The American Composers Forum (ACF) offers a dynamic and inclusive platform for music creators through its Opportunities page. This curated listing features a wide array of calls for music, festival participations, commissions, and grant opportunities. ACF is deeply committed to equity, access, and anti-racism, ensuring transparency in its selection processes and practices.
Current Opportunities
Here are some notable opportunities currently open for submissions:
- inner sOUndscapes | Saxophone
- Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Fee: None
- Details: A concert series dedicated to electroacoustic music, seeking works for solo or ensemble saxophones with live electronics or fixed media. Selected pieces will be performed at the University of Oklahoma in mid-November 2025.
- 9th Annual Stephen Paulus Emerging Composers Competition
- Deadline: August 31, 2025
- Fee: None
- Details: Invites 5-6 minute choral works. The selected composer will be commissioned to write a new piece for True Concord, premiering in the 2026-27 season. Includes a $2,000 prize and a $500 travel stipend.
- W3 Composer Fellowship
- Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Fee: None
- Details: A tuition-free, fully virtual fellowship for emerging composers. Two fellows (one from Wales and one from Wyoming or neighboring states) will have their compositions workshopped and performed at both the Tenby International Music Festival and the Wyoming International Chamber Music Festival.
- National Young Composers Challenge
- Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Fee: None
- Details: Open to U.S.-based composers aged 13-18. Submissions for orchestra or chamber group, no longer than 5 minutes. Winners receive cash awards and live performances by members of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
- The 2025 Saint Francis of Assisi International Music Composition Competition
- Deadline: July 15, 2025
- Fee: None
- Details: An international competition seeking compositions inspired by the figure of Saint Francis of Assisi. Further details are available on the ACF Opportunities page.
Submission Guidelines
ACF ensures that each opportunity aligns with its values of equity and transparency. Submissions are reviewed by ACF’s Artist Support team to confirm they are appropriate and fair. Organizations are encouraged to submit opportunities at least two months prior to their deadlines to allow adequate review time.
Stay Informed
To receive monthly updates on new opportunities, webinars, and artist resources, you can sign up for ACF’s Artist Support Newsletter directly on their Opportunities page.
Submit an Opportunity
If you have an opportunity to share with the music creator community, ACF welcomes submissions. You can fill out the submission form or email the details to opportunities@composersforum.org. Ensure your submission includes clear requirements and offers fair compensation to artists.
For more detailed information and to explore additional opportunities, visit the ACF Opportunities page.
