide feedback on each work performed and will join the selected composers in a post-reading discussion. The 2026 Readings Session will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026.