FAQs

How much experience as a composer should I have to apply for this program?

We’re looking for young composers (age 16 or younger) who have written any amount of music in the past and know how to notate music through staff paper/sheet music. Whether you’ve written a quarter of a piano prelude or 104 complete symphonies (a few too many if you ask us… sorry Haydn), we think you should apply!

Can I apply to the 2024 Cycle if I was a participant in the 2023 Cycle, Spring 2022 Cycle, and/or the Spring 2021 Cycle?

Yes, we encourage you to apply! Just know that the fact you were able to participate in our 2023 Cycle, Spring 2022 Cycle, and/or our Spring 2021 Cycle means that you may have more experience than other applicants, and therefore may be overqualified for the program.

Do I have to use a specific notation software to participate in this program?

Nope! Any notation software, including Noteflight, Musescore, Sibelius, Finale, Dorico, and others, will be perfect!

Can I handwrite my music instead of using a notation software?

Although we think it’ll be a little easier to use a notation software during this program, you certainly can handwrite your music and still participate… as long as it’s somewhat neat ;). If you have never used a notation software in the past and would like to try one out, we recommend the free application Musescore!

Is there a fee to apply for this program?

Nope!

Is there a fee to participate in this program?

Double nope!

How many applicants are you going to accept?

We are aiming to accept 16 young composers into the 2024 Cycle.

If I have any other questions, how can I contact you?

For any questions/comments/concerns, please reach out to thenowbeatproject@gmail.com.