Composer Pins

The NDSU Composition Program awards a Composer Pin to composers whose music has been publicly performed on an NDSU stage.

The pin marks a simple but meaningful milestone: the moment when music moves from the page into the world.

Composers spend countless hours sketching ideas, revising scores, and working with performers. But a piece of music is not complete until it is heard.

The Composer Pin recognizes a public artistic accomplishment shared with performers and audiences. It is not awarded for coursework, grades, or declaring a major.

Shaped like North Dakota and finished in NDSU green, the pin reflects the belief that composers do not only emerge from major cultural centers. They emerge from Fargo, too.

Yes. Composer Pins are awarded based on accomplishment, not affiliation.

Students, faculty, alumni, guest composers, and collaborators may receive a Composer Pin if their music is publicly performed on an NDSU stage.

The rules are the same for everyone.

The Rules

(Simple, public, and the same for everyone.)

  1. Compose an original work.
  2. Have the work publicly performed.
  3. The performance must take place on an NDSU stage.

The Composer Pin marks the first visible step in a composer’s public artistic life. Many recipients continue on to present recitals, publish music, collaborate with ensembles, receive commissions, and pursue further creative work.