The Pittsburgh Symphony announces a Call for Scores for its 25/26 Schooltime program from composers currently living or studying in Pennsylvania. The winning composer will be awarded a $1,000 prize, along with travel and accommodations to hear their piece performed by the PSO during Schooltime concerts at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh (March 18-20, 2026). The winning composer will also receive an archival recording of the live performance of their work for personal use.

Eligibility

Open to composers of any age. Applicants must currently reside in Pennsylvania. Students currently attending a Pennsylvania school, college, or university are welcome to apply.

Score Submission Criteria
  • Submitted works must be scored for a full orchestra. Maximum instrumentation is:
    • 3-3-3-3 4-3-3-1 Timp+3-Harp-Keyboard.
  • Compositions may not exceed 6 minutes in length.
  • The submitted work may be new or may have been performed previously.

Additional Considerations:

The selected piece will be part of an educational concert program for students in grades 4-6. The program will celebrate and explore the process of composing music and feature works exclusively by living American composers. Additional information about Schooltime is available at www.pittsburghsymphony.org/schooltime.

Materials for Submission
  • Applications will only be accepted via this link: https://forms.gle/SDxDejJtr3zJpEoQ9.
  • One work per application is allowed. Please include:
    • 1) Full score (PDF format only, no parts);
    • 2) Audio recording of the work (.wav or .mp3 file; MIDI rendering is acceptable).
  • Scores will be given a submission number by PSO administrative staff and saved in an anonymous folder before review by the panelists.
Judging and Award

SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15, 2025.

A panel of judges will choose the winning composition. The winner will be announced by November 1, 2025. The winning composer is responsible for providing printed parts and score to the PSO library by December 1, 2025. The composer is warmly invited to attend the performance of their work by the PSO at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh (travel and accommodations provided) but is not required to be present. The winning composer will receive a $1,000 cash prize as well as an archival recording of the live performance of their work by the PSO for personal use only.