Q: Could you please confirm that the authors will retain full & unlimited copyright ownership for submitted works?
A:The composer of any work submitted to the Shakuhachi Chamber Music Composition Competition, retains full copyright ownership of their works. We do however ask for the right to perform the winning pieces at our Performance Concert.

Q: Should I write my code name on my application form where it would be linked with my name?
A: Yes, you can certainly write the code somewhere on the application form. Otherwise, the code will be recorded together with the name when the envelope is received.

Q: It is indicated that I must include 3 recordings of the work. Do you mean a recording with a real shakuhachi and string players, or a computer generated recording ?
A: Please note the submission of audio is optional. Computer generated sound is quite suitable.

Q:  Is it possible and or acceptable to change instruments, say between movements or within movements, in the course of one piece?
A:  Yes, changing flutes is acceptable and often really effective. The change can be during a piece, between sections, during or between movements or by way of a cadenza.
Playing modern compositions, it is often necessary to change flutes more often as composers sometimes do not fully understand the shakuhachi. This change might be for reasons of range but more usually either for temporary key changes or where the composer requires emphasis but is using notes that are not on the pentatonic scale for the length being used. These intermediate notes are called ‘meri’ and by definition they are more subdued and unclear. So for modern works the player would often have a stand beside them holding three or four instruments of differing lengths. This is ‘interesting’ for the player in some ways but could possibly be described as bad composition, and especially in the context of a competition.
Note that it takes some time to change flutes and one would need a few measures (about 2 seconds) to do that comfortably.
Transposition to different length flutes is a skill experienced players possess. It is more readily done for the  ‘standard’ lengths of 1.6 and 2.1.

Q:  Do we compose for 5-hole or 7-hole shakuhachi?  
A:  Either is acceptable. Among the performers chosen for the Performance Concert there will be 5-hole and 7-hole players.

Q:  It is possible to compose the music in several movements?  
A:  Yes. There is no limit to the number of movements within the specified duration.

Q:  It would be good to get feedback from shakuhachi players during the refinement stage toward the completion of the composition. Can you introduce me to any shakuhachi players?
A:  This is a good idea so please contact the organisers, letting us know your location, if you require such assistance or feedback.

Q:  Does it have to be a world premiere (never performed) piece?  
A:  Not performed before closing date for applications.

Q:  If so, would a rearrangement for that instrumentation be OK, or would it have to be a "never performed piece under any arrangement"?
A:  Rearrangements are not accepted unless the music had not previously been performed (see 'Rules').

Q:  It would be good to get feedback from the assesors for submitted works?
A:  The organisers are looking into this possibility and will make an announcement. This was not possible for the 2008 competition due to financial restraints.

Q: Do you intend for us to compose a piece in a traditional Japanese Shakuhachi style (ie. Shakuhachi, Koto, Shamisen, etc) with an emphasis on an Asian pentatonic sound, or is it your intent to acquire a score of Western tonality and harmony with the Shakuhachi?
A: The competition organisers and judges give no recommendation on or have any preference for a particular style, tonality or harmony. .

Q: About the register of compositions. You mention that works other than the ones from the competition could be included. Do you have a form or a document indicating which informations you would like composers to provide with the works? Do you want scores, recording, or other materials?
A: We would like to list all compositions for shakuhachi with western instruments. Please visit the Register and click on 'submit work' . This register is for ANY work composed for shakuhachi with western instruments. Links can be provided to scores and recordings. We can accept audio files too. Just go to the submission form and fill it out. Contact us if you have any queries after that.

Q: I have a piece for shakuhachi, pipa and cello. The pipa could be replace by a guitar. Could I submit it?
A: We do not accept arrangements of either traditional or contemporary works.