We're looking for engaging, imaginative, and thoughtfully crafted music that inspires musicians and audiences alike. Whether you're an emerging composer or an established voice, we invite you to share your work with us.

2028–2029 Catalog Consideration

Submission Window: January 15 – June 30, 2027

1. What We're Looking For

DogSmile Music welcomes compositions that combine musical creativity with practical, rewarding performance experiences.

We are interested in:

• String Orchestra

• Full Orchestra

• Chamber Music

• Educational Repertoire

We consider music across a range of difficulty levels, including accessible works for developing ensembles and more challenging repertoire for advanced musicians.

Eligible arrangements of public-domain works may also be considered.

We encourage composers to explore our existing catalog to better understand our publishing philosophy and the types of music we offer.

2. DogSmile Music Orchestra Grade Level Guidelines

Before submitting your composition, please review the DogSmile Music Orchestra Grade Level Guidelines.

These guidelines outline our recommended instrumentation, difficulty levels, technical considerations, and educational expectations for orchestral compositions.

They are designed to help composers create music that is both artistically rewarding and appropriate for the intended ensemble.

We strongly encourage all composers to consult these guidelines before submitting their work.

Please indicate the suggested grade level of your composition when submitting your score. Our editorial team may recommend adjustments to the grade classification during the review and editing process.

3. Prepare Your Submission

Please create a separate folder for each composition containing the following materials.

A. Score PDF

Submit a clearly engraved, complete score that includes:

• Title and composer name

• Instrumentation

• Tempo and expression markings

• Dynamics and articulations

• Suggested difficulty or grade level

B. Audio Recording or MIDI Mockup

Include an MP3 recording of your composition. A live performance is welcome but not required. A high-quality MIDI mockup is acceptable.

C. Composition Information PDF

Please include:

• Composition title

• Composer's full name and contact information

• Brief composer biography (150-250 words max)

• Description of the work

• Approximate duration

• Instrumentation

• Suggested grade level

• Educational objectives or musical concepts

• Previous performances, if applicable

• Relevant professional website or social media links (optional)

File Organization

Create one folder for each composition using this naming convention:

CompositionTitle_FirstName_LastName

Example:

AdventureAwaits_Jane_Smith

Inside the folder, include:

• JaneSmith_AdventureAwaits_Score.pdf

• JaneSmith_AdventureAwaits_Audio.mp3

• JaneSmith_AdventureAwaits_INFO.pdf

Please double-check that all files are accessible, correctly labeled, and complete before submitting.

4. Multiple Submissions & Exclusive Editorial Review

Composers are welcome to submit multiple compositions for consideration by DogSmile Music. Please prepare and upload a separate folder for each work, following the submission guidelines outlined above.

Each composition will be evaluated individually based on its musical quality, originality, educational value, and suitability for our catalog.

Exclusive Editorial Review Policy

By submitting a composition to DogSmile Music, composers agree to grant DogSmile Music an exclusive editorial review period. During this period, submitted compositions may not be submitted to or considered by other music publishers.

Exclusivity begins on the date of submission and remains in effect until DogSmile Music communicates its editorial decision or August 31, 2027, whichever occurs first.

If a composition is not selected for publication, the composer is free to submit it elsewhere once the exclusive editorial review period has ended.

5. Submit Your Music

Once you've prepared your files, upload your submission folder through our designated submission portal.

Submission Acknowledgment

By submitting your music, you acknowledge and agree to DogSmile Music's Exclusive Editorial Review Policy outlined in Section 4.

6. Tips for a Strong Submission

At DogSmile Music, we believe great music should be rewarding to perform, engaging to teach, and memorable to hear.

Here are some suggestions to help your submission stand out.

Be Original

Show us your individual musical voice! We appreciate fresh ideas, distinctive musical character, and compositions that bring something meaningful to our catalog.

Know Your Ensemble

Write idiomatically for the instruments and experience level you're targeting. Consider the technical abilities of your intended performers and create music that challenges them appropriately.

Make Every Part Meaningful

Every musician deserves an engaging musical experience. Consider how each section contributes to the overall composition, particularly in educational ensembles.

Present Your Music Professionally

Clear notation, accurate rhythms, thoughtful dynamics, and consistent engraving make a significant difference. A well-prepared score allows our editors to focus on the music itself.

Be Open to Collaboration

Publishing is a partnership! Our editorial team may suggest revisions to improve playability, clarity, educational value, or overall presentation.

We value composers who are receptive to feedback and enthusiastic about making their music the best it can be.

7. What Happens Next?

Every submission receives consideration as part of our editorial selection process.

Our editors evaluate compositions based on musical quality, originality, instrumentation, educational value, market suitability, and compatibility with the DogSmile Music catalog.

Anticipated Timeline

• June 30: Submission deadline

• July–August: Final editorial review and repertoire selection

• By August 31: Composer notifications

• September–April: Editorial revisions, engraving, proofreading, recording, and production

Dates are tentative and may be adjusted.

If your composition is selected, our editorial team will contact you to discuss publishing agreements, source files, revisions, and production requirements.

Selection does not guarantee a specific publication date until the production schedule has been confirmed.

We Can't Wait to Hear Your Music!

Great music begins with a creative idea. We're excited to discover yours and explore the possibility of bringing it to musicians everywhere.

Thank you for considering DogSmile Music as your publishing partner. If you have any questions about the submission process, please use the contact form to get in touch. Put DogSmile Music Composer Submission as your Message Title.

DogSmile Music — Your Music Companion