2026 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Jazz – Composition

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.

Three (3) original compositions written for small/large jazz ensemble that incorporate elements of traditional/contemporary jazz and include, but are not limited to, sections of improvisation.
- A digital video or audio recording for each composition. (Please convert MIDI files to MP3.)
- A printed score for each composition in PDF format.

Use a fixed point of view for your camera that shows all band members. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location. Do not pan or move the camera.
Ensure recording captures good quality image and sound. Check for good balance and blend.
Do not make video edits within a piece.
Include three (3) seconds of silence before the beginning of a piece.
No sound enhancements are allowed.

Save and upload each printed score in PDF format and video/audio recording separately indicating the title of the composition in the space provided.
Total size for each file cannot exceed 2 GB.
MIDI files must be converted to MP3 before uploading.
Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your media submission.
When uploading, be sure to verify that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.

All submitted work must be entirely original and must not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity.
You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for getting permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.