Grants for student composer–performer pairs

The submission window for the 2023–24 grant cycle has closed. Congratulations to the recipients! Check back later when we announce the 2024–25 cycle.

Since 1982, we've been commissioning new music for carillon from many established composers, and they've enriched our repertoire. We also believe that commissioning composers early in their careers leads them to discover their love for the carillon and their skill in writing for it.

The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America invites you to apply for a grant which provides student composer–performer pairs with the opportunity to collaboratively create and premiere a new composition for carillon. Since 2021, we have awarded US$5,000 in grants to 5 student pairs.

See past recipients

Eligibility

Grants totaling US$1,000 are available for 2 student composer–performer pairs. The grant is shared evenly between the composer and performer (US$500 each).

• Both a composer and a carillon performer must apply for the grant together. You must form a pair before applying.
• Both applicants must be full- or part-time students at an accredited North American college, university, or conservatory. There must be a traditional carillon (as defined by the GCNA) nearby that you can access.
• Applicants must collaborate on a new composition.
• The composer does not need to play the carillon, and there are no restrictions on compositional style.
• Membership in the GCNA is not required.

2023–24 grant recipients

Congratulations to the composer–performer pairs that will receive grants for the 2023–24 cycle:

• Michael Dixon (composer) and Rayyan Merchant (performer), both at the University of Florida

They will collaborate over the next several months to compose and premiere a new work for carillon. We're looking forward to it!

How to apply

Each composer–performer pair will submit one joint application to the co-chairs of the Johan Franco Composition Fund Committee, Joey Brink and Thomas Lee, at franco@gcna.org. The application consists of:

1. A completed application form.
2. A sample score (and an optional sample recording) that demonstrates the composer's best work in any genre.
3. A short statement by the composer—max 250 words—describing the proposed work and how working with a performer will facilitate its creation.
4. A sample recording by the performer, between 5 to 10 minutes in length, demonstrating their carillon performance abilities in any style.
5. A short statement by the performer—max 250 words—describing their level of access to a carillon and how a partnership with the composer will enhance the compositional process and the performance.
6. A concise list of collaborative conduct agreements between the composer and performer (5–10 bullet points). To help you think of your own, here are some sample agreements:
   • Commitment to check in with each other regularly throughout the year
   • Commitment to a schedule of workshops together in early draft stages
   • Commitment to mutual respect and constructive feedback
   • Mutually agreed dates for first draft of score and first rehearsal
   • Mutual understanding of desired length and technical difficulty of composition
   • Mutual agreement on number of expected performance(s) and performance format(s)

Questions? Email the Franco Committee at franco@gcna.org.

Key dates

• Application deadline: September 30, 2023
• Grants awarded: October 31, 2023
• Completed score due: March 1, 2024
• World premiere video due: June 1, 2024

What to expect after you apply

The Johan Franco Composition Fund Committee reviews all grant applications. Applications will be judged on evidence of a sound working relationship between the composer and performer. Each composer and performer are expected to already be familiar with their partner's goals and skills, and embrace the challenges and opportunities of working together.

We will disburse the grant after you complete the project.

Publication and copyright

By accepting the grant, you agree to give the GCNA the right to post the premiere video on the GCNA website and on social media.

The Franco Committee will decide whether the GCNA publishes each composition that is commissioned. If we decide to publish it, composers agree to grant full copyright and licensing of the work to the GCNA, in accordance with the terms of our standard copyright assignment and publication agreement. If we decide not to publish it, the score will remain the sole property of the composer.