The Harold Smart Memorial
Composition Competition 2025
RSCM is proud to launch the 2025 Harold Smart Competition.
This annual competition, run by the RSCM, was established in 1988 to encourage the composition of simple anthems. Dr Harold Smart was a GP who went on to specialize as an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He was a member of an RSCM affiliated church and had a love of church music but was by no means proficient.
Are you a composer with a passion for church music?
Do you have a creative spark and a desire to share your musical talents with the world?
The Harold Smart Memorial Composition Competition is your chance to shine!
Music must be set to the text of Psalm 100:
- 1. O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
- 2. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
- 3. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
- 4. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting: and his truth endureth from generation to generation.
(It is not necessary to set the Gloria)
Prizes
The winner will receive a cash prize of £100, and will be passed to the RSCM Editorial Committee for consideration for publishing.
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility: Open to any composer. The submitted work must not have been submitted to another competition, or published elsewhere.
Preparation: The RSCM will run three, free ‘lunch and learn’ sessions to guide entrants
- Session 1 Alexander L’Estrange – Top tips in Harmony – Recording
- Session 2 Joanna Forbes L’Estrange – Top tips in Melody – Recording
- Session 3 Stephen Bullamore – Top tips in accompaniment arrangement – Recording
Composition Requirements:
- Original short anthem for a choir of modest ability, suitable for singing in a church service.
- Settings must be for no more than 4 (undivided) voices parts (ie SATB is the fullest scoring but fewer voices eg SA or ATB would be acceptable).
- Settings can be accompanied or a capella
- The accompaniment must be performable by an organist or pianist of Gd V/VI standard
- The anthem must not exceed 3 minutes duration.
Format: Submit your composition as a PDF, MuseScore, or a Sibelius file. Submitted compositions should not bear the name of the composer or any other identifying information.
Deadline: All submissions must be received by 15th January 2026
How to Enter
- Submit Your Entry: Email your PDF/Sibelius/MuseScore file to press@rscm.com with the subject line ‘Harold Smart Competition’.
- Include Your Details: In your email, include your name, age, and contact information. These details will not be seen by the adjudicators.
Judging Criteria
Compositions will be judged based on:
- Originality and creativity
- Musicality and technical skill
- Appropriateness for a church setting
- Overall impact and inspiration
Get Involved
Don’t miss this chance to have your music heard and appreciated by a wide audience. Whether you are, participating in a church choir, or simply have a passion for composing, the Harold Smart Memorial Composition Competition is the perfect platform to elevate your work.
Unleash your creativity, inspire the congregation, and let your music be heard!
The Harold Smart Competition – Enabling the future of church music