College Music Society 2027: International Call for Original Music with Film and Visual Media
Compositions for moving images, games and visual media
The College Music Society (CMS) is accepting works of original music combined with film or visual media for screenings during its 2027 National Conference. The submission deadline is 5 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. Students and professional creators may submit material from various genres and traditions, including jointly authored scores and music incorporating improvisation. The invitation welcomes but does not require the conference's theme of hope, healing, joy and connection. A project must last ten minutes or less, with five-to-seven-minute films potentially easier to schedule.
Detailed audiovisual delivery requirements
Each entry uses a single digital video with high-quality picture and sound at 1920 × 1080 resolution, a 16:9 frame and a programme playable using two-channel audio. Music may be made using recorded performers, virtual instruments or a combination; the accepted screening itself must not require a live performer in the room. Credits must identify the visual contributors, either on screen or in the application. The composer supplies an anonymised viewing link, a context statement of no more than 250 words and a short biography. A conventional score or chart is optional if appropriate.
Rights, eligibility and practical outcomes
Applicants must have the right to synchronise the sound with the film and to allow the organisation to show the finished media at the conference. Prior CMS National Conference screenings of the same work are excluded, and an essentially identical proposal should not also be sent to the conference's ATMI partner submission. Selection provides a curated public or professional screening, not a universal cash award or an agreement to sell the music. The CMS summary does not promise full international airfare or a fee waiver to all entrants.
A traceable professional event
The College Music Society is a US-based professional and academic association for music and musicians, not the similarly named Society for American Music. Its event page explains presentation conditions, conference programme and artistic focus. Composers who combine game scoring, visualisation, sound design and film can use the formal call to decide whether their creative work is an eligible complete audiovisual piece.
Official application information and regulations
Information verified on 23 October 2026. Always check current local submission times, exact fees, eligibility, copyright, travel, visa and employment terms on the organiser's original documents before applying or paying.