Apply to ACO EarShot
EarShot
EarShot is the nation’s first ongoing, systematic program for cultivating relationships between orchestras and composers across the Americas. In addition to its annual readings with the NYC-based American Composers Orchestra, EarShot works with a national network of orchestral partners each season to discover and develop composers whose work expands the definition of orchestral music in the Americas.
EarShot is a program of the American Composers Orchestra, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years the program has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country offering opportunities to more than 100 composers. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions as a resource to the field. Orchestras across the country and around the world rely on EarShot to identify and connect with creative artists, as well as to advise on commissions, competitions, and program design. For over a generation, EarShot Readings (est. 2008) as well as ACO’s New Music Readings (“Whitaker” from 1993-2009, “Underwood” from 2009-2020, “EarShot in NYC” from 2022 onwards), have provided all-important career development and public exposure to the country’s most promising composers, with nearly 400 composers participating.
There is no application fee for EarShot Readings. Additionally, travel (up to $700) and local accommodations are provided for the selected composers. Those selected also receive recordings of their works for personal and/or professional use.
For more information on EarShot Readings and ACO’s other Composer Advancement programs, click here.
EarShot is a program of the American Composers Orchestra, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras, American Composers Forum, and New Music USA. Over the past 10 years the program has initiated dozens of composer/orchestra/conductor relationships across the country offering opportunities to more than 100 composers. In 2016, ACO launched a composer archive of past EarShot compositions as a resource to the field. Orchestras across the country and around the world rely on EarShot to identify and connect with creative artists, as well as to advise on commissions, competitions, and program design. For over a generation, EarShot Readings (est. 2008) as well as ACO’s New Music Readings (“Whitaker” from 1993-2009, “Underwood” from 2009-2020, “EarShot in NYC” from 2022 onwards), have provided all-important career development and public exposure to the country’s most promising composers, with nearly 400 composers participating.
There is no application fee for EarShot Readings. Additionally, travel (up to $700) and local accommodations are provided for the selected composers. Those selected also receive recordings of their works for personal and/or professional use.
For more information on EarShot Readings and ACO’s other Composer Advancement programs, click here.
Lawrence University
Lawrence University is seeking composers with works for new music ensemble, preferably featuring flexible instrumentation of 5 to 15 players (including saxophone), to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded in Appleton, WI, on May 12-13, 2025. While any score that meets the instrumentation requirements will be considered for this collaboration between ACO and Lawrence University, a priority of Lawrence University is to workshop scores that fall outside of typical performance and notation standards; graphic scores, scores that engage improvisation, and scores with other components that are non-typical to Western musical notation.
Selected participants will develop and expand the new music ensemble compositions toward participation in EarShot Readings hosted by the Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra, scheduled for January 26-30, 2026.
A total of four (4) composers will be selected for this opportunity; all four will be invited back for the January 2026 EarShot Readings hosted by Lawrence University.
Selected participants will develop and expand the new music ensemble compositions toward participation in EarShot Readings hosted by the Lawrence University Symphony Orchestra, scheduled for January 26-30, 2026.
A total of four (4) composers will be selected for this opportunity; all four will be invited back for the January 2026 EarShot Readings hosted by Lawrence University.
Jacobs School of Music
Jacobs School of Music is seeking composers to participate in workshops aimed toward developing new works that expand the definitions and experiences surrounding American orchestral music. Activities will take place in Bloomington, IN, on March 25-27, 2025, offering selected participants the opportunity to collaborate with established orchestral composers and industry leaders, as well as renowned faculty at the Jacobs School of Music. Over the course of these workshops, select composers will be invited to return to Jacobs School of Music in the fall of 2025 to participate in EarShot Readings, offering participants the opportunity for the works developed during the spring 2025 workshops to be rehearsed, performed, and recorded by Jacobs School of Music musicians.
Eight (8) composers will be selected for the spring 2025 workshops, with four (4) composers advancing to the fall 2025 EarShot Readings. This call is open to all composers who meet ACO’s EarShot Readings criteria; composers from historically marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Eight (8) composers will be selected for the spring 2025 workshops, with four (4) composers advancing to the fall 2025 EarShot Readings. This call is open to all composers who meet ACO’s EarShot Readings criteria; composers from historically marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
- These opportunities are for composers who have had 2 or fewer pieces performed by a professional orchestra (30+ players). College and/or festival orchestra performances, as well as performances that have taken place in conjunction with any composer advancement initiative or program do not count toward the number of pieces “performed by a professional orchestra.”
- U.S. applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in the United States. Mexican, Canadian, Caribbean, Central American, and South American applicants must be a citizen or non-citizen lawfully and permanently residing or studying full-time in their respective countries.
- There are no age restrictions; applicants should be composers/artists at the early stages of their professional orchestral careers.
- Composers selected to participate in any previous EarShot Reading are ineligible.
Application Requirements
Lawrence University
Applicants may submit one work for this opportunity. Applicants may not submit multiple scores.
-Compositions must be less than 13 minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work will be considered.
-Compositions that include MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
-Concertos and vocal works are ineligible.
-Do not submit recordings.Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
-Submissions must be received by October 27, 2024 to be considered.
-Compositions must be less than 13 minutes in length. A portion or movement from a longer work will be considered.
-Compositions that include MIDI, digital technology, amplification, and/or sound reinforcement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
-Concertos and vocal works are ineligible.
-Do not submit recordings.Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
-Submissions must be received by October 27, 2024 to be considered.
Jacobs School of Music
-Applicants must submit 2-3 works (scores and/or recordings) that represent their skill, experience, and approach to composition. Please note that submitted compositions do not necessarily have to be orchestral.
-Applicants must submit a resume, an artistic statement outlining their goals as a composer, a written (or video) statement on what they are interested in developing during the spring 2025 workshops, and 1-2 professional/artistic references.
-Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
-Submissions must be received by October 27, 2024 to be considered.
-Applicants must submit a resume, an artistic statement outlining their goals as a composer, a written (or video) statement on what they are interested in developing during the spring 2025 workshops, and 1-2 professional/artistic references.
-Incomplete, illegible, or late applications will not be considered.
-Submissions must be received by October 27, 2024 to be considered.
If Selected
- Selected composers will be notified via email. Alternates will be invited to participate as needed.
- Composers must be available and ready to attend the required reading sessions, feedback meetings, and professional development workshops. Childcare and/or accommodations for physical disability and neurodiversity will be provided upon request.
- Composers must provide professional, legible orchestral parts and scores prepared according to guidelines established by the Major Orchestral Librarians Association.
- Composers must submit self-portraits/headshots and a short biography for media purposes.
- Composers must agree to be videotaped/audio recorded for archival and promotional purposes, and to have their music recorded for archival and study purposes.
About Our Review & Selection Process
Scores are reviewed by a panel of composers representing various backgrounds, demographics, and musical styles. Panelists rate the scores numerically on criteria including originality, technical proficiency, and orchestration. Selected scores will advance to a second round of panelists, including ACO’s Artistic Director, who will in turn select a group of finalists. From these finalists, participants will be selected by Lawrence University in collaboration with ACO staff.
Questions & Information
For questions or comments on EarShot or the call for scores, please contact Loki Karuna, Director of Artist Equity: loki@americancomposers.org.