Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) is dedicated to encouraging the creation of new works by American composers and annually assists its affiliated state associations with the generation and performance of new music through the national Composer Commissioning program. Each year, the Kentucky Music Teachers Association (KMTA) board selects one composer from the region to write a commissioned work for performance at their annual state conference. Selected composers earn a shared commission fee of $1,500 from MTNA/KMTA. In addition, KMTA will fund a year’s membership in both organizations for the selected composer.
Following the premier performance, the Kentucky commissioned work will be submitted to a panel of recognized composers who will select the MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year from among all state commissioned works produced throughout the country that year. The winning work is presented in a concert performance at the next MTNA National Conference, and the composer is proclaimed the MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year.
Composers living/working in Kentucky or adjoining states are invited to apply. Preference will be given to Kentucky-affiliated composers. It is not necessary to be a member of KMTA or MTNA to apply.
The selected composer will be responsible for securing performer(s) for the premiere at the 2026 KMTA State Conference in October. The specific date and location of the conference is to be determined at the current moment. Should your piece be chosen as the national winner among all 2025 MTNA commissioned works, you would also be obligated to present a performance at the national convention. There is a minimum duration of 7-8 minutes; recent commissioned works have averaged from 10-15 minutes.
Commissioned composers from the last three years (2023-2025) should wait before reapplying.
The application deadline is December 5, 2026
More information and submission information can be found on the Call for Proposal announcement below:
