Who can participate in the contest?
Everyone who is willing to participate can do so. The competition is open to composers of all ages and nationalities.
* If you are under 18 years old, then you will need a permission from your parent/guardian. Proof of permission should be provided upon request from Four For Music.
** This competition is worldwide, however, it is important to note that some countries and regions don’t permit these types of competitions. It is important to check if your region or country allows the contest prior to entering.
Is there a participation fee?
The FFM Scoring Contest is FREE for students who are enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, such as composition, sound design, music production, etc. All you have to do is send us a scanned valid student ID together with the registration form.
There is a EUR 20 fee for standard registration for all composers who are not currently students in the above-mentioned programmes but want to participate in the contest.
When can I apply and when is the submission deadline?
The registration for the contest is open from September 15, 2022 (12AM CET) to November 11, 2022 (12 PM CET).
The submission deadline is November 15, 2022 (12 AM CET). Compositions sent after the deadline will not be accepted. Your submission will be considered valid only after you receive an email confirming your registration.
We suggest that you send your submission by November 11, 2022 or as soon as you are ready. :)
Which instruments can I use?
You can use the following instruments:
- Strings 31 [10-8-6-4-3]
- Woodwinds 8 [2-2-2-2]*
- Brass 10 [4-2-3-1]
- Timpani
Auxiliary Percussion, Synths, Piano, Harp, and ethnic instruments can be used as MIDI/synth prelays.
*The second player can also play Piccolo, English Horn, Bass Clarinet, and/or Contrabassoon
** You can also use all sound effects that you own.
Do I have to use all available instruments in the orchestra?
No, you don’t. It is up to you to decide which instruments you will use for your composition. However, please make sure that you use the sounds and speech from the original video.
Where do I need to upload my composition?
You need to send an email with a download link for the files you uploaded on Dropbox or WeTransfer to contest@fourformusic.com.
You don’t have to worry about score preparation, mastering, and mixing – we will do that for you. You just have to write the winning composition!
What file formats do I need to use for my submission?
The files need to be in .mov or mp4 format (video), .wav or .mp3 format (audio), and .pdf format (optional score).
They must be named with the first and the last name of the participant, followed by FFM001. Example: John Willer FFM001. The names of the participants must correspond to the names filled in the registration form.
How many times can I participate in the contest?
Only once. You need to register with your names and email address, which we will use to identify you during the contest. Any other (subsequent) registration will be considered invalid.
How do we choose the winners?
We are looking for the compositions that will stand out with best:
- Melody and Harmony
- Orchestration
- Originality & unique sound
- Relationship between picture and music
Should I prepare scores and parts?
It is not necessary because Four For Music will make the score preparation/orchestration work for you. We are only looking for the best composition. However, you can provide your own scores, if you want to do so, but keep in mind that they will have to be adjusted to our workflow and requirements if you win the first prize in the competition.
Can I publish the video with my music?
Yes, you are allowed to use the film extract downloaded and share it online with credits to the original creators/film's name, provided you make it clear that it was created in the context of this competition.
For example: Composition created for a scene from the film Shibil for the FFM Scoring Contest. #Shibil #FFMscoringcontest #FourForMusic
Do I own the rights over the music I submitted?
Yes, you do! Keep in mind, though, that we have the right to use the compositions for marketing purposes, such as publishing it on our social media channels, our website, etc.
Will I get feedback on my composition?
Due to the expected large number of contestants, we will provide feedback to the winners only.
Where can I download the video after the registration?
You will receive a link for the video in the email with your registration confirmation. The email will be sent to the email address that you have provided during your registration.
When will the winners Be announced?
The winners will be announced on December 2, 2022, on our website (https://www.fourformusic.com/competitions/), Facebook page (@fourformusic), and Instagram account (@four.for.music).
When will the winners receive their prizes?
The orchestra recording for the First Prize composition will take place within two months after the announcement of the winners. The feedback and sample libraries awarded to the recipients of the First, Second, and Third Prizes will be sent to the winners during the week after the announcement of the winning compositions.
