Women composers (ciswomen and transgender), ages 18 and up, who are at the earlier stages of their careers, meaning:
 

• Those with limited professional performances of their works

• Those seeking tools to enhance their composition careers

• Those interested in constructive feedback and support on a current work

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BENEFITS​

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Accepted Applicants Receive:​

• Masterclasses and a private composition lesson with Libby Larsen

• Arts business sessions: lectures in copyright law, and personalized financial and career coaching

• Performance of the submitted piece at the Composers' Hub Spotlight Concert

• Professional live audio and video recording of the submitted piece 

• Rehearsal and workshop with festival musicians 

• Free admission to all 2026 festival events​​

• Lodging at Hotel Indigo Madison Downtown

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PROGRAM TIMELINE​

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Application Period: November 1-December 15, 2025

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, 11:59pm CST

Program Dates: May 26-31, 2026

Results: Application results will be communicated by February 1, 2026.

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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

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Submitted works should be:

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• 7-10 minutes in length

• Scored for one to five performers; available instruments, voice types, and ensembles are listed below.

• A single or multi-movement work. In the case of multi-movement works, we reserve the right to play selections.

• Work must be completed at the time of submission. However, minor changes are acceptable. Accepted applicants must provide the finalized scores by March 15, 2026.

• Written no earlier than January 1, 2023.

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Required Application Materials:

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• PDF of score (please upload a PDF with the file name formatted as compositiontitle.pdf)

• Audio recording of the submitted piece (acceptable formats include .mp3, .aif, and .wav). Composer/performers only: a recording of the applicant performing must be submitted; acceptance as a performer is at the discretion of the festival.

• Bio (100 words or less)

• Program Notes (200 words or fewer)

• Short essay (200-250 words), which will determine your candidacy, addressing the following questions: Why do you believe you are a good fit for this program? What do you hope to gain from this experience, and why would you like to participate?

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Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Instruments Available:

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• Strings: String quartet, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

• Woodwinds: wind quintet, Flute (piccolo, alto, bass), Clarinet (bass, B flat, E flat), Oboe (English horn, oboe d’amore), Bassoon, Saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)

• Brass: Brass quintet, Trumpet, French horn, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba

• Voice: Any voice type, as a solo vocal part or a member of an ensemble.

• Piano: If your work includes prepared piano, please contact us before submitting. Please be aware that the concert hall only accommodates one piano, and therefore, pieces intended for multiple pianos will not be considered.