Berlin Free Orchestra scoring competition
Please note: Due to the incredible response and number of entries—and because we want to give each one the attention it deserves—judging is taking longer than originally anticipated. We are working on it and will update the community as soon as we can.
Submissions are closed, but you can still download the video below if you want to score it for fun.
Prizes
Our in-house judges will review every entry, judging them based on the criteria below. Prizes will be awarded to the top 10 compositions, and we’ll share the winners on our social media channels and in our newsletter. Each of the 10 finalists will receive personalized feedback on their compositions from Orchestral Tools.
4th-10th
Judging criteria
- Originality: Something that stands out from the crowd is highly encouraged
- Arrangement: Interesting choices in instrumentation are a plus
- Sonic narrative: We want to hear your score reflect what’s happening on the screen
- Detail: We’re looking out for moments and ideas that show an attention to musical detail
- Emotion: We want the music to convey the protagonist's emotional journey
Submissions accepted: May 21 - June 11, 2025
Winners announced: Soon
About Berlin Free Orchestra
Berlin Free Orchestra is a complete symphony orchestra made with pro-grade samples from our flagship Berlin Series. It’s got ensembles and expressive solo instruments spanning the strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion sections. The best part? It’s free for everyone who has an Orchestral Tools account and the free SINEplayer.
Rules
- Your composition must be made using only sounds from Berlin Free Orchestra. Note: You may be required to verify this by sharing your DAW project file with Orchestral Tools.
- All work must be your own, and you must be the exclusive author/copyright holder of the uploaded music.
- You can use effects (reverb, delay, distortion, etc.), but we’re looking for an orchestral theme, so don’t go overboard with your sound design.
- Submissions must be made through YouTube and use the hashtag #BerlinComposersJourney
- June 11, 2025 is the last day to submit—please note that we are operating on Central European Time.
- Entries must use the video we’ve provided.
- Only 1 entry per person—submitting multiple entries will disqualify you.
FAQ
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Prizes are non-transferable, and no cash prizes will be given. By entering the competition, participants confirm they are the exclusive author and/or rights holder of the uploaded score—Orchestral Tools will not be held responsible for 3rd party copyright claims. This competition is not sponsored by Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Soundcloud, or Twitter. Overall rules for participation are governed by German law. Employees of Orchestral Tools, as well as their family members, may not enter. Void where prohibited.