The Basics

One previous participant in The NowBeat Project’s programs (Spring 2021 Cycle, Spring 2022 Cycle and/or 2023 Cycle) will be selected from an anonymous call for submissions to receive The NowBeat Commission. The selected composer will receive a $500 honorarium to compose a new work for string quartet, which will be premiered by student musicians at The Juilliard School at a public concert (The NowBeat Concert) in New York City (May 2024). The commissioned piece will be performed alongside works by The NowBeat Project’s Composer-Mentors scored for piano trio or string quartet.

NOTE: If the commissioned composer will need to travel to be in attendance at The NowBeat Concert, they will also be provided a stipend (up to $500) to assist with travel expenses and accommodations.

Selecting the Commissioned Composer

On January 2, 2024, a no-fee application will be provided to all alumni of The NowBeat Project’s programs. In it, we ask for basic personal information, a little about each applicant’s musical journey and why they are interested in this project, and two anonymous complete scores accompanied by MIDI realizations (if possible). The application closes on February 1, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. Submissions will be reviewed anonymously by a distinguished panel of judges:

• Dr. David Ludwig, Chair (Dean and Director of the Music Division, The Juilliard School)

• Dr. Jennifer Jolley (Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition, Lehman College)

• Dr. Michael Frazier (Assistant Professor of Composition, Oberlin Conservatory)

The review panel will select one composer to be awarded The NowBeat Commission, as well as 2-4 recipients of Honorable Mentions. All applicants will be notified of the results by mid-February 2024.

Writing the Music

The commissioned composer will have from mid-February through mid-April to write a new piece for string quartet. During this time, the commissioned composer will have access to guidance and support from The NowBeat Project’s Composer-Mentors. The completed piece will be due on April 15, 2024.

Rehearsing the Music

In April, student musicians at The Juilliard School will begin rehearsing the commissioned piece as well as works by The NowBeat Project’s Composer-Mentors. These musicians will be financially compensated. The rehearsals will take place at The Juilliard School, and each piece will be rehearsed at least four times. The Composer-Mentors will be encouraged to attend the rehearsals of their pieces, and the commissioned composer will be able to view and participate in their rehearsals via Zoom (assuming they are not in the area).

The NowBeat Concert

The commissioned piece and the works by the Composer-Mentors will be performed at an in-person, public concert in New York City in May 2024. UPDATE: The NowBeat Concert will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7:30pm in Benzaquen Hall at The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City, NY. Each composer will briefly introduce their piece before it is played, and after the concert concludes, a question and answer session will be held with the commissioned composer and the Composer-Mentors. The concert will be audio and video recorded, and the recordings will be provided to the composers and used for publicity purposes. Admission to The NowBeat Concert will be “pay what you can”; 100% of revenue will go towards future programming.