UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland)
Offered by UCD School of Music / UCD Composition Ensemble
Who can apply
Secondary-school students from Transition Year to Leaving Cert/A-Levels resident anywhere on the island of Ireland. Works for 1–4 instruments or voices (electronics allowed), ideally 2–10 minutes, fully notated, sent as PDF with a recording or MIDI.
About this opportunity
The UCD Composition Prize is a free-to-enter competition for secondary-school students anywhere on the island of Ireland, from Transition Year through to Leaving Certificate or A-Level years. There's no cash prize; the reward is a professional outing for the work itself, with the winning piece performed by the UCD Composition Ensemble at the National Concert Hall in Dublin in April 2027. Entries can be written for one to four instruments or voices, with electronic parts allowed, and the organisers suggest sticking to commonly available instruments such as voice, guitar, piano, violin or flute if you're unsure what the ensemble can cover. Any style of music is accepted; they're after an original and coherent idea more than a particular genre. You submit a PDF score, a recording or MIDI realisation where you can manage one, and your name, contact details and school, by email to the Contemporary Music Centre, before 5pm on 8 January 2027. Judges weigh three things: how original and coherent the musical idea is, how well it's written for the instruments chosen, and how clearly the score itself is presented on the page.
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Frequently asked questions
- When is the deadline for UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland)?
- The current deadline is January 8, 2027.
- Who offers UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland)?
- UCD School of Music / UCD Composition Ensemble runs it, from Dublin, Ireland, Ireland.
- What funding or support does UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland) offer?
- Performance of the winning piece at the National Concert Hall (no cash prize stated); free entry
- Who can apply for UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland)?
- Secondary-school students from Transition Year to Leaving Cert/A-Levels resident anywhere on the island of Ireland. Works for 1–4 instruments or voices (electronics allowed), ideally 2–10 minutes, fully notated, sent as PDF with a recording or MIDI.
- How do I apply for UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland)?
- You apply on the funder's own site. The link is on this page: with a free GrantGigs account for deadlines in the next 30 days, or with Pro for later ones. If applications are new to you, our guide on how to apply for music grants walks through the whole process. Read the guide →
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UCD Composition Prize 2027 (secondary-school composers, island of Ireland)