Westminster University Hear & Now Commission for Emerging BIPOC Composers 

"All I know about music is that not many people ever really hear it."

-James Baldwin

Westminster University is currently accepting applications for the Hear & Now composition commission for emerging self-identified BIPOC composers ages 18-30. The selected composer will receive $3,000 commissioning fee to write a new work for piano and electronics.   

This commission will be premiered on February 24, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah during the Westminster Concert Series by members of the performance and music technology and composition faculty at Westminster University. 

The composition can be for 1 or 2 performers on 1 piano and 1 additional performer on fixed or live electronics. Non-traditional approaches to performing are welcome and encouraged. The electronic part must be 1 or 2 channels (mono or stero) and can be performed live or pre-recorded. We have Ableton Push, MAX/MSP, and Logic Pro.

If there is a specifc hardware system being used for the performance, please include the technical specifications in your proposal. Composers using unique hardware, for instance a Kyma-based system, may be required to prove the system for performance.

This award also includes travel and lodging for the composer to attend the concert, present a talk about their artistic practice, and work with students at Westminster University.

The deadline for submitting materials is October 15, 2024 at 11:59 MST.

Submission Requirements 

  • 2 scores with recordings 
    • If live recordings are not possible, MIDI realizations are acceptable
    • Compositions that use non-traditional scores are welcome
    • If your music does not use a score at all, please submit a description on how the piece was composed or recorded
    • One score should be closest to the proposed instrumentation
    • One score should be your best work – in the case of a long or multi-movement work, please direct the committee to what you feel is your best writing
    • While this is a classical commission, all genres of music are welcome, providing the proposed work fits the instrumentation 
  • 1 page description of proposed work or a 1-page response to one or more of these three prompts:
    • How would you describe your compositional process and how would you apply that to this new work for Westminster? 
    • What fascinates you most about the creative process, and what excites you about the sonic possibilities of the proposed instrumentation?
    • How do you imagine and settle upon compositional structures in your compositional process, and what are some possibilities for this new piece?
  • 200 word bio

APPLY FOR THE HEAR & NOW COMPOSITION COMMISSION

Award

  • $3,000 Commission Fee
  • Travel and Lodging to Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Archive Video and Audio Recording of Concert

Timeline

  • October 15, 2024 - Application Deadline
  • November 1, 2024 - Award Announced
  • January 10, 2025 - Score and Parts Due
  • February 19–24, 2025 - Composer Residency at Westminster University
  • February 24, 2025 - World Premiere on the Westminster Concert Series

Selection Committee

  • Xavier Muzik
  • Marina Peterson
  • Kimi Kawashima
  • Devin Maxwell

If there are any problems providing these materials as listed or any questions about this opportunity, email Devin Maxwell at dmaxwell@westminsteru.edu.

Past Winners

Xavier Muzik graphic banner

Westminster Concert Series is thrilled to announce the selection of Xavier Muzik as the 23-24 Hear & Now commissioned composer. Xavier writes about this commission, “The goal of my "Hear & Now" composition is to create a transformative and immersive experience for the audience. Through the combination of music, visuals, and symbolic narratives woven through my photography, I aim to evoke my state of mind at the time I took the photos: melancholic and pensive, but punctuated by moments of profound joy.” Hear the world premiere of Nocturnal Tidings for voice, violin, piano and percussion. 

The program also features music by Oswald Huỳnh, Julius Eastman and a world premiere for harp and electronics by Devin Maxwell. Dessert and wine reception to follow the concert.

This prize was funded in part by the Salt Lake Arts Council through the Racial, Equity, and Inclusion Grant made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Musicians:

  • Leslie Henrie, violin
  • Sunny Johnson, viola
  • Kimi Kawashima, piano
  • Hilary Koolhoven, soprano
  • Devin Maxwell, electronics
  • Emily Nelson, voice
  • Maria Phippen, harp
  • Lauren Posey, cello
  • Jackson Prestley, percussion

Kennedy Taylor Dixon Graphic Banner

Kennedy Taylor Dixon is Westminster's inaugural winner of the Hear & Now commissioning prize. Kennedy writes about this commission, "Creating a personal bond with my performers is always my preference, and I want them to know that there isn't a barrier between us. Ideally, the end product of this project is a piece that all parties feel supported and heard in." 

Hear the world premiere of Kennedy's a path i've never seen' for marimba and viola. 

The program also features music by Raven Chacon, Erryollyn Waller, Devin Maxwell and Brandon Derfler. Reception to follow the concert.

This prize was funded in part by the Salt Lake Arts Council through the Racial, Equity, and Inclusion Grant.

Musicians:

  • Kennedy Taylor Dixon, composer and viola
  • Zach Bacon, turntable
  • Jacob Hirst, turntable
  • Rodrigo Hernandez Vazquez, turntable
  • Kimi Kawashima, piano
  • Noriko Kishi, cello
  • Devin Maxwell, percussion
  • Katie Porter, clarinet
  • John T. Posadas, viola