Composition Rules and Guidelines
Philosophy of Composition
Many future composers are among today’s music students. The purpose of the composition category is to encourage and motivate students to create music as well as to perform it, thereby developing a valuable partnership. The range and richness of the musical mind is expanded with the acquisition of compositional skills, paving a path to the life-long enjoyment of music.
Composition Performance & Evaluation
During the May/June Piano Auditions, students will be able to perform their own composition in addition to the piano syllabus requirements for their audition grade. Compositions may be any level of difficulty and need not conform to the performance level of the student.
- Composition will be written for piano solo only.
- Manuscripts will be handwritten by student or computer generated on 8 ½ X 11” VERTICAL manuscript paper.
- Student’s name and age and teacher number must be on the manuscript.
- One copy of the manuscript must be brought to the auditions.
- Suggested length is between eight and thirty-two measures. Each measure or line must be numbered.
- Memorization is optional.
- Evaluation will be primarily on piano composition performance with positive encouragement and comments given on the student’s composition.
- Use the Piano Audition application form and fill in the appropriate column for Option 1 Composition. No additional fee is required
Award
A gold seal will be affixed to the Audition Certificate