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 April 2026
You’ll receive a public domain melody and creative brief to guide your arrangement.
🔹 Create Your Arrangement – 1–14 April 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 April 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.