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2025 EARplay
Vibrant Shores Composers
Competition

PRize increased to $1500 in 2025!

Deadline: April 30, 2025 at 11:59PM PDT

More Information: fred@earplay.org

Applications are now open!

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Earplay is excited to invite submissions for our third annual Vibrant Shores Prize from composers identifying as people of color. The Vibrant Shores Prize includes a $1,500 cash prize, a performance, and live recording of the winning competition. The winning composition will be announced in August 2025. There is no application fee.

Guidelines

Please read these guidelines before submitting:

  • You are limited to submitting one work.

  • You must identify as a person of color.

  • You must be a current resident of the United States.

  • Works are to be no longer than 10 minutes in duration. 7-9 minutes is preferred.

  • Your piece must have been written within the last 10 years.

  • Your piece should be scored for 1-6 from Earplay's core ensemble:

    • flute/piccolo/alto flute/bass flute

    • clarinet/bass clarinet

    • piano

    • violin

    • viola

    • cello​

  • The submission of a recording is optional but recommended.

Anonymity

Each submitted score must have all composer identification removed so that the competition jury receives no information about the composer when it reviews the score. 

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We strongly prefer audio-only files. If you wish to submit video, the video must have all composer identification removed, and it cannot be posted on an identifiable website, YouTube channel, etc. Consider using one of the widely available applications to record system audio from video in order to create an audio-only file. 

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Only the competition administrator sees the submitted composer information, bio, and program note. If a program note is included as part of the score, the note should not provide identification data (academic affiliation, premiere personnel, etc.).

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