The Media Design School at Strayer, a leading global school for creative and digital technology, today announces its first Call for Submissions – Live at the Forum: “An Anthem for a New Era.” This global invitation seeks original hybrid symphonic compositions that honor the legacy of cinematic music while boldly embracing the sonic frontier of screen scoring.

Composers are invited to submit a 1:30–2:00 minute piece for full symphonic ensemble and cutting-edge electronic elements. Any selected works will be recorded at the legendary Forum Studio Village in Rome, founded by Maestro Ennio Morricone, offering composers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their music to be performed by a world-class European orchestra.

“We are seeking undiscovered composers whose voices are not only singular and deeply personal, but also one that reaches back through the rich legacy of screen entertainment and boldly forward into the dynamic frontier of storytelling through sound,” said Rick Kaplan, Senior Vice President, Media Design School at Strayer. "These artists will help define the next era of the cinematic score.”

A Global Stage for Emerging Talent

The juried selection process is designed to elevate undiscovered voices in screen scoring. Selected compositions will be professionally recorded as well as potentially used in the launch and promotion of the screen scoring and music design program at the Media Design School at Strayer. Composers whose work is selected may receive:

• In-person or remote participation in the live recording session;
• Air travel to/from Rome and hotel accommodations for composers selected for in-person participation;
• Multi-camera video documentation, Pro Tools session files, and a producer’s mix; and
• Detailed feedback from a panel of industry veterans.

“We’re looking for music that doesn’t just echo the past. ‘An Anthem for a New Era’ reimagines the future, and it is a chance for composers to make a bold artistic statement and be heard on a global stage,” said Andy Hill, Executive Dean, Screen Scoring, Media Design School at Strayer. “The Forum Studios in Rome is sacred ground for screen composers, and this initiative gives new voices the chance to stand where legends have stood and contribute to a living legacy. It’s a serious artistic opportunity, and we’re listening for work that moves us.”

Submission Details

• Submission Period: November 18, 2025 – December 15, 2025
• Format: Audio mock-up (.wav), full concert score, and a brief statement (max 500 words)
• Instrumentation: Full orchestral ensemble with optional electronic textures (see website for full details)
• Submission Portal: screenscoring.mediadesignschool.com

About Strayer University

Founded in 1892, Strayer University is an institution of higher learning for working adult students. It offers flexible and affordable undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration (including the Jack Welch Management Institute MBA), accounting, information technology, education, health services, public administration and criminal justice, as well as non-degree web and mobile application development courses through Hackbright Academy and Devmountain, and industry-aligned courses in 3D animation and VFX, gaming, and other visual arts through Media Design School at Strayer.

Strayer University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), www.msche.org. Strayer University’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. MSCHE most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 22, 2017 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States. Media Design School at Strayer (“MDS”) is a registered and accredited Private Training Establishment (PTE) under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Strayer is not a “University” for the purposes of the Education and Training Act 2020 (New Zealand) (“NZ Act”) or for New Zealand law purposes.

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