CALL FOR SCORES
EarShot Readings: Tucson Symphony Orchestra
OVERVIEW
EarShot Readings: Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Tucson, AZ
October 27th & 28th, 2026
PROGRAM
EarShot is the first ongoing, systematic 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 a program of the American Composers Orchestra, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years, the program has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country, offering opportunities to nearly 200 composers. 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 over a generation, EarShot Readings (est. 2008) as well as ACO’s New Music Readings (‘Whitaker’ from 1993-2009, ‘Underwood’ from 2009-2020, ‘EarShot in NYC’ from 2022 onwards) have provided all-important career development and public exposure to the country’s most promising emerging composers, with over 350 composers participating.
For more information on EarShot Readings and ACO’s other Composer Advancement programs, click here.
CALL FOR SCORES
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the University of Arizona, is seeking composers with works for Western symphonic orchestra (3333-4331-t+3p-hp,kybd-str (12.10.10.9.7) to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded in Tucson, AZ, on October 27th & 28th, 2026, offering selected participants the opportunity to collaborate with mentors consisting of both established orchestral composers and industry leaders. This collaboration between ACO and TSO/UA is open to all composers, with special encouragement for Latin American composers to apply. Compositional quality is still the primary deciding factor; all composers who meet the general EarShot Readings eligibility are welcome to apply.
There is no application fee. Travel (up to $700) and local accommodations are provided. Featured artists will receive recordings of their works for both personal and professional use.
- Collaborative sessions with orchestra musicians to workshop musical ideas and foster co-learning over the course of 12 - 24 months.
- Readings and public performances of the resulting work.
- Opportunities for the composer to engage in artistic curation, educational programming and community-focused program design.
- Recruitment of partner orchestras to drive future performances and consortium commissions.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants may submit one work for this opportunity. Applicants may not submit multiple scores.
- Compositions must be less than 13 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 Tucson Symphony Orchestra (3333-4331-t+3p-hp,kybd-str (12.10.10.9.7)).
- Compositions that include MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- 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 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, July 19th, 2026 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, who will in turn select a group of finalists. From these finalists, participants will be selected by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with ACO staff.
If Selected:
- Selected composers will be notified via email by August 14, 2026. 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. All materials will be reviewed by [either ACO or partner orchestra] librarian to ensure adherence to MOLA guidelines.
- Composers must submit self-portraits/headshots and a short biography for media purposes.
- Composers must agree to be videotaped or 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