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. Started in 1987, 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 both the Wisconsin and National Standards for Arts Education, composition is a natural extension of the creativity mode of music. 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 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 may be presented.
Students may enter in either the intermediate, middle or high school division in one or more of the following categories:
Notated Score
- Instrumental Solo
- Instrumental Ensemble
- Concert Band/Orchestra
- Instrumental Jazz
- Piano Solo
- Piano Ensemble
- Vocal Solo
- Vocal Ensemble
- Vocal Jazz
- Miscellaneous
- Arrangement
Audio Only
- Digital Music Production
- Rap/Hip-Hop*
* New this year
Collaborative compositions can be entered in any category.
Students have the option to participate for comment only or competitively.
For students in grades: 4-12
Timeline: October – May
“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
