• First place prize is $1,500, a live performance of the work in concert, a recording of the live performance, and possible publication with Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
• Second place prize is $750, a live performance of the work in concert, and a recording of the live performance.
• Third place prize is $500, a live performance of the work in concert, and a recording of the live performance.

“The study of music composition can be an incredibly daunting task, because one never really knows the extent of the innate capacity to achieve artistic excellence until it is significantly developed through education and practice. The opportunity to have a piece performed by an ensemble of the caliber of The Choral Project, guided by the musical sensitivity of Mr. Hughes was an incredible encouragement to this aspiring composer, and will lend significant energy toward the continuing of my musical education. Thanks to all involved for working together to bring this piece to life!” – 2015-16 2nd Place winner Douglas Byler, Dayton VA, “Paris in Spring”

2017-18 Winners:

First Place: “Ma” by Kunal C. Gala, North Andover, MA

Second Place: “Qazamat” by Hamid Alipor Shirazi, Bojnurd, Iran

Third Place: “Dance of the Fairies” by Cathryn S. Davis, St. Paul, MN

2016-17 Winners:

First Place: no prize awarded

Second Place: “Run, Said the Sun,” Jonathan Daniel, Overland Park, KS

Third Place: “For You Only,” Zoe Heflin, Parkersburg, WV

2015-16 Winners:

First Place: “Oom Ji Ji,” Benjamin Low, Brighton MA

Second Place: “Paris in Spring,” Douglas Byler, Dayton VA

Third Place: “Ave Maria,” Chase Shoemaker, Indianola IA

2014-15 Winners:

First Place (tie): “Incantation, Ritual and Dance,” Stephen Jackson, Abilene TX, and “A Prayer for the Future,” Jacob Devol, Richmond VA

Third Place: no prize awarded

2011-12 Winners:

First Place: “Purple and Pearl,” Christian T. Martin, Cortland NY

Second Place: “Beneath the Wave,” Luke Flynn, Dubuque IA

Third Place: “Come To Me,” Matthew Emery, Vancouver BC

2010-11 Winners:

First Place: “Grant Us Peace,” Stephen Feigenbaum, Winchester MA

Third Place (tie): “The Western Shore,” Dale Sakamoto, Mission Viejo CA, and “The Dancer,” Nicolas Dahlquist, Lincoln NE

2009-2010 Winners:

First Place (tie): “Pén Graté,” Matteo Giuliani, GB Martini Conservatory, Bologna, Italy  and “Lullaby,” Daniel B. Elder, Athens GA 

Third Place: “There Will Come Soft Rains,” Joseph D. Kelly 

2008-2009 Winners:

First Place: “Song for the River,” Collin Martin, Coto de Caza CA

Second Place: “Aprill,” Will Thomas, Rindge NH

Third Place: “October Sky,” Corey Smith, Temperance MI