Submit Music for Publication

The GCNA welcomes submissions of carillon music for possible publication. There is an ongoing need for new repertoire, both compositions written for the instrument and arrangements and transcriptions of music for other media. The Guild publishes new music every year, as well as maintaining a substantial catalog of earlier publications.

Composers and arrangers are welcome to submit their music for consideration to the Music Publications Committee. Our annual deadline is January 1 each year, but music may be submitted at any time. Submissions should be sent to Laura Ellis, Chair of the Music Publications Committee. It is highly recommended that music notation software be used for all submissions.

Music selection is handled by two sub-committees: pieces composed originally for the carillon are evaluated by the Composition Subcommittee, chaired by John Gouwens; and Arrangements and Transcriptions are evaluated by the Arrangements Subcommittee, chaired by Alex Johnson. 

Important Note: Arrangements or transcriptions of pre-existing music that is still under copyright are ordinarily not accepted for GCNA publication. It is the responsibility of the person submitting music for possible consideration to do the appropriate research. For additional help and advice on this matter, please contact Laura Ellis.

Since the GCNA endeavors to make music easily available for performances at all venues, composers and arrangers will be asked to sign a contract waiving the collection of royalties for live non-profit performances of the music it publishes. Most composers and arrangers sign the copyrights over to the GCNA, but other arrangements are possible. The GCNA does not ordinarily collect or pay royalties on the music it publishes. We are a volunteer organization, and that volunteer spirit includes our composers, arrangers, and publishers.

Composers and arrangers unfamiliar with the carillon are encouraged to make contact with carillonneurs near them. However, we do offer some helpful pointers as well.

Composers and arrangers may also be interested in the biennial contests for compositions and arrangements and transcriptions organized by the GCNA.