About
The Carillon Project allows professional or amateur composers to request original music to be performed on a carillon, whether it be a composition or an arrangement. Additionally, carillonneurs can find free scores of new carillon music on this site. The Carillon Project was founded in 2020 by Molei Zhang, then Codirector of the Guild of Student Carillonneurs at the University of Texas at Austin.
Overview Video
This video is currently under production and will be available at a later time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn to compose for carillon?
Check out the Resources page for resources on carillon composition and composition in general. In particular, this video by carillonneur Joey Brink is a great starting point for learning to compose for carillon!
What are carillon pedals for?
Pedals allow some of the lower range of the manual keyboard to be played instead by the feet. The pedals control the same clappers as their corresponding batons. By playing notes in the feet, the carillonneur can play more notes at once and cover more range at one time. It is also worth noting that there are two pedal layouts, the American and the Dutch layouts. Please consult the Resources page to find out more.
What is the range of a carillon?
Different carillons each have different ranges, missing bass notes, and transpositions. While composing for the carillon, you should always take into account the range of the specific carillon you are writing for.
How do I get my carillon piece played?
Compose a carillon piece, make a PDF score, and submit it using the form on the Request page.
What type of pieces can I submit?
Carillon solos are preferred. Duets and other pieces for two or more carillonneurs are also allowed, but please research your target carillon to make sure this is a feasible option. Chamber pieces with a carillon part are not forbidden, but if you want such a piece to be played live, you must convince the carillonneur by leaving a message in the Notes field of the submission form. Alternatively, if you just want a carillon part recorded to be mixed later, that would be easier to get approval for.
Can I submit multiple pieces?
Yes, but each piece requires a separate submission.
Will my email be published or sold?
No. The sole purpose of the email is for us to be able to contact you about your piece.
How do I check the status of a piece?
After submission, you will be emailed about your submission. Every time the status of your submission changes, we will email you again.
Can I legally perform or arrange someone else's piece?
Yes, as the legal agreement as part of the submission form grants anyone the rights to perform and to make derivative works of a piece submitted for the Carillon Project. However, please contact the composer (or us if you cannot contact the composer yourself directly) to check if you have permission to publish, distribute, or profit from recordings. As the fairness of such use depends on context, it is not displayed in the Performances table.
Is the Carillon Project for profit?
No, the Carillon Project is operated on personal expenses and neither seeks to nor does generate revenue.
Is the Carillon Project affiliated with the University of Texas at Austin?
No, the Carillon Project has no official affiliation with the University of Texas at Austin. However, the project is currently managed by the Guild of Student Carillonneurs at the University of Texas at Austin.