music+culture is pleased to announce the winners of the music+culture 2011 International Competition for Composers:

Joseph Prestamo
Joseph Prestamo
1st Prize


Joseph Prestamo is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College and is currently pursuing his Master's degree at the University of Michigan.

His composition, Sketches, was selected for the top prize by our panel of adjudicators: Brian Hanke (pianist/composer; Founder, music+culture), Erik Nielsen (composer; recipient of the 2002 National Symphony Orchestra composition prize) and Dr. Peter J. Green (pianist; Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Division, Glendale Community College).

To read more about Mr. Prestamo, click here.

N. Lincoln Hanks
2nd Prize


N. Lincoln Hanks was awarded our 2nd Prize for his Prayers and Meditations.

Dr. Hanks is a composer, singer, and graduate of the Indiana University School of Music. He is currently Associate Professor of Music at Pepperdine University, where he teaches composition and directs the Collegium Musicum

Tae Sakamoto
3rd Prize


Tae Sakamoto is the recipient of our 3rd Prize for her 4 Preludes.

Ms. Sakamoto holds her Ph.D. from Stony Brook University.