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.
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, 2026: 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:
Young Composers (Youth: Pre-collegiate)
Emerging Composers (Collegiate) - enrolled in a composition program
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
Login to the Member Portal.
From the left sidebar, click Events > Active Events.
Select: 2025 Two Piano Composition Contest - Project No. 1 - Call for Composers
Fill out the registration form and upload all required materials.
Click the blue Register button. This will move the registration to the Pending Payment column.
Go to your Payment Cart and check out. Once payment is complete, the registration will move to the Registered column. You will receive a payment receipt via email.
If registering a student, you will first need to add the student information to your Students roster.
From the left sidebar, click Students, then Add a Student
Add your student's details and hit Save
Return to the event registration form and search for your student’s name to complete the registration.
Instructions for NON-Members
Composers who are not members of CAMTA will need a Member Portal account to register for the Two Piano Composition Contest.
Any non-member who previously created a portal account for other CAMTA events can simply login and register for this event. All non-member fees will automatically be applied.
If you have not previously created a Member Portal Account, fill out the form below to request a Non-Member portal 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.