The emphasis of the WSMTA Young Composers Project continues to be on educating our students. Last year we had four outstanding judges and these same judges have agreed to help us out again this coming year. They are: Rick Asher (Composer and Retired Professor of Music from Edmonds Community College), Dr. Terry McQuikin (Composer and Retired Professor of Music Composition from University of Oregon), Dr. Charles Halka (Composer and Associate Professor of Music Composition at Western Washington University), and Dr. Jiyoun Chung (Composer and Professor of Music Composition at Central Washington University). Pictures and bios of these judges can be found here.
The Young Composers Project open registration will run from February 1-27, 2024. The deadline for submissions will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. We are excited to share the following changes to the Young Composers’ Project for this year (2023-2024). We look forward to hearing the creative pieces your students will be sharing with us.
- Entry Fees, Judges Compensation and Prizes will have increased by $5.00 per category. See the chart below.
| ENTRY FEES | PRIZE MONEY | |||
| Level | Fees | Level | Prize | |
| K-2 | $30 | K-2 | $30 | |
| Levels 3, 4, 5, 6 | $30 | Levels 3, 4, 5, 6 | $30 | |
| Levels 7, 8, 9 | $35 | Levels 7, 8, 9 | $55 | |
| Level 10, 11, 12 | $40 | Level 10, 11, 12 | $80 |
- Travel grants will be given to all YCP performers and their collaborators (accompanist or ensemble partners) who perform at there WSMTA Conference.
Changes from last year remain in place as well:
- Once someone wins (1st place only) in 2024, they will not be eligible to compete in 2025. They can submit for comment only. They will be eligible for competition again in 2026. Anyone receiving 2nd, 3rd or Honorable Mention is eligible to compete again each year.
- All solo and duet performances must be live. Video recordings of a live performance of a winning composition with three or more players will be allowed. Composer must attend the recital to introduce the piece and receive the cash award. No audio recordings will be permitted.The 2024 performance will take place in June in Spokane.
- The performance time of compositions will be limited to 3 min for K-4, 5 min for grades 5-8 and 7 minutes for grades 9-12.
- The collegiate and teacher categories have been removed due to insufficient participation.
A huge thank you and congratulations to Dr. Susan Hurley who co-chaired YCP with me the last two years. Susan got married this summer and is taking a year off. If you have any questions regarding YCP, please email me at amazingracestudio@gmail.com.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Goei, NCTM, Chair YCP