Dragon Music Prize

The School of Performing Arts invites music submissions for the chance of a premiere.

The Dragon Music Prize is an annual music competition hosted by the School of Performing Arts, which invites original music submissions for the opportunity of a premiere. Here are some key details about the competition:

2024-2025 School Year Submissions

This year, we are able to offer the Dragon Music Prize in the area(s) of:

  • Unpremiered SATB choral music.

Eligibility

The competition is open to composers and musicians who wish to submit their original compositions. Submissions should be never-before-performed works. Please limit submissions to one per academic year.

Submission Guidelines

  • Music Style: Submissions can be in any musical style, voicing, or arrangement that you believe would be suitable for our ensembles.
  • Submission Fee: There is no submission fee, making it accessible to a wide range of composers and musicians.
  • Duration: Works of 2 to 6 minutes are strongly encouraged.
  • Instrumentation: Any instrumentation/division will be considered, but practicality and logistics will be taken into account when selecting the winning piece.
  • One submission per composer.

Prize

  • The Dragon Music Prize winner will receive $500 as a monetary award.
  • Additionally, the winner will be provided with a hotel stay.
  • The winning composer will have the opportunity to work with the school's ensembles in rehearsal prior to the premiere of their composition.

Submission Deadline

Composers and musicians interested in participating should email their complete score to spa@mnstate.edu with the subject "2025 Dragon Music Prize" by January 15.

Winner Announcement

The winner of the Dragon Music Prize will be announced on February 15.

Past Winners

  • Julian Bryson (Florida)
  • Kate Courage (UK)
  • Jake Huntley (Minnesota)
  • Taleya Jordan (Louisiana)

This competition provides an excellent opportunity for composers to showcase their original compositions and collaborate with the School of Performing Arts, enriching our students' educational experience and providing well-earned recognition for composers far and wide.