The 2026 Composition Competition will open for submissions in September 2025.

Submissions must be written for full NPO orchestration (see Rules & Restrictions) and be no longer than 8 minutes in length.

Submissions must have been composed within the last two years, and cannot have been performed professionally.

Please read this page AND the Full Rules and Restrictions PDF linked here before filling out the Entry Form, once it has opened later this fall.

Please read all instructions carefully, including the full Rules and Restrictions linked here.

All applications must be complete and received by 11:59pm (CDT) October 28, 2025.

Application should be submitted through the website and include:

• This completed application form (include parental approval if under 18 years of age)

• A PDF of the full score of your composition, with your name on a title page ONLY, and all other personal identifiers removed from the score, so they may be judged anonymously (your name will be redacted from the title page before sharing with judges)

• You have the option to upload (or link to a website) an .mp3 file of an original recorded performance or midi file of your piece; it will only be shared with judges if it can be downloaded/shared without identifying information

• $25 application fee you are directed to “purchase” after you click Submit on the application form

• Please be sure to read the Full Rules and Regulations PDF before submitting

Application should be submitted online via the form linked below.

If you encounter issues uploading your files to the form, FIRST submit the form and pay the fee, THEN email files to competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org.

If you have questions about the application form, please contact competitions@nashvillephilharmonic.org before submitting the form.

Incomplete applications will not be considered until all materials are received, and no incomplete application will be considered after October 28, 2025.