St Andrews Voices and the University of St Andrews’ Laidlaw Music Centre invite composers born in, or living/studying in, Scotland to send proposals for contributions to the St Andrews Scottish Songbook.

Who can apply?

Any composer born in, or living/study in, Scotland. Although we particularly want to encourage young composers (whether school-age or studying at University/Conservatoire), we are delighted to receive proposals from composers of all ages.

What should I submit?

You should submit a proposal of up to 500 words detailing which song you intend to arrange, its background, geographical area within Scotland and why it’s important to you. You should also submit some proposals as to how you would set the song stylistically, with particular reference to the role played by the piano accompaniment, both musically and textually.

You may also submit supporting material in the form of previous compositions, which demonstrate your ability to write convincingly for voice and piano.

How will the submissions be judged?

The submissions will be judged anonymously by a panel consisting of the six commissioned composers, singer and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall, Amanda MacLeod (Artistic Director of St Andrews Voices) and Sonia Stevenson (Founding Director of St Andrews Voices).

I have a good idea but don’t feel confident about composing a creative piano accompaniment

Any young/student composer who would like to, can take part in two mentoring sessions with commissioned composer, and composition teacher at the RCS and St Mary’s Music School, Tom David Wilson.

Will I be paid and will my song be performed?

All selected composers will be paid a fee of £300. Their song will be published in the St Andrews Scottish Songbook. The collection will be performed in its entirety by Jamie MacDougall in the McPherson Recital Room at the Laidlaw Music Centre during St Andrews Voices in October, 2022. It is also the intention to produce a commercial recording of the collection for launch at this time.

What are the key dates?

31 December, 2020: Deadline for proposal submissions
By 31 January, 2021: successful composers to be informed
1 October, 2021: deadline for submission of final song
Date tbc in October, 2022: launch of St Andrews Scottish Songbook and recording, during St Andrews Voices

For more information, or to submit your proposal, please email us at hello@standrewsvoices