ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards

# ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards The Morton Gould Young Composer Awards are The ASCAP Foundation's flagship recognition for composers of original concert music at the earliest stages of their careers. The awards honor Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and former ASCAP president Morton Gould's lifelong commitment to encouraging young creators, and teenage composers compete alongside conservatory students for a national credential judged by professionals. ## What You'll Do - Submit one original concert work - score and/or recording - through the online application during the winter window - Compete for cash awards selected by a panel of distinguished composers - Gain national recognition announced by ASCAP each spring, with winners' names published to the industry - Reapply in future years as your writing develops (up to three career Morton Gould awards) ## Who Should Apply Composers who are at least 13 years old and under 30 as of the deadline, and a US citizen, permanent resident, or enrolled student with a current US student visa. Applicants under 18 submit a parental consent form. One submission per entrant is allowed. The 2026 application period ran January 6 to February 6, 2026; the next cycle typically reopens in January. ## Outcomes Winning a Morton Gould award places a student composer on a list that has included many of America's leading concert-music voices, with cash support and an ASCAP Foundation credential that carries real weight in conservatory and college composition applications.