Aberdeen Arts Centre: Write & Compose A New Musical
In return for a £3,000 fee, Aberdeen Arts Centre are opening applications for a composer/lyricist or writing team to write and shape a new stage musical for their large cast of young performers.
Opportunities for composers and songwriters
This resource is a non-exhaustive list of opportunities, networks, venues, ensembles, record labels and events which may wish to engage composers and songwriters in commissions or partnership work. It is designed to serve as a starting point. Building relationships with performers and venues is equally important. We have also included some ISM resources to help you further.
Competitions and commisions
UKSC: Songwriting contest
The UKSC was formed by music industry professionals, The BRIT Trust and The BRIT School (Adele and Amy Winehouse are graduates). The contest is open to all songwriters from every country.
British Trombone Society (BTS) composers competition
The competition is open to anyone, must be for a quartet of trombones, be original work and be no more than 15 minutes in duration. The winner will receive a recording of the winning composition and publication by Bones Apart.
Mikael Tariverdiev International Organ Competition
The thirteenth competition is open to musicians from any country. There is a fee to enter and you must not have been born earlier than 1 January 1989. The competition is conducted publicly and to take part you must be able to attend the first round at one of the following countries: Germany, USA, China or Russia. Thereafter, selected contestants move to Russia to participate in the second and third rounds.
Foshan Composers Contest
This is a new competition created with the aim of encouraging composers to create new music celebrating the city of Foshan. Composers of all ages and nationalities can apply. The composition is for an ensemble with Chinese and Western instruments and should reflect Foshan's cultural heritage.
The Oram Awards
Presented by PRS Foundation and The Radiophonic Institute, The Oram Awards recognise emerging artists in the fields of music, sound and related technologies. In honour of Daphne Oram, one of the founding members of the original BBC Radiophonic Workshop, the Awards hope to build on her legacy.
The Oram Awards are open to the next generation of women, girls and gender minorities in music and sound.
Popular ISM advice and support for composers
Funding for composers and performers
Find out about funding opportunities for performers and composers.
Publishing rights: an introduction
Member only
An introduction to publishing rights, PRS and MCPS for musicians.
Copyright - tips for composers
Member only
Legal advice and support
Discover how the ISM's specialist in-house legal team can help you.
Composition publishing contracts
Member only
ISM Publishing Agreement template and advice for composers
ISM Composition commission contracts
Member only
ISM Composition commission template and advice for musicians
The ISM Composers Pack
The ISM Self-publishing Pack
ISM Composers Survey: results
Read the results of the ISM Composers Survey 2016.
Key organisations and ongoing support
Sound World
Sound World provides numerous opportunities for young and early career composers including professional public performances, commissions, and composition workshops.
PRS Foundation
Funding opportunities from the Performing Right Society's foundation.
Sound And Music
Opportunities from the national charity for new music.
Women In Music
Competitions and opportunities from Women in Music.
The British Music Collection
A space for UK composers to upload information about themselves and their works.
Composers Edition
Contemporary independent music publisher and distributor
Sound: Covfefe online coffee chat for composers and musicians
Sound are offering free, fortnightly online Covfefe chats. This is an informal opportunity for composers and musicians to come together and chat about the challenges, issues and opportunities they're facing. Please register before attending.
Is there something missing? This is not a comprehensive list. If you think something should be added in, why not email us at [email protected]. If you have your own ensemble or group or venue, why not get in touch and ask us to add it in?
