2024 Composers Workshop:
Call for Scores

The International Trombone Festival is excited to sponsor the seventh annual COMPOSERS WORKSHOP, to be held at Texas Christian University

May 29 – June 1, 2024

Featuring coaching and master classes with the composer in residence and performances of accepted compositions.

Eligibility: Any composer, regardless of age or nationality, is eligible to submit a maximum of one score, featuring trombone(s) in chamber music or solo settings.

Preferred instrumentation: Trombone choir (6-12 performers, including any combination of alto, tenor, and/or bass trombones), trombone quartet (3 tenor trombones, and 1 bass), or trombone (alto, tenor, or bass) and piano. Other instrumental combinations which prominently feature trombone will be considered (based on the availability of musicians to perform them).

Length of composition: Less than 10 minutes, including all movements. Longer works will be considered, based on merit.

Participation: Accepted composers will be invited to the 2024 Composers Workshop at Texas Christian University, May 29-June 1, 2024 and will participate in exclusive master class opportunities with the composer in residence. (Past workshops have included Eric Ewazen, Kevin Day, Steven Verhelst, David Biedenbender). Accepted scores will be presented on a New Music Recital or other featured performance, performed by ITF artists, presenters, registrants, and/or faculty. In addition, Composers Workshop attendees will have access to the full ITF schedule, which includes numerous master classes, concerts, and workshops. In order to have selected pieces performed and recognized, composers must register for the festival.

ITF Registration: ITF Registration: Accepted composers must pay the regular, full registration rate of $250, and are strongly encouraged to attend the ITF in person in Fort Worth, Texas USA. There is no virtual option for the workshop. The ITF does not provide financial support for travel, registration, housing, meals, or other costs. Selected composers unable to afford travel expenses can still receive a performance and a private lesson with composer-artist via Zoom for the price of registration. For more information about the ITF schedule, please visit the ITF page. Housing is available either on-site (dorms, estimated at $150 for the duration of the festival), or in local hotels.

Composition Requirements: Submitted compositions must be 100% original. Previous performances of the submitted composition are allowed, provided that they were not a ticketed event by professional musician(s) or otherwise in a format that would meaningfully detract from the “new music” or “premiere” status of the ITF concert format.

ITF Composers Catalog: Participants will have the option of including their chosen work on the ITF website’s newly formed Composers Catalog page.

Application requirements

To apply, please submit an application, using the link below. Have the following items ready:

  • Short bio, detailing career highlights and optional PR photo
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae (include current contact information, educational background, list of published/non-published works, and other pertinent, professional information to composing)
  • Score in PDF format. Do not send parts at this time. Parts will be requested from the selected composers. Score should include any additional information necessary for the performance of the work. Scores that are not in PDF format will not be considered.
  • A recording of the piece. Submit a URL to a recording of the piece on any online platform (YouTube, Soundcloud, Dropbox, websites, etc.)  If a live recording is not available, a MIDI or other digital representation is acceptable.

For questions, please email the Director of the ITF Composers Workshop, Dr. Deb Scott, at [email protected]

Deadline for submissions:
December 1, 2024

See you in Fort Worth!