Call for Composers and Performers
Glow Music Presents: Concert Number Six
Saturday, April 11, 2026 · 7:30 PM
First Unitarian Church, Avondale – Cincinnati, OH
Glow Music is seeking passionate musicians and composers for our sixth concert! This is a unique opportunity to:
Share your story and connect with an audience
Build your performance resume
Collaborate with composers and performers
Meet with professional musicians who are entrepreneurs and new music experts
Receive a professional-quality recording
Be part of a community-building initiative
And—get paid for your work!
About the Concert
Concert Number Six will feature a joint recital by two musician groups, including two world premieres of commissioned works. We’re excited to return to the First Unitarian Church!
Selected musicians will also be invited to appear as guest artists at MYCincinnati, where they will perform for a youth orchestra of diverse backgrounds. This community engagement is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of artists. Musicians will receive compensation for participation in both events.
Glow Music will select:
2 composers (to write new commissioned works)
2 soloists or chamber groups (to perform a 30-minute recital set, including the new works)
Mentorship
Selected musicians will participate in a virtual session with professional musicians offering guidance in new music performance, career development, and entrepreneurship. Glow Music has invited:
- Dr. Jamie Clark (cello, University of Iowa)
- Dr. Andrea Baker (bassoon, Western Illinois University)
- Dr. Caroline KyungA Ahn (Composition, former Dean of Anderson University School of Music)
Important Dates
- Application Review Begins: November 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
- Concert Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 (5:30–9:30 PM; concert begins at 7:30 PM)
- Community Program (MYCincinnati): Friday, April 3, 2026 (4:00–6:00 PM)
1. Eligibility
Students
- Open to students of any nationality—no age limit.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in music or music education programs in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky.
- Recent graduates (May 2024 or later) residing in the Greater Cincinnati area are also eligible.
- Must be able to receive payment via check or Venmo.
- International students must have CPT approval for Spring 2026 and be eligible for off-campus work (approval for Fall 2025 is not required).
Availability
- Must be available for both the concert and the community program.
Collegiality
- Composers must be open to working closely with performers.
- Performers must be open to working with composers.
- All participants must be comfortable engaging with beginning-level students from diverse backgrounds.
2. Application Requirements – Composers
- Submit a portfolio showcasing your work. Include if available:
- Chamber or solo instrumental music
- Songs/song cycle
- Large ensemble works
- Acoustic music with electronics
- This year, commissions are open to electronic music. You may specify that you would like to compose a work for acoustic instrument(s) with fixed media (with or without click track).
- Venue technical details:
- First Unitarian Church is upgrading its sound system. Current setup includes speakers, a wireless microphone, and a soundboard.
- If your piece requires a click track, you must provide the necessary in-ear monitoring devices yourself.
- Updated specs will be shared upon artist selection.
- Apply at: https://glowmusic.live/application-for-composers/
3. Application Requirements – Performers (Vocalists & Instrumentalists)
- Apply as a soloist, duo, trio, or quartet.
- Note: The following instrumentations are not being prioritized for the 2026 concert, though they may be encouraged in future seasons:
- Solo woodwind
- Solo piano
- Violin + piano duo
Required Materials:
- Video Recording (8–10 minutes):
- Must represent your artistry and technique.
- Can be one piece or multiple excerpts.
- Chamber groups who submit recordings of the full ensemble applying will be preferred.
- Recordings of separate members will be considered.
- Soloists with piano must apply as a duo.
- Recordings must be from the last 6 months.
- Proposed Recital Program (20–23 minutes):
- Your program should tell your story—it should be uniquely yours and connect with the audience.
- Programs consisting of a single large work (e.g., one Beethoven sonata) will not be accepted.
- Submit: titles, composers (with years), and durations of each piece.
- Program changes are allowed until March 1, 2026 (subject to artistic director approval). No changes allowed after that date.
- Transportation Reimbursement:
- Up to $50 for harp, upright bass, and percussions on the day of the concert.
- Apply at: https://glowmusic.live/application-for-performers/
4. Compensation
- Solo: $200 for performer, $200 for composer
- Duet: $400 per group, $250 for composer
- Trio: $500 per group, $375 for composer
- Quartet: $600 per group, $500 for composer
5. Commission Timeline – Composers
- Notification of selection: no later than November 25, 2025
- Draft or 50% of piece due: by February 1, 2026
- Final score due: by February 12, 2026
6. Performance Timeline – Instrumentalists & Vocalists
- Commissioned works will be delivered: week of February 16, 2026
- You will be expected to learn the commissioned piece within 8 weeks
7. Interview
- Finalists may be invited for a short interview with the Artistic Director.
8. Notification
- All applicants will be notified of results before November 25, 2025.
Questions?
Contact Yeon-Kyung Kim
concerts.glowmusic@gmail.com
DM on Instagram: @concerts.glowmusic
Learn more about past concerts: http://www.glowmusic.live
Glow Music 
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