Opens: November 12, 2025
Deadline: January 15, 2026

Details:

1. Instrumentation. Works submitted must be for one or more of the following instruments: Flute (1 player, doubling Piccolo, or Alto Flute), Violin (2 players), Viola (1 player) Violoncello (1 player), Piano (1 player), and Soprano Voice (1 player). Works including Clarinet in B-flat or Bass Clarinet (1 player) are also acceptable. Works for additional instruments or performers may be submitted if the composer is willing to provide the performer or perform the piece themselves.
2. Duration. Works can be of any duration, although preference will be given to pieces which are 10 minutes or less.
3. Multimedia. For all multimedia submissions, composers must indicate that they have the rights to the specific multimedia element to be used (e.g. the film, tape, electronics, choreography, artwork, etc.). If their work is selected, the composer must grant BNMI permission to utilize it during performance, or else grant BNMI permission, at its discretion, to create a multimedia element. In the second case, BNMI reserves the right to incorporate or not to incorporate multimedia elements at its sole discretion.
4. Electronics. Scores of works involving electronic elements must include detailed information on technical requirements for performance. Likewise, multimedia works must indicate any extramusical forces needed. Works utilizing excessive electronic equipment may not be able to be programmed, but we will consider these works if composers can provide their own equipment. Please note in the Tech Rider if you are able to do so.
5. Number of Entries. There is no limit on the number of works a composer may submit; however, each work should be submitted as a separate entry. Multi-movement works should be submitted as single entries, even if movements are in separate files. (The submission process allows for multiple files per entry.)
6. Anonymity. All submissions must be anonymous. Scores or other materials with names or other identifying marks will not be considered. Please remove all identifying marks from all materials (except the composer information page, see submission process below) before submitting. Please make sure no metadata including names or identifying marks remain in submitted files. Please do not use a pseudonym or code number, simply remove your name. The best way to completely remove your name from a score is to use the "Redact" option in a pdf reader/editor. 
7. Membership. Composers do not have to become members of BNMI, however Shout It Out Membership ($45/year) includes one free submission to ALL BNMI Calls for Scores (we host up to four per year) for one year. Information on membership benefits can be found here.
   
8. File Formats. The only acceptable file formats are:

   • For the score: .pdf
   • For (optional) audio recordings: .mp3 or .m4a
   • For video: .mov or .m4v
   • All other materials: .doc, .docx, .txt, .rtf, .odt, or .pdf
9. Delivery of Music. Selected composers are required to provide electronic copies of the full score and parts within four (4) weeks of their notification of selection. If electronics or multimedia are involved, all files required for performance and rehearsal must be submitted within the same time frame. If required materials are not received within the requested time frame, the work may be removed from the performance.
10. Permission for Use. By submitting to this call, the composer gives permission to record audio and video of any and all concerts and events hosted by or associated with BNMI in which the submitted piece is included. BNMI shall possess ownership of recorded audio and video and maintains the right to publicly distribute audio and video for promotional purposes. BNMI shall not publicly distribute the recording of any performance for financial gain.
11. Performance Attendance. BNMI strongly encourages composers to attend the performance if at all possible so that they can engage in our community-building efforts. Travel grants are not currently available.
12. Questions? Please address any questions to info@bostonnewmusic.org. Note: Please do NOT send submission materials to this email address as the materials cannot be submitted using this method. When submitting inquiries, please be as generic as possible, and do not include the title of your piece in the query in order to preserve anonymity.

Submission Process:

Composers are asked to use our submission portal to upload the following materials (each as separate documents).

Click here to submit.