Two Piano Composition Contest

ABOUT THE Two Piano composition CONTEST

The 2 Pianos Committee exists to celebrate and promote the unique artistic possibilities of two-piano repertoire. Through performance, collaboration, education, and the commissioning of new works, we aim to create enriching opportunities for musicians and audiences alike. Rooted in the Chicago Area Music Teachers Association (CAMTA), this initiative seeks to foster a vibrant artistic community.

TWO PIANO COMPOSITION COMPETITION CO-CHAIRS

Ayse Celasun & Matthew Mason

twopiano@camta.org

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a dynamic platform where the two-piano medium is explored in all its dimensions—classical and contemporary, pedagogical and virtuosic. Starting with local engagement through CAMTA, our goal is to develop a model that can expand to national and international stages. By organizing concerts, masterclasses, and commissions, we aim to inspire innovation and provide meaningful opportunities for students, teachers, and composers alike. Through this work, the committee seeks to strengthen CAMTA’s presence in the broader musical landscape while fostering artistic exchange, professional development, and community involvement.

PROJECT NO. 1: CALL FOR COMPOSERS

Presented by the Two Pianos Committee (CAMTA)

The two-piano format offers a unique artistic landscape—blending the power and depth of orchestral writing with the precision and intimacy of chamber music. It invites composers to explore expanded textures, dynamic contrast, and intricate interplay between two independent but equal voices. Through this medium, we aim to inspire bold new works and foster collaborative artistry at the highest level.

The Two Pianos Committee invites submissions for original compositions written for two pianos of intermediate level. This inaugural call seeks to promote new repertoire that highlights the expressive and technical possibilities of the medium while offering opportunities to composers at all stages of their careers.

TIMELINE OF DATES

  • June 15: Registration and submission opens

  • October 1: Deadline for registration and submissions

  • October 15: Submissions delivered to judges

  • November 15: Judges submit decisions; results announced

  • January 24, 2025: Winners’ Ceremony and Performance – 4 PM at Notre École de Musique, and possible additional performance(s) at different venue(s)

ELIGIBILITY & CATEGORIES

Submissions will be accepted in three categories:

  1. Young Composers (Youth: Pre-collegiate)

  2. Emerging Composers (Collegiate) - enrolled in a composition program

  3. Established Composers (Adult: Post-Collegiate) – composers with a professional portfolio.

Composers of any nationality may apply. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

  • Instrumentation: Two acoustic pianos (no electronics or prepared piano for this cycle)

  • Genre: Piece specifically written for two pianos/two pianists, not playable on one piano/four hands.

  • Duration: 3–8 minutes

  • Score: PDF format, anonymous (no identifying info on score). Use of one system for piano I & II.

  • Required: MP3 MIDI rendering

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished performers and composers, with experience in both educational and professional settings. Jurors will be selected by the committee to ensure artistic excellence, stylistic openness, and cross-generational representation.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

  • CAMTA member: $20 per manuscript | Non-member: $25 per manuscript

  • FEES CANNOT BE REFUNDED!

  • Registration and fee payments must be completed via the new CAMTA Member Portal.

AWARDS

Each category will include:

  • Selected Composer Winner(s):

    • Will receive jury feedback, 

    • A public performance by members of the Two Pianos Committee and partner pianists, 

    • Will be featured on CAMTA platforms.

  • Honorable Mentions:

    • Performance(s)

The jury reserves the right to award fewer or no prizes if submissions do not meet the expected artistic standards.

TWO PIANO COMPOSITION CONTEST REGISTRATION

Submit compositions via the CAMTA Member Portal.

Note: a computer (desktop/laptop) is required to use the CAMTA Member Portal. Mobile devices and tablets are not supported at this time.

Instructions for CAMTA Members

  • Log in to your Member Portal account.

  • Add all participating students to your Student Roster (if they are not listed already).

  • From the sidebar, click Events, then Active Events. 

  • Select 2025 Composition Festival 

    • Click Register next to each student’s name to register students.

    • Enter the student’s composition details and upload the mp3 and manuscript.

    • Click the blue Register button. This will move the student to the Pending Payment column.

    • Check out of the Payment Cart to fully submit the registration.

Instructions for NON-Members

Teachers who are not members of CAMTA will need a Member Portal account to register students for the Composition Festival.

Any non-member who previously created a portal account for other CAMTA events can simply login and register their students. All non-member fees will automatically be applied.

If you have not previously created a Member Portal Account, fill out the form to request a non-member account. You will receive an email from portal@camta.org with instructions on how to get your account set up. Then follow the same instructions listed above to register students.

Member portal accounts will be allocated to teachers only (not parents).