The Kent State Hugh A. Glauser School of Music is proud to announce the Roy Minoff Composition Competition.
The goal of this competition is to support the creation of a significant new work that will receive its world premiere at Kent State University by Glauser School of Music faculty.
Subject to the requirements provided herein, the composer (hereafter referred to as “Selected Composer”) will be eligible to receive a $14,000 commission to create a new work 15-20 minutes in duration for flute, clarinet, percussion, piano, violin and cello. (hereafter called the “Work”). Half of the Commission Fee will be paid initially as provided herein and the remaining sum will be paid upon successful completion and delivery of the Work.
The Selected Composer is required to attend the premiere of the Work at Kent State, to be scheduled in the Fall of 2026, as well as other related activities (such as a masterclass and/or lecture). Lodging will be covered by the Roy Minoff competition, but the composer must fund their own travel. The concert will be recorded and live streamed.
The Roy Minoff Competition is open to composers of all ages, regardless of style. There is no entry fee. If a composer wishes to include electronics or multimedia elements, the composer must consult with the competition administrator to ensure their vision is possible.
Please note that the competition is anonymous. No identifying words, marks, or voices are allowed on any submitted scores and sound files and will lead to disqualification of the entry.
The following groups are not eligible to enter the competition:
Members of the Roy Minoff competition jury
Members of the Kent State University faculty
Students currently enrolled at Kent State University
The competition jury will include distinguished composers and members of the Kent State faculty. The jury’s decision is final and may not be appealed. The jury also reserves the right not to select any composer. By entering the competition, each composer accepts the regulations of this competition.
Two Scores (PDFs required). At least one should be a chamber piece (3-8 players) and one of the works should be from the last five years.
Two corresponding recordings (audio/video).
June 1, 2025, 11:59 P.M. EST deadline for all submissions. Late entries and incomplete entries will be disqualified. Physical media (printed scores, compact discs, etc.) will not be accepted.
Summer 2025, A finalist is notified that they have been chosen to receive the commission. As a final condition to receiving the commission, the parties must execute the agreement for the use of the Work by the University for the purposes provided herein. In the event that the agreement is not executed by the parties, the finalist will be disqualified from the competition and another composer may be chosen by the jury.
Summer 2025: A deposit of $7,000.00 USD will be paid to the Selected Composer per the terms of the agreement.
August 1, 2026, 5:00 P.M. EST: Deadline for completion and delivery of the Work. An electronic copy of the Work (score and performance parts) must be sent by the Selected Composer to the Competition Administrator. Upon receipt of the electronic copy of the Work, the Selected Composer will receive a second and final payment of $7,000.00 USD. Should the Selected Composer not provide delivery by this date, the Selected Composer will be required to return the deposit to the University per the terms of the agreement.
Fall, 2026, date TBD: The Selected Composer’s Work will be premiered in a concert at Ludwig Recital Hall at Kent State University. The Selected Composer must attend the concert premiere of the new work and perform other activities (TBD).
The Roy Minoff Competition will officially announce the commissioned composer at a time mutually agreeable to both parties.
Dr. Adam Roberts, arober86@kent.edu
