About NewMusicShelf

NewMusicShelf is an online marketplace for independently-published composers of concert music to sell digital editions of their sheet music.

Founded in 2010, the company allows composers to directly upload works for sale through its online platform. NewMusicShelf handles all transactions and digital delivery, leaving composers more time to manage all other aspects of their careers. Composers retain all rights to their work, and, because NewMusicShelf is a non-exclusive distributor, are allowed (and encouraged) to sell their works through other outlets.

About the Anthologies

The NewMusicShelf Anthologies of New Music are a bold, new publishing initiative aimed at bringing new composers and repertoire to student and professional performers alike. With an emphasis on works not found in the traditional publishing ecosystem, each volume is curated by performers who have a reputation for championing new music, with an eye toward selecting works with a range of styles and difficulties that are suitable for concert and recital performance.

With this innovative mode of publishing, NewMusicShelf advocates for self-published composers in a way previously unheard of in the realm of classical music: all self-published composers retain full ownership of their work while earning a generous royalty on every sale.

In addition to publication in the Anthologies, selected works receive performance in New York City, and will also be recorded and released on a companion CD.

Submission Instructions

Eligible Composers

Composers of all ages and nationalities are eligible for inclusion in the anthologies. Composers who are included must be able to receive royalty payments either domestically via check in USD or domestically/internationally through PayPal.

Eligible Works

Composers may submit up to two works (or excerpted single songs/arias from a larger work) for consideration.

Eligible works must be:

• original works by the composer, not arrangements of another composer’s work
• for solo voice or voice and piano
• under 10 minutes in duration
• published by the composer themself OR submitted with the written approval of the publisher

Eligible works must also meet one of the three following criteria:

• Composer is transgender and/or non-binary
• Librettist/poet is transgender and/or non-binary
• Song/aria was originally written for/performed by a vocalist who is transgender and/or non-binary

Submissions may be excerpted single songs/arias from a larger work so long as they can stand alone in performance. Some preference may be shown to these submissions because of the potential they have to spur greater interest in the composer’s broader body of work for the voice.

Arrangements of pre-existing works within the composer’s catalog are allowed so long as they adhere to the above requirements. Arrangements of other composers’ works are ineligible.

Special consideration will be given to works written specifically for transgender or non-binary voices.

How to Submit

1. There is no fee for submission.
2. Submissions are neither anonymous nor pseudonymous.
3. For works not published by the composer, please upload a copy of a letter giving you express permission to submit the work(s) in question.
4. By submitting to this call for scores, you agree substantially to the terms of the following agreement: Agreement
5. Complete the application form. PDF & MP3 files are uploaded through the online form*.

Submissions are due by November 30, 2020.

Notification of acceptance (with contracts) will go out in Summer 2021.

FAQ

How many total works can I submit?
In total, you may submit up to two works (or excerpted movements from larger works) for each instrument.

What if I have a piece that’s not specifically for any one instrument? Can I still submit it?
Yes. Just be sure that it’s appropriate for the instrument that you’re submitting it for.

Why are you making these anthologies?
Many music teachers struggle to find new “classical” repertoire for their students (or themselves) that is written by living composers, and composers frequently have a difficult time having their works discovered by performers who they aren’t directly connected with. With these anthologies, NewMusicShelf hopes to bridge the gap between the two communities, and introduce young performers and their teachers to a broader range of composers who are living and working today. Because NMS is composer-forward, the anthologies are also intended to offer composers broader exposure of their works along with fair royalties for their use.

How many anthologies has NMS published so far?
NewMusicShelf has published five volumes to date: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, and Alto Saxophone. NMS is currently in the process of publishing volumes for viola, solo piano, and flute. NMS has also published a volume of piano etudes.

I have another question
Please email nmssubmissions@gmail.com with any other questions you may have.