Music Proposals

Because Ossia is a student-run ensemble, we depend on proposals from students, faculty and the community to make up our concert seasons. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the proposal process as well as downloadable forms to submit with your proposal materials.

What kind of music is Ossia looking for?

Ossia is always looking for new and exciting music of diverse styles. We welcome you to take a look at our past seasons to get a feel for the types of concerts that have been put on in the past. Ossia is also interested in performing music that would not otherwise be performed at Eastman or like institutions.

What are the criteria for evaluation?

Ossia welcomes proposals for projects to be included in its productions from all members of the Eastman community. Projects may include particular pieces, themes for concerts, entire programs, or any ideas germane to the promotion of new music. Proposals may be made at any time and will be judged on the following criteria:

Artistic merit. Ossia prefers projects that are unique and artistically appealing. Additionally, preference is given to music that would not otherwise be performed at Eastman or like institutions.

Student commitment. Because authors of accepted proposals are expected to assist with the production of their project, Ossia prefers proposals whose authors demonstrate an aptitude for the skills involved in producing the project, as well as the enthusiasm to realize it successfully.

Performance quality. Ossia prefers, but does not require, that proposals include names of key performers, and will take into consideration the skills of artists who will be involved in the project.

Practicability. Ossia prefers projects that can be successfully realized within the limits of the organization's resources. Proposals envisioning extraordinary material or in-kind resources should specify sources of such resources.

Variety. Ossia prefers projects that will maximize its programming variety from production to production. Subject to all the foregoing evaluative criteria, Ossia will prefer projects that represent composers, styles, media and genres not previously represented on an Ossia production.

Which proposal form should I submit?

Proposals for individual pieces:

Ossia is interested in doing concerts for diverse types of ensembles from small singing groups to small-scaled orchestras. (However, we are limited by our performance space, Kilbourn Hall, and cannot do large orchestral works.)

Proposals for full concerts:

Many times proposals come to Ossia in the form of an entire concert. The music may be connected by a theme, a composer or a style. Because we do not always have the means to put together all of the full-concert proposals, we often like to take a piece from one of these proposals and include it on a concert with other works. Make sure you indicate on the form (see below) whether or not this would be okay with you.

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Proposals for commissions:

Each year, Ossia commissions Eastman composers based on ideas that would not be realized without guaranteed production. Composers will be notified of their acceptance by the end of the spring semester and are then expected to have the piece completed by the beginning of the following school year. If a composer expects to complete the piece without the commission, they are instead encouraged to propose the finished work using Ossia's "Single Piece" proposal. The commission, while non-paid, is a chance to work with the administrative board of Ossia in order to realize a composition with a scope or production commitment too large (or time- consuming) for one person to handle.

How do I submit a proposal?

Completed Proposals (including required scores and/or recordings) can be submitted to any member of the Ossia Administrative Board at any of our concert events or dropped off in the Ossia folder in the Internet Cafe (basement of Eastman).

Who evaluates the proposals?

The members of the Ossia administrative board make the final decisions and work together to put together a season for the following year. Usually the season is announced in early May. Check the website regularly for updates.

What happens if my proposal is accepted?

Ossia expects the proposers to participate actively in the production work for the concert. There are many different types of roles on production boards for concerts, but all proposers are expected to be involved to help make the concert happen.