Composers

Philosophy for the MTNA Commissioned Composer Program

MTNA is dedicated to encouraging the creation of new works by American composers and annually assists its affiliated State Associations with the generation and performance of new music through the national Composer Commissioning program. A newly commissioned work receives its premiere performance at the convention of the State MTA responsible for that commission.

To further promote and recognize outstanding contributions to American music, MTNA annually has its State Affiliates submit their commissioned works to a panel of recognized composers for selection of the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year. The new work of the selected composer is presented in a concert performance at the next MTNA National Conference, and the composer is proclaimed the MTNA Distinguished Composer of the Year. The selected composer also receives a check for $5,000.

Distinguished Composer

In 2002, our commissioned composer, Timothy Hoekman, was selected to receive the MTNA-Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year for his composition To Make a Prairie for soprano and piano. To Make a Prairie is based on four poems by Emily Dickinson: To Make a Prairie, She Sweeps with Many-Colored Brooms, It Sifts From Leaden Sieves, and Two Butterflies Went Out at Noon.