Compose for Us
Recognising the voice of contemporary composers
At RIAM Exams, we are proud to champion living composers and support the creation of engaging, educational piano repertoire. We invite submissions for our annually published RIAM Piano Albums (Elementary to Grade V)—designed to foster technical development, musical growth, and student enjoyment.
Whether you're an experienced composer or a teacher who writes for students, we welcome your contribution. Selected pieces will be included in RIAM’s official piano syllabus and reach students and teachers across the country.
What we’re looking for:
We’re particularly interested in pieces that:
- Match the technical and pedagogical level of each grade
- Offer stylistic variety, engaging character, and rhythmic or tonal interest
- Appeal to students—particularly young pianists at early grades
For Elementary to Grade I, arrangements of familiar tunes are also welcome, provided they support musical learning.
Things to consider:
Our selection process balances musical appeal with educational value. The panel considers:
- Practical hand positions and range
- Rhythmic and tempo variety
- Use of dynamics and articulation
- Appropriate technical challenge
- Creativity and character
To better understand grade expectations, consult recent RIAM Piano Albums or download our full Composition Guidelines PDF.
How to submit:
Email your composition(s) to LC.publications@riam.ie and include:
- A PDF of your score (prepared in Sibelius or Finale)
- Your name and contact details
- The intended grade level
You may submit multiple works for multiple grades. Submissions are accepted year-round, but to be considered for the next publication cycle, please submit by 3 October 2025.
Remuneration:
If your work is selected, you'll receive the following fee based on the grade:
- Elementary, Preliminary, Primary – €100
- Grade I, Grade II – €200
- Grade III, Grade IV – €300
- Grade V – €400
Copyright remains with RIAM for the duration of publication and reverts to the composer thereafter.
Under-18 Composition Competition
Recognising the voice of student composers
We also welcome creative submissions from young musicians through our annual Under-18 Composition Competition—a chance for students to have their work published and celebrated.
Prize:
- €150 cash prize
- Winning composition published in the 2026 RIAM Piano Albums
- Potential for performance by RIAM candidates across Ireland
Who can enter?
- Open to anyone under the age of 18 on 31 December 2025
- Each student may submit up to two entries
Composition Guidelines:
- The piece should be suitable for Elementary to Grade V
- Give your work a descriptive title
- Review recent RIAM Piano Albums to understand the expected standard
How to submit:
Deadline: Friday, 3 October 2025
Email:
Send your submission as a PDF or image file (.jpg, .png) to LC.publications@riam.ie
Include:
- Full name
- Address and contact details
- Date of birth
- Intended grade level
Post:
Send your composition to:
Composition Competition
Senior Examiner
Royal Irish Academy of Music
36–38 Westland Row
Dublin 2
D02 WY89
We look forward to hearing your compositions and celebrating the creativity of both established and emerging composers.