New Music Competition Aims To Boost Wyoming’s Talent

Music competitions have changed the lives of many singers, songwriters, and musicians for years. Star Search provided a launchpad for artists like Justin Timberlake, LeAnn Rimes, Usher, and Sawyer Brown, as well as comedians Adam Sandler and Drew Carey. American Idol gave us Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, and Gabby Barrett. So, it's needless to say that music competitions are a serious business, and could give you opportunities you may not have had.

Wyoming has a music competition that could help kickstart your career, too. It's Artcore's New Music Competition, and the registration deadline is coming soon. The objective of the competition is to identify serious Wyoming composers to provide an ongoing program that keeps Wyoming music in the spotlight by giving exposure to the music and creating interest in bringing it to Wyoming audiences.

Here's a rundown of the rules you'll need to follow to get your manuscript entered:

• Performance time is 20 minutes
• Compositions must be submitted on music manuscript paper in black ink or printed on plain paper from a musical program.
• The composition has to be previously unperformed.
• No more than eight performers on one composition.
• Can be a combination of voice and or instrument.
• Three copies of the manuscript must be submitted, and unless you send a self-addressed stamped envelope, you won't get it back.
• Must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2026.
• Judges have the final say, there's not guarantee a winner will be selected.
• Entry fee is $15.
• Enter as many manuscripts as you'd like, but each requires an entry fee.
• The contest is open to ALL Wyoming residents.

ARTCORE (Arts Coordinating Representatives) was invented in 1978 with the purpose of providing opportunities for individual artists. There was no vision of the huge series of around 40 events that has evolved, but our championship of local and regional artists, is a strong part of our work. The first performance was of the winner of a radio script competition, and we continue with a rotation of New Music, One-Act Play, and Visual Arts Competitions.

If you need more information, you can reach out to the Artcore Facebook Page for contact information.