Music writing contests

Arrange existing music for carillon

As a carillonneur, an important way for you to connect with your audience is to play the music they want to hear. To make quality arrangements and transcriptions quickly is an essential skill. That's why since 2020, we've hosted the Sally Slade Warner Arrangements and Transcriptions Competition.

The winners of each biennial contest receive up to US$900, have their entries promoted on our website and performed at the following GCNA Congress, and may have their entries published by the GCNA.

Enter the contest

Compose for carillon

Bringing a new musical work to life can be one of the most rewarding experiences as a composer. In the process, you sharpen your music theory skills, express your creativity, and if you're a carillonneur, become a better performer. We believe that new music is crucial to the future of the carillon art. That's why since 1988, we've hosted the Johan Franco Composition Contest.

The winners of each biennial contest receive up to US$2,000, have their entries promoted on our website and performed at the following GCNA Congress, and may have their entries published by the GCNA.

Enter the contest

Submit a proposal to compose for carillon

In 2023, we debuted the Johan Franco Proposal Contest, a proposal-based variation of the original composition contest that runs alongside it. It's geared towards composers who are newer to the carillon or are looking for more of a collaborative process with the Franco Committee to workshop or provide feedback while writing. If you have written extensively for carillon, you will generally not be considered for this contest. You should instead enter the contest above.

The winners of each biennial contest receive up to US$2,000, have their entries promoted on our website and performed at the following GCNA Congress, and may have their entries published by the GCNA.

Enter the contest