How to Become a Commissioned Composer

Since its beginning in 1969, the Commissioned Composer program available for participation by all 51-state affiliates continues to be one of the most important programs for MTNA. Combining the need in the United States to perpetuate the art of new American music and for states to have an opportunity to highlight live performances of new music, the commissioning program allows MTNA and state affiliates to pool resources to commission new works. All states have the opportunity to commission a composer and apply for a matching grant from MTNA. States can combine and commission a composer together or commission a composer on their own. States initiate the process by choosing, approaching and commissioning a composer. The state then premieres the work at the state convention and then submits the composition and composer in the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year's selection process. A panel of composers chooses one composition and composer to honor as the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year. The selected composition is performed and the composer is honored at the MTNA National Conference.

For information on becoming a commissioned composer, please contact the president for the state in which you live.