Composition Competition

The ITA Composition Competition (ITACC) allows talented composers to showcase their trombone writing skills. Composers are invited to submit their original trombone octet and/or quartet of 6-8 minutes in length.

The winning compositions will be announced in April 2026 during International Trombone Week (ITW). The sheet music will be available to download from the ITA’s site at no cost to trombonists wishing to perform the works through 2026. The winning compositions will have a featured professional performance in 2026. Composers will also have other possible performances and promotional interviews highlighting their winning compositions and themselves. 

Submit your composition before December 8, 2025:
– Quartet Composition Competition
– Octet Composition Composition

New! Attend the ITACC Virtual Forum on October 5, 2025 from 3-4pm EST.
This is an opportunity to step behind the curtain and hear directly from our world-renowned panel of judges as they share what they’re looking for in this year’s submissions. You’ll gain invaluable insights to elevate your craft — whether you’re a newbie picking up the pen for the first time or a seasoned composer with years of experience. This event is free. Seating is limited. Please register for the Virtual Forum now.

The winning composers will receive a:

• featured professional performance in 2026
• complimentary pass to the 2026 International Trombone Festival; 
• 5-year Regular membership to the International Trombone Association; 
• performances of their work during International Trombone Week; and a 
• $100 gift certificate to ITA’s merchandise shop 

Composition requirements

*Please note that composers can either submit for 1 of the categories in the 2026 Composition Competition (octet or quartet) or they have the option to submit for both the quartet and octet categories. You can submit up to 2 pieces for each category.

Submissions need to meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for consideration:

1. The octet submission must be scored for 8 trombones (6 Tenor and 2 Bass Trombones); The quartet submission must be scored for 4 trombones (3 Tenor and 1 Bass Trombones);
2. The composition must be an original work.
3. The composition must be between 6-8 minutes in length.
4. Submission must be clearly formatted (with a score and individual parts included) in a single PDF file. Exact tempo and style indications must be included. The composer’s name must be written in the score. No handwritten scores accepted.
5. You may submit up to two compositions for consideration in each category (octet and quartet).
6. Each submission must include one PDF score (individual parts included; max 15MB) and one MIDI recording (WAV or mp3; max 30MB).

In pursuit of diversity, we especially invite individuals from under-represented groups to apply. 

Deadline: Qualifying submissions must be received by December 8, 2025. Judging will take place in early 2026 by a panel of judges and trombone ensembles. The winning composition will be announced in April 2026.

Judging: will begin in January 2026. The winner will be announced in April 2026. The judges’ decision is final. 

Please note: The winner of this competition agrees to extend their permission to ITA to publish the piece at no cost through December 2026. In addition, any trombone ensemble may record or perform the work without any compensation going to the composer through that time.

Questions? Contact us at: ItaCompContest@gmail.com

Please note: This is a separate contest from the ITF Composers Workshop. Every composer is encouraged to enter both if you wish.