Bennington Young Musicians Awards: Celebrating High School Musical Innovation

Deadline: 1 November 2026

The Bennington Young Musicians Awards, part of the Bennington College Young Creators Awards, recognize outstanding high school students worldwide for their original compositions and musical innovation. Open to students in grades 9-12, this opportunity offers cash prizes up to $2,000, scholarships for Bennington College enrollees, and showcase opportunities. The submission deadline is 1 November 2023. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Bennington College

- Opportunity Type: Music Composition Awards

- Funding/Benefits: Cash prizes up to $2,000, scholarships, publication, and showcase opportunities

- Eligible Applicants: High school students in grades 9-12 worldwide

- Deadline: 1 November 2023, 11:59 PM ET

- Submission Period: 1 September 2023 – 1 November 2023

About the Opportunity

The Bennington Young Musicians Awards aim to celebrate and encourage originality and creativity in music composition among high school students. This initiative honors Bennington College’s rich history in fostering musical innovation and expression, from the early days of electronic music to the pioneering Black Music Division. The awards invite young musicians to share their unique musical perspectives and contribute to Bennington’s legacy of artistic excellence. Funding and Benefits

- Cash Prizes:

- First place: $2,000

- Second place: $1,000

- Third place: $500

- Distinguished submissions: $250

- Scholarships for Enrollees at Bennington College:

- First place winners: Full-tuition scholarship for four years

- Distinguished designation recipients: Half-tuition scholarship for four years

- Finalists: $25,000 annual scholarship for four years

- Publication and Showcase: Winning entries may be featured on Bennington’s platforms and other media.

Who Is Eligible? - High school students in grades 9-12 worldwide - Each student may submit one original composition - Submissions must be original and AI-free, reviewed by a sponsoring teacher or mentor - Grade 12 students must submit through the Common or Coalition Application Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Original compositions in any form, including electronic pieces, songs, improvisations, or pieces for various instruments - Submissions can be notated or performed and may include supporting materials like scores or lyric sheets Why This Opportunity Matters The Bennington Young Musicians Awards provide a platform for young artists to gain recognition and support for their creative endeavors. By participating, students can showcase their talents, receive valuable feedback, and potentially secure financial support for their education at Bennington College. How to Apply

- Prepare Your Composition: Create one original piece of music, up to five minutes in length.

- Review and Approval: Have your submission reviewed and approved by a sponsoring teacher or mentor.

- Submit Your Entry:

- Grades 9-11: Submit directly through the Bennington College website.

- Grade 12: Submit via the Common or Coalition Application.

- Submission Formats: Audio files in MP3 or .waveform formats are recommended.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Ensure Originality: Avoid using AI tools in the creation process.

- Follow Submission Guidelines: Adhere to the specified formats and length.

- Engage a Sponsor: Ensure your submission is reviewed by a qualified teacher or mentor.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the deadline for submissions? The deadline is 1 November 2023, at 11:59 PM ET. Who can apply for the Bennington Young Musicians Awards? High school students in grades 9-12 worldwide are eligible to apply. What are the prizes for the winners? Prizes include cash awards up to $2,000, scholarships for Bennington College, and publication opportunities. Can I use AI tools in my composition? No, AI tools are not permitted in the creation of submissions. How do Grade 12 students submit their entries? Grade 12 students must submit through the Common or Coalition Application. Next Steps Eligible students should review the official guidelines and prepare their compositions for submission by the deadline. For more information, visit Bennington College’s official page.