Young Composers

The Sutherland Music Club Youth Music Awards (YMA) Young Composer Section

Entries: Close 4pm Friday 16th May 2025.

General: The time limit is 2 to 5 minutes. The work may be for any combination of instrument from solo instrument/voice, up to large ensemble (not exceeding 20 performers) or choir (SATB or SSAA). Please ensure you read all Rules & Conditions. Entries will be judged from the submitted score, recording & description of work/theme interpretation (150 words maximum). Hard copies of these should be delivered to the Co-ordinator (recording on USB or audio CD). A link will be given to also upload these to Google Drive for the Adjudicator. A second entry may be submitted.

The Young Composer Competitions aim to encourage:

musical & creative excellence in a diversity of genres
development of composition skills
display their originality of thought & innovative ideas
music of different styles & cultural traditions
high standards

The judging criteria include:

theme interpretation
creative ability
demonstration of clear & coherent development
understanding of instrument capabilities
score presentation

There are two categories in the 2025 Youth Music Awards Young Composer's Section

1. Banksia Award - 2025 theme "Unity". Adjudicator: Amanda Cole

This section is open to entrants between 13 years & 18 years who live or attend school i the Sutherland Shire or St George areas.

Note: Previous 1st place YMA Banskia composition winners are ineligible to re-enter this section

2. Waratah Award - 2025 theme "Unity" Adjudicator: John Peterson

This section is open to entrants between 19 years & 21 years who live in the Sutherland Shire or St Geroge areas or who have been previous entrants in the Youth Music Awards.

Note: Past 1st place YMA Banksia composition winners, even if under the age of 19 years, may enter.

Young Composer Rules & Conditions