Detroit Composers’ Project
CALL FOR PROPOSALS for NEW WORKS

Detroit Composers’ Project is presenting a program of new works this June that explore the idea of music as historical and cultural preservation. DCP invites interested composers to submit a short proposal for a new musical work for small ensemble (1-5 players) that responds to a historical event, place, person, experience, or other cultural object that links the artist to their current time and place. This program seeks to engage a combination of Detroit-based and non-local artists, with the goal of presenting a dynamic and fluid historical snapshot of composers’ perspectives, interests, and experiences. DCP seeks projects that will thoughtfully engage Detroit audiences and performers; composers from diverse musical backgrounds, as well as composer-performers, are encouraged to apply.
Music is a pillar of historical preservation. To know a time in history, a city, or a culture more intimately, we listen to its music. DCP invites composers to submit proposals that thoughtfully and creatively engage with our theme and we encourage topics ranging from Detroit’s history, artists, landmarks, to personal narratives that reflect composers’ place and time outside of Detroit itself. We also encourage proposals that integrate thoughtful research of untold stories or the exploration of topics previously unknown to the composer.
Our June commissioning program is led by a member of Detroit Composers’ Project’s artistic leadership, Sonya Belaya. Sonya (above photo) is a pianist, singer, composer, & improviser who splits her time between Michigan and New York City. In addition to leading the program, she will also create a new work and premiere many of the works as a pianist. She will work closely with Detroit Composers’ Project staff to curate and design a program that reflects her own experiences as a diverse music-maker invested in vulnerable art and the development of strong, personal collaborations.
We encourage interested composers to reach out to us with ANY questions about the project. We are happy to answer specific questions about the theme or review brief proposal ideas in advance of the deadline.
PROJECT TIMELINE
FEBRUARY 23 - Application open for composers
MARCH 16 - APPLICATION DUE / Close Applications
MARCH 19 - Selected composers notified and instrumentations confirmed
MAY 8 - Final score/parts due from composer
JUNE 3,4 - Rehearsals occur in downtown Detroit; Time & Location TBD
JUNE 5 - Performances occur at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Friday Night Live Series
APPLICANT GUIDELINES
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
SELECTED COMPOSER RECEIVES
Application available here (No Application Fee) Questions? Ask us: [email protected]
Application Packet, Other Information, FAQ, and Application text available HERE.
Music is a pillar of historical preservation. To know a time in history, a city, or a culture more intimately, we listen to its music. DCP invites composers to submit proposals that thoughtfully and creatively engage with our theme and we encourage topics ranging from Detroit’s history, artists, landmarks, to personal narratives that reflect composers’ place and time outside of Detroit itself. We also encourage proposals that integrate thoughtful research of untold stories or the exploration of topics previously unknown to the composer.
Our June commissioning program is led by a member of Detroit Composers’ Project’s artistic leadership, Sonya Belaya. Sonya (above photo) is a pianist, singer, composer, & improviser who splits her time between Michigan and New York City. In addition to leading the program, she will also create a new work and premiere many of the works as a pianist. She will work closely with Detroit Composers’ Project staff to curate and design a program that reflects her own experiences as a diverse music-maker invested in vulnerable art and the development of strong, personal collaborations.
We encourage interested composers to reach out to us with ANY questions about the project. We are happy to answer specific questions about the theme or review brief proposal ideas in advance of the deadline.
PROJECT TIMELINE
FEBRUARY 23 - Application open for composers
MARCH 16 - APPLICATION DUE / Close Applications
MARCH 19 - Selected composers notified and instrumentations confirmed
MAY 8 - Final score/parts due from composer
JUNE 3,4 - Rehearsals occur in downtown Detroit; Time & Location TBD
JUNE 5 - Performances occur at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Friday Night Live Series
APPLICANT GUIDELINES
- Composers may be any age, experience, or place in their career;
- Of the 5-6 selected composers, 3-4 will be Detroit or Michigan-based, & 1-2 may be non-local.
- Composers must be able to attend 2-3 rehearsals in Downtown Detroit the week prior to the performance. Limited travel stipends may be available for out-of-state composers and DCP can help out-of-town composers look for hosts/housing during their stay.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS
- Completion of the online application inclusive of:
- A 350-500 word proposal on the musical work you’d like to create;
- TWO contrasting musical samples; DCP encourages artists to send their best musical work, regardless of whether or not notated scores are available or applicable to your practice; If you are submitting two scores, please submit scores AND recordings (MIDI is acceptable).
SELECTED COMPOSER RECEIVES
- $650 Honorarium;
- Premiere on June 5, 2020 at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Rivera Court;
- Opportunity to collaborate with professional, local musicians;
- Recording of the performance;
Application available here (No Application Fee) Questions? Ask us: [email protected]
Application Packet, Other Information, FAQ, and Application text available HERE.