Calling Virginia Composers
Could your next composition earn $1,500?
Apply, nominate a composer, or discover new music being created across Virginia.
Did you know that one of MTNA’s missions is to encourage the creation of new works by American composers? It’s true and has been since 1969, when the Commissioned Composer Program began.
VMTA supports Virginia composers by participating in this program. Each year, the selected VMTA commissioned composer receives a $1,500 commissioning award and up to $600 to help cover the cost of performers for the work’s premiere at the VMTA Fall Conference.
The commissioned work is then submitted to MTNA, along with entries from other participating states, for consideration for the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year award. The national winner receives an additional $5,000 award and the opportunity to have the work performed at the MTNA Conference the following spring.
How does one apply to become a VMTA Commissioned Composer?
We are currently seeking interested Virginia composers for VMTA Fall Conference premieres in 2028 and 2029. Membership in VMTA is not a requirement for application.
Composers are asked to send a score and recording of a previously composed piece and a website link or short biography to Hope Armstrong Erb VMTA Commissioned Composer Program Chair at hope.armstrong.erb@gmail.com by January 1, 2027. A selection committee will review the works. Applicants will be notified of the decisions by April 1, 2027.
For more details see these links and/or contact Hope.
https://www.mtna.org/How_to_Become_a_Commissioned_Composer.html
https://www.mtna.org/Commissioning_Guidelines.html
https://www.mtna.org/Commissioning_Rules_and_Regulations.html
What do past VMTA Commissioned Composers say about their experience?
David Jonghak Kim 2025 VMTA Commissioned Composer
After being featured as the 2025 VMTA-commissioned composer, I am currently working on composing piano etudes dedicated to pianist Daniil Trifonov. I'm also in the process of composing a choir piece for Collegium Vocale Korea. David Jonghak Kim - VCUarts
Joshua Hahn 2024 VMTA Commissioned Composer
The VMTA commission gave me the creative freedom I needed to experiment with a new direction, and I was so happy with results. I started new musical collaborations that led to two more compositions based on the performance. My department also recognized this juried commission as a career accomplishment, and I have received recognition at my institution. This is an essential resource for Virginian composers, and I am grateful for the VMTA’s support of living composers! hahnmusic.com
William Averitt 2023 VMTA Commissioned Composer
Living and working in Virginia since 1973, I have enjoyed a number of opportunities over the years to write chamber music to fulfill VMTA commissions. Each one was special in its own way, although the earliest ones, in the 1970s, were particularly meaningful, providing the chance for me to connect with colleagues early on in my writing career. I am sure this has been the case for others fortunate enough to benefit from the patronage of this remarkable organization. https://www.williamaveritt.com/
Paul Sanho Kim 2022 VMTA Commissioned Composer
In a field where so much relies on personal initiative to make opportunities happen, it is so meaningful to receive external validation and recognition for compositional work. It reminds me that composition is not simply an isolated, individual activity; rather, it is a collaborative service for and among people who long for a moving or uplifting experience. I am thankful to the MTNA and VMTA for valuing and supporting composers who help keep classical music current and relevant to our society. https://paulsanhokim.com/
John Winn 2021 VMTA Commissioned Composer
My 2021 VMTA commission has really paid off for me over the last couple of years as I have been writing a stage musical. The piece I wrote for VMTA was for solo piano and some of my first real composing for that instrument. In writing this new musical, I've had to compose fairly sophisticated piano rehearsal parts and then rewrite those parts to match the orchestration for the band. Great experience for me! https://www.johnwinnjazz.com/
Anna Evas 2020 VMTA Commissioned Composer
My experience as the 2020 Virginia Commissioned Composer led to being named a runner-up at the national competition. The consequences are happily expanding my musical opportunities.
(artist site) AnnaEvas.com