The Music Business

Grants, Awards, and Competitions

Grants, awards and competitions can be additional ways to have your music seen and heard by other music professionals. These funding sources can be a means of gaining recognition by committees, panels, and funders who become acquainted with your music. Even if you don’t receive the award, your score will have been studied by professionals in the field who may be interested in considering your music for future programming opportunities.

The AMC offers its monthly Opportunity Update, a comprehensive listing of awards, grants, competitions, calls for scores, summer programs, study opportunities and composer residencies to help with career advancement. Opportunity Update is provided solely to members. Other resources include the American Composers Forum and the Gaudeamus Foundation for international events and opportunities.

NewMusicBox Suggested Reading:

Brother, Can You Spare $500: A Guide to Individual Fundraising for Composers
by Ian Moss
Published: 6/21/2005

Grant Applications: 5 Mistakes Not to Make
by Molly Sheridan
Published: 9/1/2004

You Don’t Pay, We Don’t Play? Questioning Entry Fees
by Molly Sheridan
3/1/2004