Department of Music Awards
Each year, the Department of Music recognizes exemplary student compositions, performances, and academic papers in Music.
2022-23 Award Auditions and Deadlines
- The deadline for submission of compositions, thesis papers, and performance applications is Monday, January 30, 2023
- Names of the finalists for the first round will be announced Tuesday, February 21*
- Final round for performance auditions will held live on Sunday, March 5, 2023
- Winners will be announced Monday, March 13
- Awards will be presented at a dinner and awards ceremony to accompany the Department Awards Concert on Friday, May 19, 2023
*Correction: The date originally published was February 20, a university holiday.
Awards
To compete in the Department of Music Awards, performance students must have enrolled in a course with a MUSIC subject code in the current academic year. Composition students must have taken or be currently enrolled in at least one course with the MUSIC subject code.
Below is a list of the awards offered and further requirements for each prize:
Sudler Prize (Art, Creative Writing, Drama, Music, and Dance)
- For graduating seniors.
- The prize is based on nominations by department chairpersons.
- Prize is $2,500.
The Robert M. Golden Medals (Thesis Paper and Artistic Creation in Music)
- For graduating senior Music majors.
- The Artistic Creation award is decided by nomination of the faculty.
- Thesis papers are considered in a group by the School of Humanities and Sciences.
- Prize is an engraved bronze medal and $500.
Carol and Peter Polk Music Award (Instrumental or Vocal Performance):
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates and graduate students.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition
- Prize is $1,000.
The Blew-Culley-LaFollette Prize (Piano Performance):
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates and graduate students.
- Prize is $500 or shared.
Dan Robinson Prize (Instrumental Performance):
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates and graduate students.
- Prize is $500.
Rita Taylor Prize (Vocal Performance):
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates and graduate students.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prize is $500.
Patrick Butler Prize (Piano Performance):
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates and graduate students.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prize is $500 or shared.
Marie Gibson Prize (Vocal Performance):
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates and graduate students.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prize is $500 or shared.
Costanza Prize for Cello Performance:
- Given by Susan Larson in honor of Christopher Costanza.
- Open to all Stanford undergraduate and graduate students.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prize is $500.
Friends of Music Graduate Prize in Music (Vocal or Instrumental Performance):
- Open to all Stanford graduate students.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prizes is $500.
Friends of Music Chamber Music Award (Chamber Performance)
- Open to all Stanford student ensembles coached by Department of Music faculty.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prize is $500 per ensemble.
Friends of Music Undergraduate Composition Award
- Open to all Stanford undergraduates.
- Awarded on the basis of competitive audition.
- Prize is $500.
The Department of Music Awards application is now closed.
Please direct any questions or concerns regarding the Department of Music Awards to Robin Sharp or rleigh [at] stanford.edu (subject: Department%20of%20Music%20Awards) (Rowen Leigh).