Member Resources
Commissioned Composers
The Michigan Music Teachers Association sponsors a commissioned composition each year to be presented at the annual state conference. The current commission is $1500.00. The composition is also submitted for consideration for the MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year Award. The composer selected by the national panel will be awarded $3000.00 following the performance of the new work at the national conference.
MMTA requires the commissioned composition to be 10-15 minutes in length and to be written for no more than six instruments or voices. It is the responsibility of the composer to attend the State Conference, provide performers for the presentation of the work, and if s/he chooses to enter the National program, arrange for the recording of the composition.
We especially encourage composers from Michigan to apply, but welcome those from other states if financial considerations are not prohibitive. We are not able to provide funds for travel, hotel, or performer expenses.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for the commission, please send a representative composition and a CD recording to Charles Aschbrenner (address below) postmarked by December 31, 2009. Entries will be evaluated and all entrants notified as soon as a final composer has been selected. MMTA will award $250 for the composition selected as first runner-up.
Additional Requirements:
- Composer must be an American citizen
- Composer must be at least 18 years of age
- Composer may not have been previously commissioned by MMTA for this event
- Send only ONE composition (score and CD) to be judged
- Composition must be written within the last 2 years
- Specify length of composition on the score (limit is 20 minutes)
- Do NOT announce your name on the CD, and cover names on the score, including dedications, performers or any other identification
Specify on CD:
- Title of composition
- Length of composition
- Instrumentation
For More Information
Contact Charles Aschbrenner, Composers Commissioning Program Chair.
Phone: 616-395-7643
Email: aschbrenner@hope.edu