Call for Works – score collection No(w) Strings
As a documentation centre and educational organization MATRIX [New Music Centre] introduces diverse audiences to contemporary music. Our activities include workshops, exhibitions, book publications, summer school and much more. Having published score collections for guitar, saxophone, piano, and brass instruments, we are now preparing a collection of scores for string instruments, suitable for young musicians.
We invite each section of the ISCM to suggest up to 3 suitable compositions for this collection.
- Our primary focus is on solo works for violin, alto, cello or double bass, with or without piano accompaniment,
- We are also happy to consider duos, trios, quartets and string ensemble pieces, as well as compositions involving electronics.
- We are particularly looking for relatively short works.
- Compositions should be fit for beginning/young musicians, ranging from beginner level to pre-conservatory level.
- We’d like to stress that graphic scores are eligible as well.
- We do not keep a strict limit as to the year of composition. In addition to recent works, somewhat older compositions may also be submitted.
Submissions should include
- the score. Please make sure to include clear instructions wherever relevant, e.g. regarding any extended techniques or specific notation forms.
- a recording, if available
- a short text outlining the strengths of the submitted piece in an educational context. Ideally, submitted works are accompanied by a recommendation from a music teacher or a testimonial from someone who has played the work. An example is attached below for reference.
- A short biography of the composer, preferably with a link to the composers’ website.
Our collection will be published at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Submissions are welcome until April 21, 2025, via this e-mail address. Subsequently, we make a final selection in consultation with a panel of music teachers. Agreements will be made with the composers of the selected works regarding the copyright to the score. We also provide a license fee.
Thank you in advance for your contribution to our project!
Any questions regarding this Call for Works can be directed to Klaas Coulembier.
Example of accompanying text:
from: Miniaturen-Sammlung: 32 short pieces for solo violin, 2 violins, 3 violins and violin & piano (and one addendum for 9 violins), 2020 (published by Stringfun)
Neyrinck’s miniatures are a wonderful collection of pieces that excite students’ imaginations at a level one doesn’t see anywhere else. Students are challenged to look for timbres and explore techniques they would never otherwise encounter, e.g. rapid variation in bow pressure, sul ponticello, sul tasto, flageolets and different types of noise-sounds. While the pieces presents interesting challenges in bowing, the left hand is rather easy. The interplay with the pianist, or the other violinists, enhances the fantasy image created. The result is fantastic!
We chose three pieces from the collection and arranged them into a triptych.
