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PROGRAM
The New York Youth Symphony in partnership with EarShot, a program of American Composers orchestra, announces a call for scores for the Jon Deak First Music Program.
The Jon Deak First Music Program, the New York Youth Symphony’s young composer competition, commissions America’s best emerging orchestra, chamber music, and jazz composers under the age of 30. It has been widely acknowledged as one of the leading forces in the United States for bringing the work of gifted young composers to the public’s attention. Seven awards are given each season for orchestral, jazz, and chamber music compositions.
The Jon Deak First Music Commissioning Program was made possible by the generous support of NYYS Trustee, A. Slade Mills and Phyllis Mills.
EarShot is the first ongoing, systemic program for cultivating relationships between orchestras and composers across the Americas. In addition to its annual readings with the NYC-based American Composers Orchestra, EarShot works with an international network of orchestral partners each season to discover and develop composers whose work expands the definition of orchestral music in the Americas.
EarShot is partnering with New York Youth Symphony on recruitment for this program. Selected composers join EarShot alumni in eligibility for future opportunities.
The New York Youth Symphony is seeking composers to commission new works in the areas of jazz, symphonic, and chamber music. The commissioned works will be 7-10 minutes in length for chamber and symphonic compositions; and 5-7 minutes for jazz compositions.
The Jon Deak First Music Program, the New York Youth Symphony’s young composer competition, commissions America’s best emerging orchestra, chamber music, and jazz composers under the age of 30. It has been widely acknowledged as one of the leading forces in the United States for bringing the work of gifted young composers to the public’s attention. Seven awards are given each season for orchestral, jazz, and chamber music compositions.
The Jon Deak First Music Commissioning Program was made possible by the generous support of NYYS Trustee, A. Slade Mills and Phyllis Mills.
EarShot is the first ongoing, systemic program for cultivating relationships between orchestras and composers across the Americas. In addition to its annual readings with the NYC-based American Composers Orchestra, EarShot works with an international network of orchestral partners each season to discover and develop composers whose work expands the definition of orchestral music in the Americas.
EarShot is partnering with New York Youth Symphony on recruitment for this program. Selected composers join EarShot alumni in eligibility for future opportunities.
The New York Youth Symphony is seeking composers to commission new works in the areas of jazz, symphonic, and chamber music. The commissioned works will be 7-10 minutes in length for chamber and symphonic compositions; and 5-7 minutes for jazz compositions.
HONORARIUM
Orchestra Grand Prize winner will receive a commission of $3,000.00 and a subsequent performance at Interlochen Center for the Arts in the Summer of 2027. Second and Third Place Orchestra commissions will receive $1,500.00. Chamber Grand Prize Winner will receive a commission of $2,000.00 and a subsequent performance at Interlochen Center for the Arts in the Summer of 2027. Jazz Grand Prize Winner will receive a commission of $2,000.00 and a subsequent performance at Interlochen Center for the Arts in the Summer of 2027. Second and Third Place Jazz commissions will receive $1,000.00.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must not have been a participant in a prior participant in the First Music Program.
- Applicants must be 30 years old or younger as of December 1, 2026.
- Applicants must show proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States. Please visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 for a list of acceptable documents necessary to fill out the government I-9 form.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
For consideration, applicants must submit original composition(s) no more than 7-10 minutes in length for chamber and symphonic; and 5-7 minutes for jazz works.
Composition Requirements:
Composition Requirements:
- Composers may submit one work sample per category: symphonic/chamber, or jazz
- Those submitting for the jazz commission must submit an original work with Instrumentation outlined here: 17-piece big band: 5 saxes or woodwinds, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones + 1 bass trombone, guitar, piano, bass, and drums
- The submitted compositions must have a title.
Application Requirements:
- Full scores in PDF format. Handwritten scores will not be accepted.
- Audio representation of the work, such as a MIDI mock-up or, if possible, a live orchestra reading (uploaded as link to audio file or video)
- CV/Resume
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 as finalists to be selected to participate in the program by NYYS’s Artistic and Executive Leadership.
If Selected:
- Selected composers will be notified via email by early February 2026. Alternates will be invited to participate as needed.
- Composers must submit self-portraits/headshots and a short biography for media purposes.
- The Music Director will meet with the selected composers soon after the selection to discuss specific parameters—including length and orchestration.
- Chamber Scores delivered by October 1st, 2026
- Symphonic Scores delivered by August 30th, 2026
- Jazz Scores delivered by November 2026
QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
For additional information, please visit our website, americancomposers.org.
For more information on the John Deak Comissioning Program, click here.
For questions or comments on EarShot or the call for scores, please contact LaRob K. Rafael, Director of Composer Advancement: larob@americancomposers.org