Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Music

Jazz Composition Competition

VCU hosts an annual Jazz Composition Competition recognizing an unpublished jazz big band work by a high school student. More than $7,000 are awarded in prizes, including scholarships to VCU. Learn more about past competitions and winners.

If you have any questions, contact Antonio García at ajgarcia@vcu.edu.

Rules

• Entry to the competition is restricted to high school students. A signature of a high school official is required. Previous winners of the competition are ineligible.
• Instrumentation must include: Five saxophones (AATTB, doubles optional), three to four trumpets, three to four trombones, guitar and/or piano, plus bass and drums. Vocals are optional.
• Submissions required: Legible score and parts (originals or copies), entry form [PDF], $10 nonrefundable entry fee via check made payable to “VCU Jazz Students Fund.” Entry materials, such as scores, parts or recordings will not be returned. Limit one entry per person.
• Optional, but highly recommended submissions: Live, studio or synthesized demo CD (no cassettes).
• Submissions must be received by Oct. 1.
• All works received are owned by the composers. VCU, however, retains the copies received and has permission to perform and, if applicable, record them.
• Though a quality demo CD is preferable, entries will be judged on the merits of the composition itself, not on the submitted performance or audio quality.
• Results will be announced by Dec. 1. No winner need be chosen if the judges find that no entry merits the award.

Prizes

First prize

• $4,000 VCU scholarship ($1,000 each of four years or $2,000 for each of two years)
• $500 cash
• VCU performance, as well as a concert and/or studio recording of the performance
• Assistance towards potential publication, broadcast and other media contacts
• Complimentary prizes from external sponsors — Belwin Jazz, a division of Alfred Publishing Co., Down Beat, Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Kendor Music and Kjos Music — including arranging texts, scores for study and periodical subscriptions

Second prize

• $2,000 VCU scholarship ($500 for each of four years or $1,000 for each of two years)
• $250 cash
• VCU performance and concert recording
• Complimentary prizes and assistance

Submissions

To apply for the VCU Jazz Composition Competition, mail your required and optional entry materials, along with your entry form and $10 nonrefundable entry fee via check made payable to “VCU Jazz Students Fund” to:

Antonio J. García, VCU Jazz
922 Park Avenue
P.O. Box 842004
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2004

Please note that the box number must be included for delivery.

This page contains links to external (non-VCU) Web sites. VCU is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such Web sites.