For composers age 15 – 21, who currently live and study in the United States. 

Compose an original one-movement piece of music of approximately four minutes or less in duration, scored for string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello). Compositions for subsets of the group are not allowed. Longer works, or single movements from larger pieces, will not be considered. Any use of any form of A.I. (artificial intelligence) to create or generate ideas and/or compose the piece is not allowed. The piece must be fully composed and realized by the person applying to the competition. Pieces not meeting the guidelines will be disqualified. 

Deadline for submission: May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM. No late submissions will be accepted.  

No entry fee. Only one entry per composer. 

The composition does not have to be created specifically for this event. Previous winners of Prelude Camp Competition are not allowed to re-enter the competition with new works. Pieces that won awards at other competitions are not eligible. Works must be written within the last 3 years. You may enter a piece already in your portfolio. Any material provided to us should be your original works. No arrangements of other composers’ works allowed. 

Submit an MP3 audio file of live or synthesized recording along with a PDF score and parts combined into a single PDF file. No hand written scores are accepted. Scores and parts should be prepared in computer notation software such as Finale, Sibelius, Dorico, MuseScore, Noteflight or others. 

This composers competition will be adjudicated by professional composers and performers. The three most outstanding scores will be performed in a public program by professional faculty musicians of the Prelude Camp as part of the Prelude Chamber Music Festival during the week of June 8-13, 2026 at Riverside Park United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Concert is free and open to the public.

The winning applicants will be notified via the contact information provided at time of submission. All winners are encouraged to attend the performance. Travel and housing costs are not provided. All applicants should expect to provide a head-shot and signed media and performance release with your submission, so that your composition may be performed and attributed to the composer appropriately. There should be no expectation of compensation other than the prize awards if selected. Prelude Chamber Music Camp & Festival team members will post the winners to this website page following the day of the public announcement and after the winning pieces are performed during the music festival. Winning composers will receive video and audio recordings of their winning pieces. 

AWARDS

• First Place: $1,000

• Second Place: $750

• Third Place: $500

Please complete and submit your entries via this form.