The Department of Music is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 prizes for distinction in Music Composition, awarded annually to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate distinction in the area of Music Composition, as determined by a committee of faculty members in the Composition area.
The Douglas Moore Prize
Awarded annually to a junior undergraduate composer who, in the opinion of the Faculty, has produced outstanding work in serious composition for smaller forms.
Awarded to Max Kleban
Max Kleban is a composer and songwriter at Columbia University, majoring in music. He began composing late in high school, and his first piece ever performed was his school's fight song played by the marching band. At Columbia, he has had the chance to explore the worlds of contemporary classical and musical theatre, getting to collaborate with groups such as Yarn/Wire and having work performed at 54 Below and Joe's Pub. Currently, he is composing the 132nd Annual Varsity Show.
