Supplemental Call for Compositions for Featured Ensembles & Performers

Submission Deadline: 11:59pm Mountain Time Monday, September 7, 2026

The College Music Society (CMS) is pleased to announce its 2027 International Conference in Iceland. The conference will take place from June 6–12, 2027 in Reykjavík, Iceland. The program will include scholarly discourse and the presentation of new music by CMS members, interaction with Icelandic scholars and performers, and guided sightseeing and cultural opportunities. 

The Program Committee welcomes proposals for original compositions for previously selected featured performers and ensembles by CMS composers, 10 minutes or less in duration, scored for the provided soloists and ensembles outlined below: 

Collaborative Works Encouraged

In addition to solo repertoire, the Program Committee welcomes submissions that explore collaborative compositions featuring combinations of the Featured Performers. Composers are encouraged to consider writing for small ensembles made up of two or more of the featured artists listed in this call. These works should still adhere to the 10-minute time limit.

All accepted composers should plan to attend the 2027 CMS International Conference in Reykjavík, Iceland, and are encouraged to be available for the dress rehearsal with the ensemble prior to the performance. 

The Committee solicits the broadest representation of our profession and its interests and welcomes submissions from all, including those (a) in academia (full-time and adjunct faculty, students, and retired faculty), (b) in the music industry, and (c) active as independent musicians and scholars. We welcome contributions embodying a wide variety of perspectives from persons and teams of diverse backgrounds. 

CONSIDERATIONS  

• Proposed works should be 10 minutes or less in duration.
• Submissions must include a full score and complete set of parts. Transposed (full) scores should be submitted when the instrumentation includes transposing instruments.
• Compositions performed at previous CMS National or International Conferences will not be considered for acceptance.
• All composers whose work is selected for inclusion on the program will need to register for, and attend, the entire conference.
• Due to the complexity of the conference schedule, composers should expect to have their works performed on any day of the conference should their proposals be accepted.
• CMS does not fund travel expenses for accepted presenters.
• Proposers must submit their own work and may not submit proposals on behalf of their students or others. 
• Proposals of a commercial nature that promote products and services will not be considered.

ELIGIBILITY

• Composers must hold active membership with CMS. If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please check your membership status well in advance of the submission deadline. Please note the processing time for membership applications and/or renewals is 1–2 business days.
• Not a CMS Member yet? You can register for a CMS Trial Membership for just $20. 

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION & PARTICIPATION POLICY

• Members may give a maximum number of two presentations, in total, at the 2027 International Conference. Questions surrounding this policy should be directed to the CMS Director of Operations.

PREPARATION OF MATERIALS

• The CMS conference submission process is powered by Submittable. To submit a proposal, please (1) log in to the CMS members-only website using your username and password and then (2) click the “Submit” button at the bottom of this call. You will be directed to Submittable to complete your proposal. If you don’t already have a Submittable account, you will be prompted to create one (visit this page for help using Submittable and to view a list of Frequently Asked Questions).

A complete proposal includes:

1. The score’s title, instrumentation, and duration, rounded up to the nearest half minute.
2. A PDF copy of the full score and individual parts (anonymous; dedications and/or commissions should be redacted on the score for blind peer review). The score may be notated at concert pitch or transposed, but if the piece features transposing instruments, the score must be transposed. Multi-movement scores should be merged into a single PDF file, as should all parts. 
3. An anonymous digital recording of the work. MIDI file/software-synthesis realizations are acceptable. Most audio file formats are supported within Submittable.
4. Program notes (250 words or less). 
5. A list of required equipment.
6. A brief biography of the composer (250 words or less).

Please note: 

• The name(s) or affiliations(s) of anyone involved in the presentation should not appear on the score or parts, including the ensemble, performers, dedications, or commissioners (if applicable), in program notes, or in the file names of submitted audio samples, as submissions are evaluated anonymously. Proposals identifying the composers will be disqualified. Names and affiliations may, however, appear in submitted biographies, as the review committee will not have access to this part of the application. 

Submissions that do not conform to the above guidelines will not be considered.

TIMELINE

Proposals must be submitted by 11:59pm Mountain Time Monday, September 7, 2026

QUESTIONS?

Questions regarding this Call should be directed to: 
Kate Pukinskis, 2027 International Conference Program Chair

Questions concerning conference operations should be directed to:
[email protected], CMS Conference Planner