MARC DOUYON (b. 1953) is a pianist, published author, and award-winning composer. He is a member of SCI (The Society of Composers, Inc.) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), and his works have been recognized and performed in many countries. His compositions include works for instrumental, vocal, orchestral, and electronic music. Marc believes that divine inspiration is the key for balancing the harmony between man and nature.
http://www.societyofcomposers.org/members/MarcDouyon

ABOUT Prelude and Toccata for Piano (2013)

Prelude & Toccata for piano opens with a lyrical melody that brings a sense of complaint, anguish, and despair. But soon, the main theme, which is also lyrical and makes use of hemiola figures, takes the shape of a gracious tribal dance in compound meter. It will not be long however, before the character of the piece changes into an agitated Toccata. Staccato notes, accents, and close hand position at the piano then dominate that section.The final moments of the piece are heroic-like in nature, but also convey a sense of calm after the storm.

MIKHAIL JOHNSON (b. 1989) is one of Jamaica’s most distinguished pianists and composers. Described as a composer who creates a “jaw-dropping panoply of sound and feeling” (BBC Radio 3), he merges traditional European classical music and the avant-garde with consummate Jamaican flare. A recipient of the 2022 Alea Publishing and Recording Dolphy Prize, Mikhail’s work has been commissioned and performed by internationally leading ensembles and presenting organizations including the Seattle Opera, Wigmore Hall, Muziekgebouw, De Dolen, Ensemble Klang, Transient Canvas, Departure Duo, Cleveland Chamber Symphony, 21st Century Consort and the Brooklyn Art Song Society. His music is published exclusively worldwide by Johno Muzik. Mikhail is a Lecture of Composition at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Fellow of Teaching Artistry at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and holds degrees from Texas Tech University and Bowling Green State University. https://www.mikhailjohnson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamaicanpianist/

ABOUT Fram Di Pliegroun (2022)

Translated: From the Playground, this piece paints four evocative scenes of childhood memories on the playground of Jamaican soil. These scenes allude to actual games played, places traversed and even games and sayings that were made up and no one else but those who have played it know what it is:

I: Wan an Twenti - A game of counting: One and twenty, two and twenty, three and four and five and six and twenty, twenty seven, twenty eight, twenty nine....HUNDRED!

II: Bul iina pen - Bul iina pen, cyaa cum out! (The bull in the pen, can't come out!) A ring game in which the person in the middle is to act like the bull and try to break their way out the pen (a cricle of other children holding hands tightly ready to bounce the bull back in the middle).

III: Onda di fruut trii - The options are endless while lying under the fruit tree of choice... it's quite the vibe. Let the imagination run wild.

IV: Unamina Desimina - The game was made up, the words were made up, but to us it made sense, so play along!

AMP 2025 CALL FOR SCORES

Eligibility:

Open to all Black American composers (there is no age limit). Applicants must be based in the US and eligible to receive income in the US.

Deadline for submission:

All submissions must be made by April 3rd, 2025 at 10pm EST. Winners will be contacted on or around May 3rd, 2025.

There is no application fee to apply.

(Scroll down for application link.)

Guidelines: 

I. All scores must be written for solo piano.  

II. Compositions should be between 4-10 minutes.

III. All pieces, regardless if they have been performed or not, are welcome for submission.

IV. You may submit up to three compositions.  

V. Your submission must include PDF(s) of the score(s). Your submission should also include streaming audio of your composition(s) if available. Midi/digital recordings are acceptable. 

VI. Please note: there is no cash prize for this competition. The prize is a live performance and recording of your composition by AMP.

Please contact us for any questions about the application process.