Earplay sponsors the annual Earplay Donald Aird Composers Competition, open to composers of any nationality and any age. Earplay performs the winning piece in San Francisco in 2027 and presents a cash prize of $1,500 to the composer.
Works are limited to 1 to 6 players (at most 1 of each, e.g., not 2 violins) from Earplay's ensemble: flute/piccolo/alto flute/bass flute; clarinet/bass clarinet; piano; violin; viola; cello. Works may include electronics. Works may be of any duration (8-15 minutes preferred) and may have been previously performed. Each composer can submit any number of pieces.