Commissioned Composer Program

To encourage the creation of new music by American composers, the Washington State Music Teachers Association partners with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) to commission new works.   Each year, WSMTA commissions a Washington State composer to write a composition to be premiered at the State Conference in June.  Commissioned composers will receive $2,500.

The composer may then submit their composition to the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year committee the following fall.  This committee selects one composer to be honored as the National Distinguished Composer of the Year, whose composition is then performed at the MTNA national conference. All compositions are placed in the MTNA Commissioned Works Library.

Every composer involved to date has shown excitement and enthusiasm for this project, often stating that it gives them an incentive to accomplish something they might not have done otherwise.  The composers are often asked to provide an intermediate-level composition for students to learn.

 If you have questions, please contact Commissioned Composer Committee Chair Louise Nedela.

2024 Call Coming Soon

It is not too early for composers to be thinking of exploring this exciting venture.  The state Composers of the Year are coveted awards for composers, and all state Commissioned Composers are considered for the MTNA National award. Please see 2023 Call for Commissioned Composers below to get an idea of what the committee will be looking for.  As you prepare you should keep a few requirements in mind.

• The selected State Commissioned Composer will be responsible for financial and logistics regarding performers, rehearsals, and performance of the selected composition at the conference, and also provide copies for archives
• To keep composer’s costs to a minimum, it is suggested that the piece be for one or two performers
• The monetary amount for WSMTA CCOY is $2500

WSMTA also requires:

• A composition for advanced or professional level for any instrument or voice
• The composer must reside in Washington State
• The composer does not need to be a member of MTNA or WSMTA
• Previous CCOY and employees of WSMTA are ineligible
• Submissions will be accepted between February 1-April 15, 2023

Composers can begin now in preparation! The Commissioned Composer Committee will be looking for:

• Two of your original existing compositions (no arrangements) that represent your compositional ability for this project
• A short bio and contact information
• A synopsis of your intended project that adheres to the requirements

The selected composer will subsequently prepare a new composition. Please feel free to contact Louise Nedela with any questions at louisenedela@gmail.com.

2023 Call for Composers!

Submissions Accepted
February 1, 2022 – April 15, 2022

To encourage the creation of new music by American composers, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) annually assists its State Associations with a Composer Commissioning Program.  Each State commissioned composition is digitally submitted to MTNA for selection of the National Distinguished Composer of the Year, which is presented in concert and receives $5000.  The composer retains ownership of the composition.

In conjunction with MTNA, the Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA) is seeking candidates for the 2023 Commissioned Composer of the Year (CCOY) to prepare a new composition according to the requirements below.  The selected commissioned composer will receive $2500 when the composition is premiered at the June 2023 WSMTA state conference.  

The selected State Commissioned Composer (as well as the selected National Distinguished Composer) will be responsible for financial and logistics regarding performers, rehearsals, and performance of the selected composition at the conference, and also provide copies for archives.   To keep composer’s costs to a minimum, it is suggested that the piece be for one or two performers.

 The WSMTA 2023 composition requirements:

• For Advanced or Professional level for any instrument or voice
• Composer must reside in Washington State
• Membership in WSMTA or MTNA is not required
• Previously commissioned composers and current employees of WSMTA are ineligible to apply

For further contract responsibilities, rights of a commissioned composer, and other information contact Louise Nedela.  

To be considered, please submit the following by April 15, 2022 to Louise Nedela:  

1. Two of your original compositions that you have in your catalog that you feel will be representative of your compositional ability for this project; format–pdf scores and mp3 recordings; (arrangements not accepted)
2. A short bio
3. Contact information
4. A synopsis of your intended project that adheres to the requirements   

The selected composer will subsequently prepare a new composition as stated above.  

Please feel free to contact Louise Nedela with any questions: louisenedela@gmail.com, phone: 360-448-8572