Composers, this one's for you. The String Quartet SMACKDOWN is like NCAA March Madness, but for the ears — 16 finalists, four rounds, one live voting audience, one champion. 

Write a 4-minute string quartet, submit it for free, and if you make the bracket, a professional quartet performs your piece LIVE in Austin. All 16 finalists get a professional studio recording. The champion takes home the $2500 GRAND PRIZE. 

 This is the 10th edition, and Smackdown only happens every other year, so this is your only shot until 2028. 

✅ Free to enter
✅ Open to all ages, experience levels & backgrounds
✅ Open worldwide
✅ Just 4 minutes, traditional string quartet (2 violins, viola, cello) 

⏰ Submissions close December 8, 11:59 PM central time
📍 Live event: February, Austin TX 

Composers, get writing. Link in bio to submit. LET’S GO 🏆