INTERNATIONAL
CALL FOR SCORES
ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2026
CATEGORIES
-
FACULTY INSTRUMENTATION
Write for any subset of three or more of our Nief-Norf Summer Festival 2027 faculty instrumentation:
Flute (full family)
Oboe / English Horn
Saxophone (full family)
French Horn
Voice (G3 - G5)
Violin / Viola
Cello
Piano
Percussion
PercussionMORE COMING TO THIS LIST SOON!
Please note that each line item represents one individual!
-
GRAPHIC SCORES
Submit works that use graphic or non-Western forms of notation.
In addition to presentation at SYNNERGY, works will also be displayed as part of Nief-Norf’s Graphic Score Installation at Downtown Knoxville’s Emporium Arts Center in June 2027!
Instrumentation is flexible but must contain three or more performers. Preference will be given to smaller chamber performances as opposed to large-scale groups.
Both live and fixed/installation works will be considered for presentation at SYNNERGY 2027.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Each year, Nief-Norf’s International Call for Scores invites submissions of contemporary scores in a variety of rotating categories. One score from each category will be selected, rehearsed throughout the Summer Festival, and performed by performance fellows and festival faculty as part of a showcase at our SYNNERGY gathering..
Composers of the selected works will be invited to the Nief-Norf Summer Festival in the days leading up to the performance to coach and collaborate with performers in preparation for the Call for Scores Showcase Concert.
Composers must be 18 years of age or older by June 1, 2027.
APPLICATION FEE
Pay-what-you-can, with a
minimum $5 and a suggested $15 amount per submission
Application fees directly support our panelist stipends, awards for selected composers, and production costs associated with the Call for Scores Showcase at SYNNERGY 2026!
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Score PDF(s)
Composition information (title, performance history if applicable, and program notes)
Duration of work
Recording of work (optional audio/video URLs)
SCORE SELECTION AWARD
$1,000 tuition scholarship to NNSF27
OR
$750 travel stipend with invitation to rehearsals and showcase concert at SYNNERGY 2027
OR$500 award if the selected composer is not able to attend NNSF27
FAQS
-
No! While we would love to collaborate on a premiere, we deeply believe that the second performance of a piece is sometimes the most important.
-
We will consider any compositions written within the past 12 years.
-
Up to five! Please complete a separate submission form for each one.
-
Yes! We are experienced and prepared to handle most technological requirements including amplification, video projections, click tracks, and interactive software. We will ask for collaboration from the composer upon selection, depending on the circumstances.
-
No — submissions can be any length!
-
We have access to one of the most extensive percussion equipment inventories in the country — please contact us if you have a specific instrument you'd like us to confirm! Standard concert/orchestral instruments (keyboards, timpani, bass drums, accessories, etc.) are most definitely available.
-
Yes!
-
We prefer Call for Scores submissions to be original works, however, please contact us at contact@niefnorf.org if you're interested in submitting an arrangment!
-
Personal information requested with your submission (location, brief bio, etc.) is not shared with our panelists. However, submissions are not “blind” as panelists can view your name on the composition PDFs.
Most of the winning composers since 2012 were previously unknown to us!
-
Please see the score selection awards above! Shortly after notifications are sent, we will ask that you send us digital score/parts, any electronic materials needed and reference materials if applicable.
-
You are welcome to submit, however, repeat winners will not be selected within the same five years.