Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2026

Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2026 Is Here!

The Tunescribers Arranging Competition returns for 2026 — and this year, it’s bigger.

For the first time, we’re introducing three categories:

🎹 Piano (Solo)
🎻 Ensemble (3–6 performers)
🎼 Choral (SATB)

Create an original 2-minute arrangement based on our public domain melody, compete for cash and software prizes, and have your work recognised by a global community of musicians.

How It Works

🔹 Receive the Prompt – 1 May 2026
You’ll receive a public domain melody and creative brief to guide your arrangement.

🔹 Create Your Arrangement – 1–14 May 2026
You’ll have two weeks to craft a 2-minute arrangement in your chosen category. Any style. Any genre. Transform the melody as creatively as you like — just make sure it’s performable by real musicians.

🔹 Submit Your Work – Deadline: 14 May 2026 (12:00 midday UK Time)
Submit your notation file, PDF score (plus parts if required), and audio mockup via our online form.

🔹 Judging & Audience Prize
Our professional judging panel will evaluate entries in each category. Selected entries may be featured for a public vote to determine the Audience Prize winner.

🔹 Winners Announced – Summer 2026

Prizes (Per Category)

🥇 1st Place (Piano, Ensemble & Choral)
$250 cash
Publication on Tunescribers
Category-specific software prize:

Piano → Graphical MIDI Tools Gold Pass
Ensemble → NotePerformer license
Choral → Cantai lifetime license

🥈 2nd Place (Per Category)
Transcribe! license + $100 Tunescribers credit

🥉 3rd Place (Per Category)
$50 Tunescribers credit

🌟 Audience Prize
$50 Tunescribers credit

Choose Your Ticket

Piano

Standard Entry ($18)
Standard + Critique ($55)
Concessionary Entry ($12)
Concessionary + Critique ($30)

Choral

Standard Entry ($18)
Standard + Critique ($55)
Concessionary Entry ($12)
Concessionary + Critique ($30)

Ensemble

Standard Entry ($18)
Standard + Critique ($55)
Concessionary Entry ($12)
Concessionary + Critique ($30)

Bundle (All 3 Categories)

Bundle Entry (Best Value) ($36)
Bundle + Critique ($110)

Critique Tier: Personalised Feedback

If you choose a Critique ticket, you’ll receive detailed written feedback from our judging panel, including:

• Harmonic, rhythmic, and structural observations
• Development of the provided melody
• Playability and performer-focused suggestions
• Notational clarity and presentation advice

This is ideal if you’re looking to develop your arranging skills alongside competing.

Key Rules

• Your arrangement must be based on the provided melody
• Maximum length: 2 minutes
• Must be performable by real musicians
• Submission requires PDF score, notation file, and audio mockup
• AI-generated or AI-assisted entries are not permitted

Full Terms & Conditions available here.