FAQ: The Music and the American Revolution Competition

When does the window for entries open?

• The contest opens at our Music and the American Revolution Competition page at 12:01 AM PST on October 15, 2024.

What is the deadline for entries?

• The contest closes at midnight PST on December 31, 2024.

Who can enter the contest?

• High School and college-age musicians. Young independent artists under 30-years-old. We want to bring new voices to the collage of commemorative methods that will shape how the nation remembers and engages with the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Is there a cost to enter?

• No. The contest is FREE to enter.

How do I enter?

• Follow this link to the contest page and click the red SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC button to enter beginning on October 15, 2024.

Should the music be arranged in a particular style or genre?

• Submissions can be in ANY musical genre—whether contemporary, rock, hip-hop, electronic, country, or something that stays close to the traditional arrangement.

How will the entries be judged?

• Entries will be judged on their success in making a connection across time and how well they connect the past and present. In addition, our distinguished judges will be listening for high quality production quality and musical polish. See our official competition rules for details.

When will the judges announce their decision?

• A public announcement will be made on February 22, 2025 – George Washington’s Birthday.

Who will judge the entries?

• A panel of professional musicians from various genres, music industry leaders, musicologists, assisted by at least one historian of American music. Learn more about our judges here.

What is the prize for the winning entry?

• Each division's winner will receive one $3,500 cash prize. This award is not only a recognition of the artist's talent and creativity but also an encouragement to continue exploring the rich connections between music and history.

How do I find past examples of how artists have re-interpreted historic music?

• See our Artist Resource page for links to examples of how others have re-interpreted historic music.

Who owns the copyright to the music create for the contest?

• All copyrights remain with the creators of the music. Ensure that your work does not infringe on any existing copyrights. By submitting your work, you agree that it is considered "Work for Hire," meaning the Sponsors will have rights to use and showcase your submission.

Is music created by an AI music generator program acceptable?

• No, all submissions must be entirely original and created without the assistance of AI technology. If you submit a musical piece and our detection tools suggest that it may have been generated by AI, you may be asked to provide proof of authenticity. This could include behind-the-scenes footage, live performance recordings, or other evidence demonstrating that the composition is genuinely your own work.

Who co-sponsors the contest?

• This contest is co-sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation.

Suppose I have questions about how to access music in manuscript form:

• How can I contact the Library of Congress?

  Follow this link to contact a librarian in the Music Division: https://ask.loc.gov/

• How can I contact the Massachusetts Historical Society?

  Follow this link to contact an archivist at MHS: https://www.historicnewengland.org/about-us/contact-us/

• How can I contact the Boston Athenaeum?

  Email Reference/Reader Services at Reference@BostonAthenaeum.org or contact 617-227-0270 x 302

• How can I contact the Museum of the American Revolution?

  Email the Museum’s Collections Department at reproductions@amrevmuseum.org.

Who is the contact person for questions regarding submissions and how do I contact them?

For general competition inquiries, please contact us at education@battlefields.org.