General Information
To what does the June 1st deadline refer? Posting the materials or receiving them?
The Barlow Endowment office must RECEIVE the materials by June 1st of each year. The Endowment will not consider applications received after that time. International applicants should post their materials in time to meet the deadline--the Endowment does not make exceptions for slow delivery.
What if the deadline is on a weekend?
The June 1st deadline still holds. The Barlow Endowment operates out of Brigham Young University, and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. If the June 1st deadline falls during a weekend, all materials must be received the Friday prior to the deadline.
Is there an entry fee?
There is no fee for applying.
For what am I applying?
Composers/performers are applying for a commission to compose a NEW work, one not yet written. The awarded contract will be between the Endowment and composer for composer fee's only.
To what does the time length in the composition description refer?
The time requirement pertains to the winning composer's yet to be written commission and should be considered a strict requirement.
Do I need to send a letter of recommendation?
No.
Can I apply for all of the commissions?
Composers may apply for the Prize and either a General OR a LDS commission. Composers seeking General or LDS commissions may apply for either but not both, and should submit no more than one proposal to any program.
Each submission must include a separate application and unique materials. Composers should not submit the same pieces to be reviewed for multiple Barlow competitions.
Who can apply for a General Commission?
Any composer, (or agent, artist or ensemble applying on behalf of a particular composer) may submit an application. There are no restrictions regarding musical style, nationality, age, gender, race, religion or political persuasion. The only requirement is that all requested materials be submitted together. As mentioned above, composers seeking General or LDS commissions may apply for either but not both and should submit no more than one proposal to any program.
Who may apply for an LDS Commission?
Composers who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) or, any composer willing to engage LDS subject matter may apply. Again, composers seeking General or LDS Commissions may apply for either but not both and should submit no more than one proposal to any program.
What is meant by LDS subject matter?
LDS subject matter would include LDS standard scriptural works, such as the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and Hymns (the LDS hymnbook). Other texts that engage LDS theology would also be considered "LDS subject matter."
Is there a limit to the number of composers that can apply with the same ensemble?
Any performer may apply for a commission on behalf of any composer. Judging decisions are based on a composer's qualifications. Hence, the Endowment would prefer that applications are submitted separately rather than bundled with multiple composers in a single application; this allows the judging panel to consider the merits of each composer separate from each other.
None, one, two, three, or all of the composers may win a commission. In funding the project, applicants should prepare for any of these results when more than one application is submitted.
Back to Top
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
What is a resume of compositional activity?
A resume of compositional activity includes a listing of a composer's catalog, performances, publications, commissions, awards, and recordings.
What two scores should I submit? Should they both pertain to the genre of the commission for which I am applying?
The Barlow Endowment leaves it up to the composer to decide which two hard-copy scores they feel best represent their abilities and talents. One of these scores must be no more than five-years old, and at least one (not necessarily the same one) must represent the genre for which they are applying. The Endowment does not provide advice to applicants regarding which piece of music best represents them and their abilities. Reminder: Submit EXACTLY two scores. No electronic scores can be accepted.
Do I have to submit a recording with my score?
Applications will be considered with or without recordings. Scores with recordings are considered helpful in the judging process. Composers understand how the aural expression of music might enhance its assessment.
How should I submit my recordings?
Judges urge composers to burn a single CD containing both submitted works and to use multiple tracking for multi-movement works. Be certain that CD cases list detailed program and track information. The judging panel will not be able to review MIDI, MP3, DVD, video, or DAT formats.
Should I submit a recording from my proposed performers?
There is no need to submit a recording from the performers. Commissions will be awarded based upon the skill of the composer.
If I am working with multiple performers, do all of them need to sign the application?
The application should designate a single person from ONE of the groups who will represent all members of the consortium, should a commission be awarded.
In the supporting letter, one person from any of the performing entities may represent all performers. That representative will co-sign the contract with the composer.
If I am being commissioned by more than one ensemble/performer, which ensemble/performer submits the application?
Composers usually submit their own applications. However, we will consider a single application on behalf of any composer from any ensemble/performer committed to follow through with a performance of the commissioned work.
Will the Endowment notify me when they receive my submission?
Due to the volume of entries, applicants will be notified of submission receipt after all of the submissions have been catalogued. This will happen no later than June 30.
Will the Endowment return my submission?
The Endowment is unable to return scores, recordings, or other materials submitted by applicants.
Do you fund only “traditionally notated” compositions?
There are no restrictions on style or notation. The Judging Panels and Board of Advisors represent a broad spectrum from the world of composition and are qualified to assess any score.
For a General or LDS Commission, how much should I request for my commission?
We suggest that you visit the Meet the Composer web site for details. You might use this information as a starting point. The link is: http://www.meetthecomposer.org/commissioning-music-usa
Although the judging panel has increased requested amounts on occasion in the past, more often than not, they reduce the amounts under mutual agreement with the composer. In the appropriate place on the application, remember to list the total budget, including funding already secured and other funding you seek.
OTHER Topics
How long do I have to complete and perform my commission once it is granted. How many times does it need to be performed?
When filling out a Barlow Endowment application, composers include an estimated composition deadline date and proposed performance date(s), verified by a letter from the performer(s). Composers may only be commissioned for pieces not yet started. Projects started previously are not eligible for Endowment funding. If awarded a commission, the composer and an ensemble representative sign a contract containing those deadlines supplied in the application.
The Barlow Endowment does not specify the number of performances, or the time lag between completing a commission and its premiere.
When will the next competition be posted on the web site?
Details regarding each year's competition will be posted shortly after January 1 of the competition year.
Could I receive the judge’s feedback from my submission?
The judging panel does not provide feedback for applicants.
How do I receive regular mailings regarding the Barlow Endowment?
Send an email to BarlowEndowment@byu.edu requesting your name be added to their mailing list.
Please include your email and full address.
How do I change my address on the mailing list?
Send an email to BarlowEndowment@byu.edu requesting your address be changed on their mailing list.
Please include your email and full address.