Apply to ACO EarShot

PROGRAM CALL FOR SCORES ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS HOW TO APPLY

APPLY TO ACO EARSHOT

PROGRAM

EarShot is the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for cultivating relationships between orchestras and emerging composers. In addition to its annual readings with the NYC-based American Composers Orchestra, EarShot works with a national network of orchestral partners each season to discover and develop composers whose work expands the definition of American orchestral music.

‍EarShot is a program of the American Composers Orchestra, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Serving over 400 composers since inception, EarShot had its beginnings in NYC with its own Readings in 1988 (carrying the name Whitaker and then Underwood) and expanded in 2008 to national Readings offered in partnership with orchestras across the country. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions as a resource to the field. Orchestras across the country and around the world rely on EarShot to identify and connect with creative artists, as well as to advise on commissions, competitions, and program design.

For more information on EarShot Readings and ACO’s other Composer Advancement programs, click here.

CALL FOR SCORES

The American Composers Orchestra is seeking composers with works for symphonic orchestra (3333-4331-timp+3-harp-piano/cel-strings) to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded in New York City on June 11-12, 2026, offering selected participants the opportunity to collaborate with mentors consisting of both established orchestral composers and industry leaders. ‍

‍There is no application fee. Travel (up to $700) and local accommodations are provided. Participants will receive recordings of their works for both personal and professional use.

ELIGIBILITY

TAKE OUR QUIZ TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR EARSHOT
‍

This opportunity is for composers who have had 2 or fewer pieces performed by a professional orchestra (30+ players). College and festival orchestra performances, or readings associated with composer advancement programs hosted by other institutions (similar to the EarShot Readings), do not count toward this total.
U.S. applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in the United States. DACA recipients are eligible to apply. Mexican, Canadian, Central American, Caribbean, and South American applicants must be a citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in their respective countries.
There are no age restrictions
Composers selected to participate in any previous EarShot Reading are ineligible.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants may submit one work for this opportunity. Applicants may not submit multiple scores.
Compositions must be less than 15 minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work will be considered.
Submitted works must not exceed the instrumentation parameters outlined by the American Composers Orchestra: (3333-4331-timp+3-harp-piano/cel-strings)
Compositions that include MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement will be considered.
Concertos, vocal works, and works for string orchestra, woodwind, or brass ensemble are not eligible.
Do not submit recordings.
Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

In-progress applications cannot be saved. To view a PDF of the blank application, CLICK HERE.

Submissions must be received by Sunday, October 19th, 2025 11:59 PM EST to be considered.

SELECTION PROCESS

Scores are reviewed by a panel of composers representing various backgrounds, demographics, and musical styles. Panelists rate the scores numerically on criteria including originality, technical proficiency, and orchestration. Selected scores will advance to a second round of panelists, including ACO’s Artistic Director and ACO staff, who will select participants.

If Selected:

Selected composers will be notified via email by November 9th, 2025. Alternates will be invited to participate as needed.
Composers must be available and ready to attend the required reading sessions, feedback meetings and professional development workshops. Childcare and/or accommodations for physical disability and neurodiversity will be provided upon request.
Composers must provide professional, legible orchestral parts and scores prepared according to guidelines established by the Major Orchestral Librarians Association. Materials must be completed and available no later than November 16th, 2025.
Composers must submit headshots and a short biography for media purposes.
Composers must agree to be videotaped/audio recorded for archival and promotional purposes, and to have their music recorded for archival and study purposes.

QUESTIONS & INFORMATION

For questions or comments on EarShot or the call for scores, please contact LaRob K. Rafael, Director of Composer Advancement: larob@americancomposers.org