Now in its 37th year, the Percussive Arts Society Percussion Composition Contest is designed to encourage and reward those who create music for percussion instruments and to increase the number of quality compositions written for percussion. Many of the contest winners are considered staples in modern percussion literature. Cash awards totaling $4,500 are distributed each year.

Instrumentation and category restrictions are determined by the PAS Composition Committee each year and the deadline for entries is April 15th.

2010 Categories
Category I: Timpani Solo (4 standard sizes i.e. 23", 26", 29", 32")
Category II: Marimba and Cello Duet

Download an application form.

2011 Categories
Category I: Unaccompanied Solo Vibraphone
Category II: Marimba Quartet

2012 Categories
Category I: Unaccompanied Solo Marimba
Category II: Drum Set Soloist with Medium Percussion Ensemble (5-8 players)
Note: Drum Set part must be completely notated.

Below are listed all winning compositions by category.

Solo Competition Winners

Ensemble Competition Winners