Classical Commissioning Guidelines

Chamber Music America’s Classical Commissioning Program provides grants to professional U.S.-based presenters and ensembles whose programming includes Western European and/or non-Western classical and contemporary music. Grants are provided for the commissioning and performance of new works by American composers. The program supports works scored for 2–10 musicians performing one per part, composed in any of the musical styles associated with contemporary classical music. 

Chamber Music America encourages commissions by emerging and mid-career composers. 

The Board of Directors of Chamber Music America has made diversity, equity, and inclusion a primary focus of the organization’s work. CMA encourages applications for projects that engage a broad spectrum of diversity. (Read CMA’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.) 

Additionally, CMA has compiled a database of ALAANA, women, and gender non-conforming composers who have expressed interest in creating new work for classical/contemporary chamber ensembles. (View the Composers Equity Project resource.) 

Panel Review Process

Classical Commissioning applications are reviewed by an independent panel of chamber music professionals versed in current compositional trends and performance practices. The panel does not include members of the CMA staff or board. (Representative list of panelists) 

Important note: 

• Applicants may submit samples of up to 5 minutes 
• Panelists listen to 2 minutes of each Audio Sample 
• Applicants may indicate cue times to target the panelists’ audio review in the application 
• Unless otherwise indicated with cue times, the panel will listen from the beginning of the audio sample 
• Submissions are reviewed anonymously (without identifying information) in all panel rounds 

Budget Requirements, Grant Award, and Funding

Commission Support Payment ($7,500) 

• The commission support payment is $7,500. 

 Rehearsal Support Payment (up to $7,500) 

• This includes $750 per musician, including any guest artists. 
• The support payment represents: 
  • Payment toward rehearsal and performance of the new work. 
    • If the composer will perform or conduct the work, they are eligible for a rehearsal payment. 
    • The total number of musicians may not exceed 10. 

Performance Support Payment ($1,000) 

• Supporting costs of transportation, lodging, and per diem basic programming costs and services or production costs. 

Administration/Copying Costs Support Payment ($500) 

• $500 to support copying costs. 

Grant Award and Payment

CMA contracts with and makes grant payments to the applicant entity—either the ensemble or presenter. It is the grantee’s responsibility to compensate the composer and, if the grantee is a presenter, the ensemble. CMA does not make payments to fiscal sponsors. 

• If a grantee ensemble has 501(c)(3) status, payment is made to the organization. If not, all grant payments are made to the designated ensemble member serving as grant contact, who must provide government-approved documentation showing their U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.  
• A presenter grantee must provide proof of non-profit status. 
• Grant funds are taxable; grantees must comply with all applicable city, state, and federal laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations affecting the project.  
• The designated ensemble member or presenter grantee is responsible for managing the project and disbursement and reporting grant income. 

Payments

If awarded, payment of the grant funds will be made as follows: 

• An initial payment consisting of $3,750 for the composer. 
• A second payment consisting of $3,750 for the composer, $500 for copying costs, $750 for each ensemble member takes place after receipt of the interim report.  The interim report includes the commission score and booking confirmation of the work’s premiere.  

All contractual obligations including the completed score, booking confirmation for the premiere, and the performance of the premiere must be completed by June 30, 2026, in order to remain in good standing with CMA and maintain eligibility for potential future applications and funding. 

The Application

CMA uses an online application through Submittable. Create a free Submittable account if you do not already have one. Only online applications will be accepted. 

• Complete the online form directly or draft your responses in an offline document as a backup, then copy and paste your information into the online application. 
• To save the work you have done on your application, you must click SAVE DRAFT at the bottom of the form before exiting. 
• You can return to your saved application to continue working on it by following the log-in instructions. 
• The application will close promptly at 11:59 PM ET on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute complications. 

Uploads

Audio Uploads

Audio files must be uploaded to the online application. Submissions are reviewed from the beginning, unless cue times are indicated; therefore, editing of each audio file is recommended. MIDI files are not accepted. 

 The Composer’s Audio Work Samples: 

• should provide high quality performances. 
• two selections, preferably chamber music, consisting of up to 5 minutes of a single work, or excerpt from a work on each file (the panel will listen to 2 minutes of each sample, see Panel Review Procedure below) 
• must include work[s] written within the past 25 years. 
• may be re-recorded from a commercially released studio recording. 
• Additionally, if a work includes narration, the compositional element must be strong enough for panelists to adjudicate the composer’s artistry and technique) 
• Only mp3 and/or m4a file types are accepted. 

The Ensemble’s Audio Work Samples 

• small ensemble works (2-10 musicians), consisting of up to 5 minutes of a single work or an excerpt from a work on each file (NOTE: the panel will listen to 2 minutes of each sample, see Panel Review Process below.) 
• should show the group’s ability to perform contemporary music at a high level. 
• two selections (contrasting works are recommended) 
• must include at least one work written within the past 25 years (Audio File 1 or 2) 
• must include at least one unedited audio recording from a live concert or from an online performance (either Audio File 1 or 2); the remaining sample may be from a commercially released or studio recording. 
• Only mp3 and/or m4a file types are accepted. 

Additional Important Ensemble Audio notes: 

The files may not include works: 

• performed by soloists or that contain extensive solo passages 
• that prominently feature guests/soloists not involved in the proposed commission 
• with orchestra 
• that are scored for more than 10 musicians 
• that are performed by more than one musician per part 
• If the ensemble is a subset of a larger collective or roster, at least 50 percent of the musicians that will perform the commissioned work must appear on each work sample. Include, if possible, at least one work with the same (or similar) instrumentation and size as the work to be commissioned. 
• The number of musicians on the ensemble files, however, should not exceed the commissioned instrumentation by greater than 50 percent. 
• If a duo, both ensemble members must be included in the application and audio samples. 
• If the new work is for a small group, such as a duo or trio, do not include audio performed by a larger ensemble.
• If the ensemble is of fixed instrumentation and personnel (such as a string quartet) and has had a personnel change, the recording must feature at least 50 percent of the current members.
• If desired, include a work of another period if the music reflects the group’s mission and strengths.
• It is recommended that the ensemble audio files feature different works rather than two movements from the same work.
• If a work includes narration, the instrumental element must be strong enough for panelists to adjudicate the artistry and technique of the ensemble.  

Score Uploads for Composer and Ensemble Audio Samples 

One Composer Score Sample and one Ensemble Score Sample must be accompanied by a relevant section of the printed score or graphic notation. Score Samples must be uploaded to the online application. 

Please remove or delete any identifying information about the composer or work title in each upload. Acceptable file type: pdf only. 

To submit an application 

• Go to https://cma.submittable.com and Select Classical Commissioning 
• Enter the required information in all text boxes and tables. 
• Prepare your score and audio sample attachments. 
• Label Audio files as indicated below: 
  • Ensemble Files: E1 – Applicant Name; E2 – Applicant Name 
  • Composer Files: C1 – Applicant Name – Composer Name; C2 – Applicant Name – Composer Name 
  • Score Samples: Label Score Sample pdfs as “C1 Score” or “C2 Score” and “E1 Score” or “E2 Score” 
• Memorandum(s) of Understanding from the Composer and, if a Presenter applicant, between the Ensemble and Presenter 
• Composer’s bio or résumé 
• Upload attachments to application. 
• When complete, sign and date the application. 
• Click  SUBMIT to send the application to CMA; you will receive a confirmation email. 

PROGRAM INFORMATION (FAQS) | APPLICATION

Program Support: Susan Dadian, associate director of grant programs, sdadian@chambermusicamerica.org
Membership: Geysa Castro, director of membership services, gcastro@chambermusicamerica.org
Technical Support: Submittable Help – For Submitters | Submittable