Members Original Duet Composition Contest
May 31
FreePurpose:
To encourage MMTA teachers to explore the process of music composition, and to expand the knowledge base they share with their students, each year MMTA holds a Members Original Duet Composition Contest. Winning compositions will be programmed at next year’s Honors Concert. See the Handbook for Criteria and Score Presentation Requirements.
Fees:
The Members Original Duet Composition Contest is free to all MMTA members.
Contest Winners Agree to:
1. Make arrangements to have copies available at any or all of these music retailers: Groth, Schmitt Music, and www.arrangeme.com, so winners and alternates can easily purchase copies.
2. Publish the ensemble in a side-by-side format.
3. Submit publishing information and needed copies to the MMTA Office no later than February 1st.
4. Provide a copy for the conductor and any other copies needed by MMTA.
5. Provide appropriate cover art prior to printing.
6. Be present at the 3rd Honors Concert Rehearsal to meet students and autograph copies of the duet.
7. Be present at the Honors Concert to be acknowledged on stage with the performers.
1. Make arrangements to have copies available at any or all of these music retailers: Groth, Schmitt Music, and www.arrangeme.com, so winners and alternates can easily purchase copies.
2. Publish the ensemble in a side-by-side format.
3. Submit publishing information and needed copies to the MMTA Office no later than February 1st.
4. Provide a copy for the conductor and any other copies needed by MMTA.
5. Provide appropriate cover art prior to printing.
6. Be present at the 3rd Honors Concert Rehearsal to meet students and autograph copies of the duet.
7. Be present at the Honors Concert to be acknowledged on stage with the performers.
Procedures & Rules:
1. See General Rules and Procedures for all MMTA programs.
2. Duets should display creativity and contain interesting parts for both secondo and primo, both in terms of melodic and rhythmic content, techniques, and construction.
3. The composition should be appropriate for a large ensemble and for students new to performing in a conducted ensemble.
4. The composition should be appropriate for the ages of the performers and should have an audience appeal.
5. The piece length should run between 1-3 minutes.
6. Compositions may be suitable for Primary, Intermediate, or Advanced. The musical and technical demands of the duet
should be equivalent to an average solo piano piece at the following levels (see p. 8-10 in the 2020 Piano Syllabus for keyboard skills requirements for each level):
○ PRI = Prep-1
○ JRA = 1-3
○ JRB = 2-5
○ INA = 4-7
○ INB = 6-9
○ SRA = 8-9
○ SRB = 9-11
7. Compositions from previous years may be resubmitted, provided they have not been performed in past Honors Concerts.
8. Scores must be presented with these guidelines:
○ Ensembles should be submitted as a PDF in open score format. Winning compositions will need to be published side-by-side.
○ Age Category should be listed (PRI, JRA, JRB, etc).
○ Removed all identification information. The Committee Chair will ensure each score is connected with the proper entrant.
○ Place the title of the work on each page of the score.
○ Measures must be numbered and aligned between primo and secondo.
○ Include tempo markings and performance notes.
○ You may also upload a recording of the duet as you would like it performed.
2. Duets should display creativity and contain interesting parts for both secondo and primo, both in terms of melodic and rhythmic content, techniques, and construction.
3. The composition should be appropriate for a large ensemble and for students new to performing in a conducted ensemble.
4. The composition should be appropriate for the ages of the performers and should have an audience appeal.
5. The piece length should run between 1-3 minutes.
6. Compositions may be suitable for Primary, Intermediate, or Advanced. The musical and technical demands of the duet
should be equivalent to an average solo piano piece at the following levels (see p. 8-10 in the 2020 Piano Syllabus for keyboard skills requirements for each level):
○ PRI = Prep-1
○ JRA = 1-3
○ JRB = 2-5
○ INA = 4-7
○ INB = 6-9
○ SRA = 8-9
○ SRB = 9-11
7. Compositions from previous years may be resubmitted, provided they have not been performed in past Honors Concerts.
8. Scores must be presented with these guidelines:
○ Ensembles should be submitted as a PDF in open score format. Winning compositions will need to be published side-by-side.
○ Age Category should be listed (PRI, JRA, JRB, etc).
○ Removed all identification information. The Committee Chair will ensure each score is connected with the proper entrant.
○ Place the title of the work on each page of the score.
○ Measures must be numbered and aligned between primo and secondo.
○ Include tempo markings and performance notes.
○ You may also upload a recording of the duet as you would like it performed.