How much is the BMI Composer Awards scholarship?

The BMI Composer Awards scholarship amount is Awards totaling $20,000 annually (individual prize amounts vary).

When is the deadline for BMI Composer Awards?

The application period for the BMI Composer Awards is January 15, 2027.

What type of scholarship is BMI Composer Awards?

The BMI Composer Awards is a Nationwide scholarship for theatre students.

BMI Composer Awards | Theatre Scholarship Guide

Scholarship details

Funder: BMI / BMI Foundation
Study level: All Levels (composers under age 28)
Scholarship type: Nationwide
Deadline: January 15, 2027
Typical award size: Awards totaling $20,000 annually (individual prize amounts vary)
Website: Apply or learn more

Eligibility criteria

Composers under age 28 (as of Feb 15 of award year) residing in the U.S./territories or citizens of any Western Hemisphere country. Original classical works for any instrumentation; anonymous submission; no co-composed works; works must not have won other awards or be under publisher/label contract. Max two prior BMI Composer Award wins (excluding honorable mention).

Application steps

Prepare one anonymized score (PDF) with no identifying marks.
Generate audio rendering (MIDI/mp3/wav) from engraving software.
Apply via BMI Foundation portal by Jan
15.
Include text permissions if applicable.

Required materials

Anonymized score PDF
Audio rendering
Text permission/public-domain proof if score uses text
Online application

Past recipients

Many future Pulitzer winners historically; annual winners honored in NYC and archived at NYPL Performing Arts

American Composers Orchestra Announces EarShot Readings In NYC And New Partnership With BMI Foundation

by A.A. Cristi, April 10, 2025

American Composers Orchestra has announced details of its own EarShot Readings in New York City from June 5, 2025 at 10:30AM and June 6, 2025 at 7:30PM at Manhattan School of Music.