Music Submission Guidelines and Requirements
TERMS OF THE AWARD
Columbia University, on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board, annually awards a Pulitzer Prize in Music of $15,000 "for distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the year." Composers are eligible if they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the United States or if the United States has been their longtime primary home.
ENTRIES FOR THE AWARD
Works that receive their U.S. premiere between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 are eligible. Either a public performance or the public release of a recording may constitute a premiere. If an entry consists solely of a recording, the work should be first performed and recorded not earlier than two years prior to its public release date. Recordings may be single compositions, or full-length collections of multiple compositions.
Please be mindful of these restrictions on eligibility: Entered works should reflect current creative activity. Certain works that satisfy some entry requirements but do not reflect current creative activity may not be eligible. For example, works premiered internationally more than two years before a U.S. premiere date, or works published on digital platforms more than two years in advance of a public release are ineligible. If necessary, eligibility will be determined on a case by case basis. Works may be submitted only once for the award.
Entries should be made in advance of the December 31, 2025 eligibility deadline.
Please follow these entry procedures:
Complete the online entry form. Upload an audio file of the work or, if submitting a video performance, a web link to the video. If a score is available, a PDF copy of it should also be uploaded. Finally, pay the non-refundable $75 entry fee by credit card.
Whenever possible, video performances should be submitted as web links. Please remove any preroll or interstitial advertising beforehand. All video links must remain active and accessible until the Prize announcement in the spring of 2026. Any login credentials should be listed on the label of the uploaded item or emailed to [email protected] at the earliest convenience.
Alternatively, an mp4 video may be uploaded with an entry, although its resolution may not exceed 480p. Please provide a link if you want to submit high-definition video.
If a work's premiere is a public performance, the online form should include the date and location of that performance. If a work's premiere is a recording, the online form should include the dates of the work's first performance, the work's recording and the first public release of the recording. Public release means that a recording is available for purchase by the general public as a downloadable audio file, CD, DVD, cassette tape or record album.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AWARD
Columbia University awards the Pulitzer Prize in Music annually on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board, which acts on the nominations of a distinguished committee of Pulitzer Music Jurors. The award is announced during the spring.