Lynn Freeman Olson Competition

One winner and several honorable mentions may be awarded in each category. All awards may be declared for any or all categories at the discretion of the judges. All monetary awards are granted for further music study. Monetary awards are only given to the winners of each category, not to honorable mention recipients.

The Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Awards are given biennially in odd-numbered years.

ELIGIBILITY

All applicants must be nonprofessionals whose works have not been previously published for the purpose of general public use or sales.

The applicant must evidence current membership in the National Federation of Music Clubs. Non-members may enroll as Individual Members by visiting www.nfmc-music.org/payment. ($13.00 younger than age 18, $16.00 age 18 through 25).

The applicant must be at the appropriate age/grade level and be studying in some area of music at the time of the application closing date (March 1) of the year of entry.

Age/grade Requirements by Category & Awards

• Intermediate: Grades 7-8-9 at application date $ 500.00*
• High School: Grades 10-11-12 at application closing date $1,000.00*
• Advanced: High School graduates through age 25 at application closing date $1,500.00*

Only one composition per entrant may be submitted in any given award year.

Applicants who receive monetary awards are not permitted to enter the same category a second time.

Example: An Intermediate monetary award recipient cannot re-enter the Intermediate category.

Applicants who receive monetary awards and whose compositions are subsequently published cannot re-enter the competition.

SPECIFICATIONS

The category entered does not determine the composition’s level of difficulty. All compositions must be written within the skill levels of Early Elementary through Intermediate levels of piano study.

The length of the composition may not exceed the equivalent of four (4) computer-engraved standard professional-size manuscript pages.

Note: Solo/ensemble arrangements, and ensemble settings of standard works are not eligible. Works must be composed for piano solo or piano-only ensemble (e.g., duet, duo, etc.)

MANUSCRIPT

The applicant must submit the original and six (6) legible 8 ½" x 11" photocopies of the manuscript.

The original manuscript may be computer generated or in ink on manuscript paper not to exceed 9 ½" x 12". It must be labeled with only the name of the composition and the name of the category.

NFMC LFO COMPOSITION AWARDS – REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS – JR 8-1 

The applicant’s name should not appear on the manuscript. Do not use covers, bindings, staples or include recordings. Judges are given only the manuscript.

When the piano composition uses a copyrighted text, the composer must submit a written statement from the copyright owner granting permission to use the text. Texts published before 1890 are exceptions to this stipulation.

The original manuscript will be returned only if the application is accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Metered mail is not acceptable because of its short stale date.

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Judges will ascertain if all stipulations regarding composition level, length, and formatting have been met.
• The entrant will be expected to demonstrate a good application of composition skills appropriate to the age/grade level entered. Use of dynamics, phasing, appropriate fingering, pedal indications, the presence of key and time signatures, etc. will be examined.
• Judges will assess the composition’s originality, creativity, and pedagogical purpose. The emotional appeal of the work (both sound and title) and its marketability to a broad group of students and teachers are important considerations. Please note: The judges do not provide comments, ratings, or scores to entrants.

PROCEDURES AND SCHEDULE

Selection of award recipients is the sole responsibility of the judges. The schedule and method of adjudication is left to their discretion, except that they will follow stipulated guidelines, and maintain stated timelines.

Application and Mailing Instructions

1. Applications (JR 8-2) and additional required materials must be postmarked by March 1 (the closing date) in odd-numbered years and sent to the national chair NFMC Award Chair(see address below). Exceptions for any reason will not be granted.
2. Applications must be sent hard copy only; no email attachments/uploads will be accepted.
3. Applications will not be accepted that require chair’s signature of receipt through postal service, UPS, FedEx or the like. If the applicant wishes to enclose with their application a self-addressed stamped postcard the chair will mail it back as proof of receipt. Please do not send emails/texts to the chair asking for proof of receipt.
4. Applications will not be accepted more than one (1) month prior to the closing date.