BCRMTA - CFMTA Student Composer Competition 2025

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Student Composer Coordinator at: studentcomposer@bcrmta.bc.ca

  1. The competition is open to all students who are Canadian citizens or legal residents of Canada, and who are currently studying with a BCRMTA member in good standing; it is not necessary for that teacher to be registered as a composition specialist.
  2. Each entry must be an original composition by the named entrant, and also written out or computer-generated by the entrant (exceptions are made only for Preparatory and Division A entries, which may be copied out by others if needed).
  3. There are five age divisions. Entrants should enter the appropriate division according to their stated age on June 1st 2025.
  4. There are two categories within each division:
    • Composition for solo instrument or instrumental ensemble;
    • Composition for solo voice or choir, accompanied or unaccompanied.
  5. Entries must be neat and legible, written in ink, computer printout or photocopy (faxes or e-mails are not acceptable). Please keep a copy of each entered work.
  6. The bars should be numbered in the first measure in each line (or system) so that the adjudicator can easily refer to various parts of the composition.
  7. Tempo and dynamic markings, and other appropriate expressions marks and otherperformance instructions should be included.
  8. Student names - Please remove the student's name entirely from the submission. The student's name should not appear at the top of the score, in the copyright notice, or in the name of the digital file or audio file. Please use the title of the piece.
  9. Any composition longer than four pages should be accompanied with a performance of the composition on an audio file link. For compositions of four pages or fewer, an accompanying audio file is optional.
  10. Any multi - movement work will be charged one entry fee per movement.
  11. Compositions of more than 10 pages will be charged double entry fees (one entry fee for every 10 pages).
  12. Entrants may submit more than one work - enter all of the compositions within the same age division.
  13. Entries must be submitted online HERE.
    • Application opens on January 2, 2025.
    • All applications must be received by midnight on April 1, 2025  Please remember - any entries received after this date will not be accepted. A completed entry form and the correct provincial fee must accompany each piece entered. Please include a high resolution jpeg photo and short five- line bio of yourself.
  14. Each entry will receive a written adjudication. Entries will not be returned, but will be placed in the BCRMTA archives. BCRMTA will forward First Place-winning compositions to the CFMTA National Student Composer Competition. Entry fees for the national competition will be paid by the BCRMTA.
  15. In each of the two categories in every age division in the Provincial Competition, competitions may be ranked as first or second place winners or receive honourable mentions. Award cheques are given for First Place. All decisions are at the discretion of the adjudicator and are final.Award cheques must be cashed within thirty days of receipt.
  16. The CFMTA national competition awards First Place winners only. All decisions are final. Award cheques must be cashed within thirty days of receipt.
  17. The BCRMTA and CFMTA reserve the right to use a winning work for publicity. All other rights remain with the entrant.
  18. The results will be sent to the student’s teacher after June 1st, 2025.

 

The results will be sent to the submitting teacher after June 1st, 2025.

Preparatory: 8 years & under Fee: $18.00 Award: BC $35

Pre.1 - An original work for solo instrument or any combination of instruments In each category
Pre.2 - An original work for voice with or without accompaniment

Division A: 11years & under Fee: $20.00 Award: BC $40

A.1 - An original work for solo instrument or any combination of instruments In each category:
A.2 - An original work for voice with or without accompaniment

Division B: 15 years & under Fee: $25.00 Award: BC $50

B.1 - An original work for solo instrument or any combination of instruments In each category:
B.2 - An original work for voice(s) with or without accompaniment

Division C: 19 years & under Fee: $35.00 Award: BC $70

An original work for any instrument, voice, or combination of voices and instruments, with or without accompaniment.

Division D: Open Fee: $40.00 Award: BC $80

An original work for any instrument, voice, or combination of voices and instruments, with or without accompaniment.

To view past winners from the BC Student Composer Competition - Please visit the archive site