WSMA/DPI Student Composition Project Guidelines

The Wisconsin School Music Association, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, is sponsoring the 22nd annual Student Composition Project. Compositions will be evaluated in the spring , and awards will be announced in early June. The two winning student composers in each division will receive scholarships to study with a professional composer.

1. Any student from a WSMA-member school currently in grades 5-12 may submit original compositions.
   • Students in grades 5-8 will enter the Middle School Division.
   • Students in grades 9-12 will enter the High School Division.
2. Students may enter as many original compositions as they wish, but can only enter once in each category.
3. A CD or taped recording of the work must be submitted with the composition unless it is absolutely impossible to record the work. Sequenced recordings are acceptable.
4. Each composition must have a title or number.
5. Rehearsal numbers must appear at least every 10 measures.
6. The student’s name and name of school must not appear on the manuscript because the judges evaluate each composer’s skills anonymously.
7. All entries must be submitted with a postmark on or before Saturday, March 13, 2010, and must include:
   • Score of original work.
   • Recording and
   • Student Composition Project Entry Form
   • Application fee of $20 per entry
8. Works must be legible, accurate, and preferably use computer notation software.
9. Two or more students may submit a combined work under the “Collaborative” category.

1. Melody, rhythm, harmony, form, creativity and general effect are the criteria used to evaluate each student composition. The Student Composition Project is meant to encourage the creative use of these elements of music, and should not be used solely to teach music technology skills.
2. Compositions will be evaluated by professional Wisconsin composers/educators.
3. Students will receive comment forms from the judges.

1. The judging team will select “Best of Category”, Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention, based on merit. Additionally, a First Place winner will be named in each of the two divisions. These students receive engraved plaques at a special Awards Ceremony. Students, Parents, teachers, administrators, and family members are invited to attend this ceremony.
2. The First Place winner in each division (High School and Middle School) will also be given a scholarship to study with a professional composer to further nurture their composition talents.
3. A single entry in one category does not guarantee a first place award in that category. Student Composition Project Awards are based solely on merit. 

Click to download the 2010 WSMA/DPI Student Composition Project Entry Form.