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The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards

By Eric Eng

By Eric Eng

View of a person composing music

The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards

Discover the future of music as the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards recognize and empower the brightest emerging talents in the industry.

Music is an essential part of our lives. It has the power to move us emotionally, inspire us, and connect us to our culture and history.

While we may be familiar with the works of great composers from the past, it is important to remember that there are young composers out there who are creating new music that is just as deserving of our attention and support.

This event is an annual competition that recognizes and supports young composers who show exceptional talent and promise in the field of music composition.

musical instruments laid against a sky blue wall

The competition is open to composers who are at least 13 years old and who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must submit scores of original compositions in various categories.

Many of the past winners of this competition have gone on to achieve great success in the field of music composition.

Some have won Pulitzer Prizes, MacArthur “Genius” Grants, and other prestigious awards, while others have become respected composers in their own right, with their music being performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world.

Overall, this event is an important platform for young composers to showcase their talent and receive support and recognition for their work.

By helping to identify and nurture the next generation of great composers, the awards contribute to the continued vitality and relevance of classical music.

What is the history behind the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards?

What is the history behind the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards? This event is a highly prestigious recognition program for young, aspiring composers.

It was first established in 1979, with the aim of encouraging and promoting the works of young composers.

The program is managed and administered by the ASCAP Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting the development of music education, talent development, and the promotion of music creators.

Pencil and music sheet

This event has a long history of recognizing and honoring some of the most talented young composers in the United States. Over the years, the program has recognized many young composers who have gone on to become successful and celebrated composers in their own right.

The award program has been instrumental in fostering the growth and development of classical music in the United States by providing young composers with a platform to showcase their works.

The program has also helped to bring attention to the importance of music education and the role it plays in shaping the next generation of composers.

The award program is named after Morton Gould, who was a prolific composer, conductor, and pianist. Gould was born in New York City in 1913 and showed an early aptitude for music. He began his formal musical training at the age of six, and by the age of 10, he had already composed his first piece.

Gould went on to study at the Institute of Musical Art (which later became the Juilliard School) in New York, where he honed his skills as a composer and pianist. He was a versatile musician who wrote music in a wide range of styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music.

Throughout his career, Gould was a strong advocate for music education and talent development. He served as the president of ASCAP from 1986 to 1994 and was instrumental in establishing this event.

Gould was the recipient of many awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1995 for his work “Stringmusic.” He passed away in 1996, but his legacy continues to live on through this event.

The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards are a testament to the enduring legacy of Morton Gould and his lifelong commitment to promoting the growth and development of classical music in the United States.

History of ASCAP Foundation

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is a professional organization that represents the interests of songwriters, composers, and music publishers in the United States.

The ASCAP Foundation is the charitable arm of ASCAP, and it was established in 1975 with the mission of supporting the development of music education, talent development, and the promotion of music creators.

The ASCAP Foundation has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The organization was founded in 1914 by a group of composers and publishers who were concerned about the unfair practices of music publishers and the lack of protections for music creators.

A set of musical instruments with music sheets in the middle

At the time, the music publishing industry was largely unregulated, and many songwriters and composers were not receiving fair compensation for their work. The founders of ASCAP sought to change this by establishing a system of collective rights management that would ensure that music creators were properly compensated for their work.

ASCAP quickly became a powerful force in the music industry, and by the 1920s, it had established itself as the leading organization representing music creators in the United States.

ASCAP was instrumental in negotiating fair compensation for music creators, and it played a significant role in shaping the music industry as we know it today.

Over the years, ASCAP has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry. In 1975, the ASCAP Foundation was established as a way to give back to the music community and support the next generation of music creators.

The ASCAP Foundation supports a wide range of music education and talent development programs, including scholarships, grants, and workshops.

The Foundation also recognizes the achievements of young composers through its annual Morton Gould Young Composer Awards, which are named in honor of the renowned American composer, Morton Gould.

The ASCAP Foundation has also been a vocal advocate for music education in schools, and it has worked to ensure that music remains an important part of the curriculum in schools across the United States.

In recent years, the ASCAP Foundation has continued to expand its programs and services in response to the changing needs of music creators and the industry as a whole.

Today, the Foundation is a vital part of the music community, providing support and resources to music creators at every stage of their careers.

The ASCAP Foundation’s commitment to music education, talent development, and the promotion of music creators has had a significant impact on the industry, and it continues to be a driving force in the music community today.

Evolution of the Awards Over Time

The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards are a highly respected recognition program that celebrates the work of young composers in the United States.

In its early years, the Morton Gould Young Composer Awards focused primarily on recognizing the work of young composers in the classical music genre. However, over the years, the program has expanded to include a broader range of musical styles and genres, including jazz, pop, and electronic music.

The evolution of the Morton Gould Young Composer Awards reflects the changing landscape of the music industry, as well as the changing interests and preferences of music creators and audiences.

Piano and music sheet

One of the most significant changes to the Morton Gould Young Composer Awards that occurred in 2004 was when the program was split into two separate categories: the Classical Awards and the Jazz Awards.

This change was made in response to the growing interest in jazz music among young composers, and it allowed for a greater focus on the unique qualities and characteristics of jazz music.

In 2014, the Morton Gould Young Composer Awards underwent another major change when the program was expanded to include electronic music.

This change reflected the growing interest in electronic music among young composers and allowed for a greater emphasis on the unique qualities and characteristics of this genre.

work.

The Morton Gould Young Composer Awards have also helped to bring attention to the importance of music education and the role it plays in shaping the next generation of composers.

The program has worked closely with schools, universities, and music organizations across the country to promote music education and provide opportunities for young composers to develop their skills and talents.

How do composers apply for the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards?

How do composers apply for the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards? This competition was established to encourage talented young composers of classical, film, and television music.

Top view of an unidentified person composing music.

The awards are made possible through the generosity of the late Morton Gould, an ASCAP member, and former ASCAP Foundation president.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for this event are as follows:

  • Age Requirements: The awards are open to composers who are at least 13 years of age. The age limit is determined by the composer’s age as of December 31st of the year in which the awards are given.
  • ASCAP Membership Requirements: The composer must be an ASCAP member in good standing. If the composer is not an ASCAP member, they must apply for membership before the application deadline.
  • Music Requirements: The awards are open to composers of classical, film, and television music. The music must be original and written for concert performances, films, or television.
  • Performance Requirements: The music must have been performed in a public concert or in a commercial recording within the past two years. A private performance, a workshop performance, or a reading is not acceptable as a public performance.
  • Application Requirements: The composer must submit a completed application form, a recording of the work, and a score of the work. The recording and score must be the composer’s original work and must be submitted in the format specified in the application form.
  • Deadline Requirements: The application deadline is usually in December of each year. The exact deadline is specified in the application form.

The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards are highly competitive and awarded based on the merit of the composer’s work.

The awards are designed to recognize and encourage talented young composers and to provide them with the recognition and financial support they need to pursue their careers.

If you are a young composer who meets the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply for the awards. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and make a name for yourself in the world of classical, film, and television music.

Application Process

The application process for this competition is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow. If you’re interested in applying for this award, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  • Review the eligibility requirements: Before you begin the application process, make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the awards. The eligibility requirements include age, nationality, ASCAP membership, music requirements, performance requirements, and application requirements.
  • Obtain an application form: The application form for the awards can be obtained from the ASCAP Foundation website. The form can be downloaded, completed, and submitted online.
  • Prepare your music: The music you submit must be original and written for a concert performance, film, or television. The music must have been performed in a public concert or in a commercial recording within the past two years.
  • Record your music: You must submit a recording of your work with your application. The recording must be the composer’s original work and must be submitted in the format specified in the application form.
  • Submit a score of your music: You must also submit a score of your work with your application. The score must be the composer’s original work and must be submitted in the format specified in the application form.
  • Complete the application form: The application form must be completed in full and submitted with your recording and score. The form must be submitted online by the deadline specified in the application form.
  • Wait for the results: The awards are highly competitive and are awarded based on the merit of the composer’s work. The results of the awards are usually announced in the spring of each year.

Timeline for Application and Award Notification

Understanding the timeline for the application and award notification processes is important for anyone who is considering applying for the awards.

Here is a detailed timeline of the application and award notification process for the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards:

  • Application Period: The application period for the awards usually opens in the fall of each year. The exact dates for the application period are specified on the ASCAP Foundation website.
  • Application Deadline: The application deadline is usually in December of each year. The exact deadline is specified in the application form and on the ASCAP Foundation website.
  • Review of Applications: After the application deadline, the ASCAP Foundation will review all of the applications and make a preliminary selection of the most promising composers. This process usually takes several months.
  • Final Selection: The final selection of the award recipients is made by a panel of distinguished musicians, composers, and music industry professionals. The panel considers the merit of the composer’s work and selects the award recipients based on the quality of their music.
  • Notification of Award Recipients: The award recipients are usually notified in the spring of each year. The notification is made by mail or email and includes information about the award, the amount of the award, and any other relevant information.
  • Award Presentation: The award presentation usually takes place in the spring or early summer of each year. An award presentation is a public event that provides award recipients with the recognition and financial support they need to pursue their careers.
  • Use of Award Funds: The award funds are usually disbursed to the award recipients soon after the award presentation. The award recipients can use the funds for any purpose that supports their career as a composer, including education, travel, equipment, studio time, or any other related expenses.

The timeline for the application and award notification process for the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards is designed to provide the award recipients with the recognition and financial support they need.

Understanding the timeline for the application and award notification processes is important for anyone who is considering applying for the awards.

What is the significance of receiving an ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award?

What is the significance of receiving an ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award? The following is the significance of receiving the award:

Recognition for Young Composers

Winning the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award is a significant accomplishment and provides recognition for young composers.

The award is highly esteemed in the music industry and is a testament to the quality of the winner’s compositions. The award can help launch the careers of young composers by providing a platform for exposure and recognition.

Opportunities for College Admissions

Winning an ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award can also open doors for college admissions. Many colleges and universities consider extracurricular activities and awards when reviewing applications.

Winning a prestigious award like the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award can set a candidate apart from others and increase their chances of admission to top music programs and universities.

Networking and Exposure

The ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards can offer a valuable opportunity for young composers to network with other professionals in the music industry.

The award ceremony provides a platform for composers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and potentially collaborate on future projects. The exposure gained from winning the award can also lead to future opportunities for commissions and performances.

Financial Support for Future Compositions

Winning the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award also provides financial support for future compositions.

The cash prize that comes with the award can help cover the costs of producing and promoting new works. Additionally, winners may also be eligible for additional grants and commissions from the ASCAP Foundation and other organizations in the music industry.

In conclusion, winning the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award can offer numerous benefits to young composers, including recognition, networking opportunities, financial support, and an edge in college admissions.

The award is highly regarded in the music industry, and winning it can set young composers apart from their peers, potentially leading to future opportunities and collaborations.

For students aspiring to pursue a career in music composition, winning this award can be a significant achievement that can enhance their college applications.

It can demonstrate a high level of dedication, skill, and talent in music composition, which can make them stand out to admissions committees. As such, students should consider entering the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award and other similar competitions to help bolster their college applications.

If you are a student who wants to further enhance your college application and increase your chances of success, you can benefit from seeking guidance from admission experts.

Here at AdmissionSight, we offer comprehensive admission counseling services, providing students with personalized guidance on how to strengthen their applications and increase their chances of being admitted to their dream schools.

By booking an initial consultation, you can get a head start on your college applications and receive expert guidance on how to succeed in the highly competitive world of music composition.

So, what are you waiting for? Book an initial consultation today!

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