Aaron Copland Awards

GUIDELINES

he Aaron Copland Awards were inspired by Copland's exceptional legacy of support for his fellow composers. Based at Copland House, an Official Project of the White House Save America's Treasures program and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Aaron Copland Awards composer residencies have earned nationwide recognition and esteem since they began in Fall 1998.

Typically, 6 to 8 gifted, emerging or mid-career American composers each year are invited to reside, one at a time, at Copland House, Aaron Copland's restored, longtime New York home. There, they can focus on their creative work, free from the distractions of daily life and other professional responsibilities. As guests of Copland House for 3 weeks to 2 months, their meals, housekeeping, local transportation, and other needs are provided for.

Situated on 3 secluded acres near historic Hudson River towns like Sleepy Hollow, Ossining, and Tarrytown, the House, called "a dwelling of particular historical interest" by The New York Post, offers the rustic setting Copland so enjoyed, yet is just outside the city of Peekskill and only one hour by commuter train from New York City. The spacious yet unassuming 1940's house that Copland regarded as "my hideaway, my solitude" reflects his rugged elegance and natural simplicity.

Its glass-walled studio affords a serene, comfortable working environment and an almost palpable connection with the lush woodlands it overlooks. Since each composer occupies the House by him/herself, only those individuals who are comfortable living and working in solitude are encouraged to apply. A spouse or companion is welcome, but children and pets will not be allowed.

Copland Awards residents also become eligible for other prospective opportunities, including the Sylvia Goldstein Award (to help support the performance, recording, or publication of works written at least in part at Copland House), the Borromeo String Quartet Award (offering performance opportunities around the U.S. and abroad), the Ameya Prize (a special residency and composer’s showcase at the northern edge of Montana’s Yellowstone National Forest), and the Hoff-Barthelson/Copland House commissions (for a short chamber work composed for intermediate-level student ensemble).

ELIGIBILITY

Open to emerging or mid-career professional composers who are American citizens or permanent residents, writing in any genre. Small collaborative teams are also welcome to apply. Previous recipients of The Aaron Copland Awards may re-apply after four years. Since The Aaron Copland Awards are based on a rotating jury process, being chosen for a residency award or as an alternate one year does not automatically guarantee selection in another year.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The primary criterion for The Aaron Copland Awards is artistic quality, as evidenced by compositions submitted for consideration.

Applications must be received by June 1 of each year, and will be reviewed by a panel of eminent musicians. Late or incomplete packets will be disqualified. Award recipients will usually be notified by mid-summer. Residencies will be scheduled for the period November 1st of the application year through October 31st of the following year. Please include the following in one packet:

• 1. Application form (click here to view)

• 2. Proof of citizenship or resident status. (Birth certificate, U.S. passport, Board of Elections registration card, or INS document. Driver's license or Social Security card are NOT acceptable.)

• 3. Resume with a brief description of the creative work to be done at Copland House

• 4a. Three scores that best represent the composer's work. (Submission of scores in small format [8-1/2” x 11”] is encouraged.)

• 4b. Recordings of these three works are highly desirable; if any are unavailable, recordings of other works should be substituted. Only compact disc recordings will be accepted. Both the disc and the CD case should be clearly labeled with the composer's name and work title, and, if applicable, tracking and listing of movements or sections.

JURY

Applications are reviewed by a panel of distinguished musicians. Past jurors have included Samuel Adler, Eve Beglarian, Martin Bresnick, Eric Chasalow, Chen Yi, Eleanor Cory, George Crumb, Mario Davidovsky, Daron Hagen, Lee Hyla, Tania Léon, Lowell Liebermann, Steve Mackey, Paul Moravec, Stephen Paulus, George Perle, George Rochberg, Ned Rorem, Bruce Saylor, Gunther Schuller, Steven Stucky, Melinda Wagner, and others.