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This Month in Music: October 2025
Nadia Mair
November 06, 2025
This Month in Music
Welcome to a review of music for October - including new opportunities, playlists of released music, news in the industry, and more!
Featured Podcast: Composing with Modes
Curious about modes and how they work in music? I’ve made an entire series going in-depth of each mode, including a composition at the end of every episode that incorporates the mode’s notes and colors. Start the first one (Ionian) now:
This series also includes a blog post with more help on understanding it. Click below to check it out:
Industry News
A Call to End Ghostwriting in Media
A new campaign has been launched by The Ivors Academy, backed by multiple composers for TV, film, and other media, to end ghostwriting and give composers fair credits. Read more…
Criticizing Spotify
Fans and emerging artists alike are targeting Spotify’s play and payment model, demanding more. Read more…Registering AI Generated Music - ASCAP, BMI & OSCAN
Recently an announcement was made, the three major North Amerian PROS coming together about AI generated music and the rules regarding registration. Read more…
Music Releases
Listen to the latest and greatest compositions that came out this month, including orchestral works, experimental music, film scores, and more.
Check out the custom playlist I created for you here:
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Upcoming Opportunities:
2026 Gardner Competition for Composers
Deadline: December 1st
The American Viola Society is holding a competition for composers, with the winning composition being performed in June 2026.
Call for Scores: Lake George Music Festival
Deadline: December 1st
The Lake George Music Festival is calling composers of all ages to submit works to be performed at their next festival.
Funding Support from PRS Foundation
Funding is offered to composers and artists for multiple types of work, check the deaclines and dates at the link below.
Ongoing Competitions
You can find more opportunities for competitions linked below.
This Month in History
October 1829 - Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture
Felix Mendelssohn’s overture was first heard in the London premiere, composed for Shakespeare’s play, Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Community Corner
I’d love to feature one of YOUR compositions or news about what YOU’RE doing! You can submit to be featured for the next month here:
Please share this with any composers you know who could benefit from and enjoy this newsletter!
Until next time,
Nadia