The American Center of Church Music:
Composition Contest and Webinar

The American Center of Church Music, first established in 1988, announces its second annual composition contest and webinar. Composers of any age are eligible. Participants must register for the contest, which will allow access to a webinar on how to compose for organ, as each of our categories will focus on new organ music. While attendance at the webinar is not mandatory in order to participate in the competition, it should be a helpful tool to composers who are not as familiar with the organ. Pieces of any length will be considered, but preference will be given to submissions that are 10 minutes or less in length. Submissions should be unpublished and fall under one of three categories:

A. Hymn or Spiritual Song

Write a 3- or 4-voice hymn with organ accompaniment. The composer must either write original text, use text that is in the public domain, or be able to certify in writing that they have been given permission to use text that is not original or in the public domain by the copyright holder.

B. Chorale Prelude

Write a piece for organ using a pre-existing cantus firmus (hymn tune, song melody, etc.)

C. General Service Music

This serves as a catch-all category. Preference will be given to pieces that could be used in a church service and that utilizes the organ (either an organ solo or a piece that prominently features the organ). Preludes, postludes, offertories, solo.

The webinar will explain the “how's and why's” of the art of composing for organ in light of the complexities of multiple manuals and pedals as well as the many varieties of stops and pitch levels available. The webinar is geared toward those both unfamiliar and familiar with the art and craft of organ composition. It will take place on Saturday 21 January 2023 at 10am Central and include panelists David Cherwien, Timothy Tikker, Graeme Shields, and Tyler Pimm. To those who register, there will be an opportunity to submit questions both before and during the webinar. 

Registration Fee: $20.00 (U.S. Dollar)

Deadline to Register for Webinar: Friday 20 January 2023

Online Seminar: Saturday 21 January 2023 @ 10am Central

Deadline to submit piece: Sunday 23 April 2023

Performance of Winning Submissions: Friday 23 June 2023

The ACCM will recognize three winners, all of which will receive performances of their works as well as a recording and promotion on the ACCM website. In addition, 1st prize will be awarded $500 (U.S. Dollar) and 2nd prize will be awarded $250 (U.S. Dollar).