Calling all amateur composers - £100 cash prize to be won...

Are you an amateur composer? Why not enter one of our composition classes?

All genres are eligible and there are classes for vocal or instrumental music. You can write a new piece for the occasion or recycle one of your previous works. There are classes for all ages.

There will be a cash prize of £100 for the best composition.

The classes are as follows:

• 701 A piece for choir or solo voice - 16 and over

• 702 A piece for choir or solo voice - 15 and under

• 703 A piece for instrumental ensemble or solo instrument - 16 and over

• 704 A piece for instrumental ensemble or solo instrument - 15 and under

• 705 A piece written to showcase a specific ethnicity - 16 and over

• 706 A piece written to showcase a specific ethnicity - 15 and under

This is an entirely online discipline. Composers are asked to submit pieces of work in PDF format AND mp3 format or YouTube link. Electronic or very legible handwritten copies are acceptable, or a lead sheet with words and chords if this is all that is available.

The music must be your own original, unpublished composition. You must be an amateur composer. And your piece must not exceed 10 minutes to perform.

The closing date for receipt of entries is 31 December 2025.

Adjudication will be on Zoom with Adrian Goss, who has 37 years' experience as an adjudicator for international, national and local festivals, including the National Festival of Music for Youth.

Click here to view the Composition Syllabus.

Click here to register your entry.

(Entry costs £10 per class for 16 and over, or £8 per class for 15 and under).