2026 Rule beasley prize
The ISJAC Rule Beasley Prize in Lead Sheet Composition
The International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers, along with ISJAC President John Beasley, is honored to offer the 2026 Rule Beasley Prize in jazz lead sheet composition. Rule had an extensive career as a performer, educator and military service member. He left a significant legacy of mentorship and musicianship at both the University of North Texas and Santa Monica College.
The prize is open to any composer regardless of age or nationality.* There is no application fee; but all applicants must be full (paid) members of ISJAC. If you are not already a member, you may join here.
Guidelines
The composer of the winning work will receive a $1,500 USD cash award. The winning composer will also be offered a publication contract with iJazzMusic for international distribution of their work and a 1-year JazzComposersPresent.com Annual Tier membership.
Eligibility: The prize is open to all jazz arrangers regardless of age or nationality.* There is no application fee; but all applicants must be full (paid) members of ISJAC. If you are not already a member, you may join here.
Submission Guidelines: Those wishing to apply for this prize should submit the following materials via the portal on the ISJAC website:
Application Form
Lead sheet in PDF format
MP3 of best recording of the work (midi MP3 realization is accepted)
IMPORTANT***: Compositions must be no more than 32 measures in length. Applicants will be judged on how well they write a tune with a compelling melody and chord changes. Simplicity is key!
The composer's name and identifying information must be removed from the lead sheet and recording before submitting. Those with identifying information still visible will be disqualified.
Applicants may submit one work only which must have been written within the last year.
Works that have previously won ISJAC prizes are not eligible to be submitted again.
Dates: All applications must be received by October 20th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Notification of the winning work will be made in December 2025.
Adjudication: ISJAC will select a panel of highly regarded, professional jazz composers tasked with reviewing all applications and selecting a single work they believe displays exceptional creativity and musicality.
*Please be aware that if the prize recipient is not a U.S. citizen, there may be additional government and transaction fees/taxes withheld.
The link to apply will appear here after you are logged in
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