📢 Competition Update: The Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2026 has been rescheduled to allow for a wider pool of entrants and a stronger competition overall.
New Dates: Prompts will now be released on 1 May 2026, with submissions due by 14 May 2026.
All existing entries remain valid. Thank you for your support!
Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2026 Is Here!
The Tunescribers Arranging Competition returns for 2026 — and this year, it’s bigger.
For the first time, we’re introducing three categories:
🎹 Piano (Solo)
🎻 Ensemble (3–6 performers)
🎼 Choral (SATB)
Create an original 2-minute arrangement based on our public domain melody, compete for cash and software prizes, and have your work recognised by a global community of musicians.
How It Works
🔹 Receive the Prompt – 1 May 2026
You’ll receive a public domain melody and creative brief to guide your arrangement.
🔹 Create Your Arrangement – 1–14 May 2026
You’ll have two weeks to craft a 2-minute arrangement in your chosen category. Any style. Any genre. Transform the melody as creatively as you like — just make sure it’s performable by real musicians.
🔹 Submit Your Work – Deadline: 14 May 2026 (12:00 midday UK Time)
Submit your notation file, PDF score (plus parts if required), and audio mockup via our online form.
🔹 Judging & Audience Prize
Our professional judging panel will evaluate entries in each category. Selected entries may be featured for a public vote to determine the Audience Prize winner.
🔹 Winners Announced – Summer 2026
Prizes (Per Category)
🥇 1st Place (Piano, Ensemble & Choral)
$250 cash
Publication on Tunescribers
Category-specific software prize:
Piano → Graphical MIDI Tools Gold Pass
Ensemble → NotePerformer license
Choral → Cantai lifetime license
🥈 2nd Place (Per Category)
Transcribe! license + $100 Tunescribers credit
🥉 3rd Place (Per Category)
$50 Tunescribers credit
🌟 Audience Prize
$50 Tunescribers credit
Entry Fees
All prices shown in USD
Early Bird pricing runs from 1 March – 14 March 2026.
Choose Your Ticket
Critique Tier: Personalised Feedback
If you choose a Critique ticket, you’ll receive detailed written feedback from our judging panel, including:
• Harmonic, rhythmic, and structural observations
• Development of the provided melody
• Playability and performer-focused suggestions
• Notational clarity and presentation advice
This is ideal if you’re looking to develop your arranging skills alongside competing.
Key Rules
• Your arrangement must be based on the provided melody
• Maximum length: 2 minutes
• Must be performable by real musicians
• Submission requires PDF score, notation file, and audio mockup
• AI-generated or AI-assisted entries are not permitted
Full Terms & Conditions available here.
Join the Community
Follow us for updates, judge announcements, and featured entries:
📷 Instagram: @tunescribers
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🎵 TikTok: @tunescribers
📘 Facebook: Tunescribers
Share your journey using #Tunescribers
Ready to take part?
We can’t wait to hear what you create.