Composition Festival

ABOUT THE COMPOSITION FESTIVAL

This festival is to encourage students to write their own music and enjoy the creative process including the opportunity for a forum and public performance.

COMPOSITION FESTIVAL CO-CHAIRS

Cynthia Papierniak (call 708-834-0847) and Billie Howard compositionfest@camta.org

IMPORTANT DATES AND VENUE

  • Registration Open: Saturday, March 1, 2025

  • REGISTRATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025

  • Composition Forum and Recital Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

  • Composition Forum and Recital Venue: Live or video on Zoom (TBA)

REGISTRATION AND FEES

  • CAMTA member: $45 per manuscript | Non-member: $50 per manuscript

  • FEES CANNOT BE REFUNDED!

  • Registration and fee payments must be completed via the new CAMTA Member Portal (information coming soon!)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  • No student age or grade requirements.

  • No requirements as to form, length, or genre.

  • Elementary I students, ages 6 and younger, may submit a handwritten manuscript, inked over for clarity by an adult. Elementary II students and above are required to use computer music notation software.

  • Piano or Instrumental: No requirements as to choice of instrument(s).

  • Songwriting: Words for songs must be original or in the public domain. Songwriting may be collaborative; lyrics and music may be composed by two or more persons.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • All materials will be submitted online. Participants need a Google account to upload required materials.

  • Recording: Send by audio, .mp3 file. No visual formats, DVD or YouTube videos. Make sure recordings do not list composer’s name.

  • Manuscript: Only title and age on manuscript. Please number measures and use a .pdf file.

  • Instructions and a link for uploading to a unique Google Drive folder for each teacher will be e-mailed to the teacher once registration is complete. Please allow 72 hours before inquiring if this e-mail is not received. Teachers may share this link with students and parents who plan to upload files themselves, but by doing so, the teacher understands that they will also be able to see and manipulate the other files already uploaded to that teacher’s folder.

If the recital is virtual and held on Zoom, students may perform live or with a video recording. At the recital all students will be able to discuss their composition and will receive a written critique from the judge. The judge will announce the winners at the recital.

ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:

The new CAMTA Member Portal will be used for Composition Festival registration in 2025. Please check back for more information and instructions. 

Judge and Artist: Heidi Joosten

Heidi Joosten is an active musician in the Chicagoland area, working as a music director, conductor, orchestrator, voice and piano instructor, improv and cabaret pianist, multi-genre composer, church musician, and harpist. Heidi recently received a Jeff Award for her music direction of “Assassins” up at Theo Ubique Cabaret, making her the first woman to receive that award at the Non-Equity level.

With over 200 original compositions, she enjoys writing for many genres including vocal, opera, chamber, solo piano and wind ensemble. Heidi received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and her Master’s degree in Composition from Roosevelt University. Heidi is an adjunct theory professor at North Park University. Heidi is looking forward to meeting our young composers through their music and greeting them at the forum recital. She is a proud member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild. www.heidijoosten.com / @heidijoosten