MUSIC – ORIGINAL COMPOSITION
2027 Young Artists and Authors Showcase
Explore the 2027 Theme
A Tapestry of Cultures and the Threads That Connect Us
Tacoma Sister Cities invites young musicians and composers to explore the connections that bring people and cultures together through the 2027 Young Artists and Authors Showcase.
Every culture, community, and individual contributes a unique thread to the tapestry of our interconnected world. Our traditions, languages, histories, and perspectives enrich one another, creating stronger communities through understanding and collaboration.
This year's theme encourages students to reflect on friendship, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. How can we bridge differences, celebrate diversity, and build a more peaceful future?
Just as every thread contributes to a tapestry, every individual can strengthen the bonds between communities. Use your original music to express what connects us.
Music – Original Composition Submission Guidelines
Students may submit one original musical composition in this category. All submissions must meet the following requirements:
- One Entry Per Student: Each student may submit one original piece of music.
- Solo Musicians Only: This category is open to individual musicians and composers only. Collaborations, bands, and group submissions are not permitted.
- Accepted Audio Formats: Music must be submitted as an MP3 or WAV file.
- Audio Only: Only audio recordings will be accepted. Video submissions are not permitted.
- Submission Method: Complete the online entry form and upload your original musical composition as an MP3 or WAV audio file.
- Originality: The composition must be the student's own original work. Plagiarized, stolen, or copied music is prohibited.
- Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted by March 5, 2027.
All entries must comply with the Sister Cities International Plagiarism and AI Policy .
All submitted music must be the student's own original composition. Music created wholly or partially using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is not permitted.
This includes AI-generated melodies, harmonies, rhythms, lyrics, arrangements, instrumental parts, or other musical elements, even when modified by the student.
Students may use traditional instruments and music recording or editing software to create and record their compositions. However, generative AI tools may not be used to compose or generate any portion of the music.
Entries containing AI-generated musical content will be disqualified.
Who Can Enter?
The Showcase welcomes eligible students ages 12–18 from Tacoma and its international sister cities.
Group A: Tacoma Students, Ages 12–14
Group B: Tacoma Students, Ages 15–18
Group C: International Sister City Students
Need Inspiration?
Your musical composition can interpret any aspect of the theme. Consider these questions as a starting point for your creative process.
- What cultures, traditions, or experiences have shaped who you are, and how can you share them with others?
- What "threads" connect people across different cultures, countries, and communities?
- How can learning about other cultures build understanding, empathy, and respect?
- What traditions from the past should we carry forward into the future?
- If you could weave together ideas, traditions, or values from different cultures, what would you create?
- What does a future of peace and intercultural understanding look like? What role can young people play?
- How can cultural exchange bring people together despite different backgrounds?
- What do you wish people around the world understood about your culture or community?
- If the world were a tapestry, what would you add to it?
- What connections can we create today to make tomorrow more peaceful and united?
- How can Sister Cities partnerships strengthen connections between cultures and build peace?
These questions are suggestions, not requirements. We encourage you to explore the theme in your own unique way.
Important Submission Dates
Ready to Share Your Music?
Let your original composition weave connections across cultures and communities.
SUBMIT AN ENTRYEntries accepted November 16, 2026 through March 5, 2027.