About the Student Composition Project

Creativity is imperative in 21st century learning and what’s needed to
prepare our youth for today’s workforce, regardless of the path they choose.  The WSMA Student Composition Project is a program at the heart of creativity, encouraging young musicians to artistically take what they are learning in music education and apply it in their own way through original music compositions. Included in the National Standards for Arts Education, composition is a natural extension of the creativity mode of music specified in Wisconsin’s music curriculum guide.  So what does all this mean to our young musicians?… An opportunity to spread their wings and explore their creative side by composing music through a program that recognizes and supports their efforts — the WSMA Student Composition Project!

Here’s how the program works… Students submit original compositions and recordings to WSMA in the fall. These works are evaluated by professional Wisconsin composers and students receive written critique forms from the evaluators. Awards are given based solely on merit. All participants will be invited to attend the awards ceremony where the Division winners compositions will be presented.

Students may enter in either the High School or Middle School Division in one of the following categories:

Collaborative works will be entered under one of the main categories above.

For students in grades: 5-12
Timeline: September – April

“Zach got involved with the composing only because of the Composition Project.  It motivated him to try it out and he discovered a talent for it in addition to his love of piano!”  Tom and Jackie Unke – Parents of Zach Unke

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