For Composers
Shaw Music works with composers whose music reflects a commitment to writing that is artistic, worshipful, and accessible. While the catalog includes a variety of musical voices and backgrounds, the music published by Shaw Music shares a common concern for craftsmanship, clarity, reverence, and practical usefulness within the life of the church.
Founded in 2004, Shaw Music began as a platform promoting the music of composer and pianist Timothy Shaw before expanding into a publishing and distribution company representing a growing catalog of sacred music for instruments, keyboard, choir, and voice. Today, Shaw Music publishes both established and emerging composers whose work contributes meaningfully to the worship and musical life of churches, schools, and performers.
Our goal is not simply to publish music, but to cultivate a catalog shaped by musical integrity, thoughtful editorial care, and long-term artistic relationships.
Our Musical Philosophy
The Shaw Music catalog is shaped by three guiding principles:
artistic…
We value music that is genuinely artistic, music shaped by careful attention to harmony, counterpoint, structure, texture, and expressive intent. Artistic writing seeks musical integrity rather than novelty for its own sake, offering music that is compelling, meaningful, and rewarding for both performers and listeners.
worshipful…
Shaw Music publishes music written within the context of Christian worship. Worshipful music supports the life of the church through clarity, reverence, balance, and thoughtful expression. Whether intended for prelude, offertory, interlude, congregational song, or choir, the music should serve rather than compete with the worship it accompanies.
accessible…
Accessibility means music that is practical, playable, and thoughtfully written for real church settings. While some works are more advanced than others, all music in the catalog is conceived with both performer and listener in mind. We value writing that balances musical depth with practical usefulness.
What We Are Looking For
Shaw Music is especially interested in:
- Hymn-based instrumental solos with piano or organ accompaniment
- Hymn-based piano solos and organ solos
- Sacred vocal music
- Choral music for church choirs
- Music suitable for the church year
- Sacred music that balances accessibility with musical depth
- Music demonstrating both craftsmanship and practical understanding of worship contexts
We welcome submissions from both established and emerging composers, including students and younger church musicians.
Our Editorial Approach
Shaw Music values careful editorial review and long-term relationships with composers. We aim to work collaboratively and thoughtfully throughout the publication process, balancing artistic individuality with the broader identity and standards of the catalog.
Accepted works may receive editorial feedback relating to engraving, practicality, notation, pacing, voicing, or publication format.
Distribution & Availability
Digital editions are distributed directly through Shaw Music ePrint, allowing immediate worldwide access to the catalog.
Most titles are available in print through J.W. Pepper, a leading sheet music distributor since 1876.
Our goal is to make sacred music widely accessible while maintaining careful editorial and artistic standards.
A Curated Catalog
Shaw Music seeks to maintain a catalog with a coherent artistic and worship-centered identity. We are intentionally selective in the music we publish and strive to build a collection of works that complement and strengthen one another over time.
Rather than functioning as a large-volume sheet music platform, Shaw Music emphasizes artistic alignment, editorial care, and meaningful professional relationships.
New Releases
New Releases
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions from composers whose work aligns with the artistic vision and musical philosophy of Shaw Music.
Before submitting, we encourage you to review the catalog and familiarize yourself with the kinds of music we publish.
Please visit our Music Submission Guidelines page for complete submission information.
Contact
If you have questions regarding submissions, publishing, or composer relationships, please contact us →
We look forward to hearing from composers who share a commitment to sacred music that is artistic, worshipful, and accessible.