PLEASE NOTE: This program replaces and expands on the Jerome Composers Commissioning Program (JCCP)

The Jerome Fund for New Music (JFund), funded by the Jerome Foundation, supports the creation of new musical works by emerging composers, composer/performers, improvisers and sound artists. JFund helps cover the cost of the creator's commissioning fee and (new this year) also provides financial support - Enhancement Funds - to help the project reach its maximum potential. Together, the program seeks to help the creation, performance/present-ation and subsequent life of a new project.

A composer applies in conjunction with a performing organization (which may be any soloist or group, not necessarily a non-profit organization). Alternatively, a composer/performer/improviser who plays in her/his own work applies in conjunction with a venue or presenter (e.g., school, theater, gallery, festival, radio station, etc.).

JFund welcomes applications in all musical genres, including jazz, experimental, classical, improvised, electroacoustic, sound-art and international styles, and seeks to expand new-music culture beyond the usual settings.


Eligibility

• Only emerging composers may apply. "Emerging" composers are at an early stage in their careers, with as-yet little peer recognition, no national reputation (as determined by prior performances and awards), and limited professional opportunities. JFund is intended to be among a composer's first commissions and represent a significant career boost. Favor will be shown towards composers who demonstrate potential and are taking a risk with the proposed project. These distinctions are relative, so we ask you to state how this project will advance your career.
• Only composers who reside in Minnesota or in the five boroughs of New York City may apply. Their performing/presenting partner may be based anywhere in the world.
• Composers or performers/presenters may take a leading role in only one application per year.
• Composers or performers/presenters selected for Jerome Composers Commissioning Program (JCCP) awards in the last two years (2008 or 2009) are not eligible to apply this year.
• All previous JCCP projects must be completed before a composer or performer/presenter may reapply.
• Formal musical training is not required. Currently enrolled students may apply only if they can show some professional performances of their work and their proposed project is not intended for coursework.
• A composer may apply in conjunction with an ensemble resident at a place of worship, provided the work is not premiered during a religious service.
• JFund administrative staff may not apply.
• Although ACF membership is not required to apply, applicants are strongly encouraged to join. If awarded, participants are required to join.

• A high level of composer's and performer's musical ability, and evidence of the composer's personal voice, as demonstrated by submitted materials.
• The significance of the commission to the composer's career development.
• The commitment shown by the performer or presenter to promote the new work, i.e. multiple performances, recordings, broadcasts, creative publicity, and educational outreach, etc.
• Proposals must be complete and show well-considered compositional and performance planning.
  

• JFund will grant up to $7,000 towards the composer's commission fee. The fee should reflect the duration of the work, the size of the performing forces, an estimate of the composition time needed and the cost of producing scores/parts when necessary. ACF does not provide a standard fee schedule. Applicants will not be penalized for requesting too much or too little. Panelists may adjust fees for comparable projects.
• If the amount of the JFund award does not cover the entire cost of the commission, we encourage the partners to pursue other funding sources to supplement the composer's fee. For projects whose total budget exceeds $7,000, a letter of commitment for the performer/venue to secure extra funds is required.
• In addition to the amount granted towards the composer's commission fee, JFund will provide up to $1500 per project in Enhancement Funds to encourage the composer-applicant to plan their work at a deeper level and propose how they would ideally like to further it. Proposals may include: research, travel, consultation, collaboration and preparation time, equipment costs, rehearsals and/or workshops, publicity support, performer and presenter costs, outreach opportunities, touring, publication, recording, etc.
• Composers who are also performers in the proposed work must apply with a presenter (venue, e.g., theater, concert series, gallery, school...) and submit a letter of commitment from the presenter stating an anticipated performance date and location.
• JFund projects must be completed within five years of the date of the award.
• Works must be in the early stages of composition at the time of application: works scheduled to premiere before November 2010 will not be considered.

• The completed JFund Application Form.
• A one-page personal statement articulating the development and direction of your work, aesthetic position, and the significance of this commission at this time. Bearing in mind that JFund is intended for emerging composers who have yet to establish themselves on the wider musical scene, state how you consider yourself to be "emerging" and how this project represents a musical and professional step forward.
• A description of the proposed composition that includes duration, instrumentation, and other ideas regarding the work.
• A brief description (2-3 paragraphs) of how you would use the available Enhancement Funds to provide additional support for your project, including a budget that reflects the anticipated expenses, and an estimated timeline.
• An artist resume or current bio (two pages maximum).
• A maximum of two clearly labeled works (compiled on a single CD or DVD) you have created in the last three years. Track #1 should begin with about 4-minutes of your most characteristic and compelling music (this may be a section pulled from a longer work which may then be followed by the complete work).
• A work sample description, listing the names of the works presented, the year they were composed and the name(s) of the performer
• Two written scores matching the works on the recordings. Scores are required unless they are inappropriate to your compositional style. In the case of improvisations, state the nature of the composer's involvement.
• If you want your materials returned, please enclose a check (payable to ACF) sufficient to cover return postage.

• A letter of commitment indicating the ensemble's intention to perform (or the venue's plans to present) the work and the number of anticipated performances in addition to the premiere, as well as any recording, review or broadcast possibilities.
• Support materials documenting previous work. Materials may include but are not limited to concert programs, CDs, DVDs, brochures, recent reviews, etc.
• A description of the premiere, including the anticipated date, time, and place. If there are plans for any additional events surrounding the premiere, i.e. a pre-concert talk by the composer, workshops, open rehearsals, etc., please include the details of these activities.
  
  
  Application Deadline: Friday, August 20, 2010 (postmark).