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).

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