Composers Competition
The Macro Analysis Creative Resources Organization (MACRO)
announces the 27th Annual
2026 MACRO
Composition Competition
Prize: $1000 and Conference Presentation
List of Previous Competition Winners
Entry Guidelines and Submission Procedures
- Submit one or more original works for string orchestra. Pieces must be unpublished and must not have won any previous awards. Submitted works should be under 15 minutes in length. There is no entry fee.
- Submit each entered composition separately using the MACRO Composition Competition entry form for 2026. Each entry must include the following:
- A PDF file of the score, with composer name and other identifying marks removed.
- An audio file of a performance or MIDI realization of the composition, with a maximum size of 15 MB. Contact the Competition Chair Dr. Rich Freese (rich.freese.macro@gmail.com) if you have questions.
- A biographical sketch.
- A short statement, indicating how the principles of macro analysis are involved in the entered composition.
- All materials must be received by February 2, 2026, 11:59 PM Central Time (US). Late and/or incomplete entries will not be accepted. See the entry form for further information.
Responsibilities of Competition Winner
- The winner agrees to speak about their winning composition at the 2026 MACRO Workshop, to be held in Madison, Wisconsin on June 5-6, 2026. MACRO will reimburse up to a maximum of $500 in travel expenses.
- The winner must be a MACRO member or must join in order to receive the monetary prize and travel funds. Important: A valid U.S. Social Security number is required in order to be reimbursed. To join MACRO, simply submit the online Membership Application and Registration Form. There is no membership fee. The winner will be notified by March 4, 2026.
For Further Information
If you have questions about the competition, please contact MACRO Composition Chair Dr. Rich Freese, at rich.freese.macro [at] gmail.com.
If you have questions about MACRO or macro analysis, please consult the MACRO Web site at www.macromusic.org or contact Dr. Jamie Henke, MACRO Chair, at 21 N Park St, Madison, WI 53715, or (608)263-6822 (telephone), or jamie.henke [at] wisc.edu (e-mail).