The music folks at the Pulitzers are seeking more entries from the worlds of jazz, musical theater and movies, declaring a “strong desire to consider and honor the full range of distinguished American musical compositions.” Boiled down, the Pulitzer Prize Board wants to widen the field from just classical compositions. The actual change in wording runs thus:

Old: “For distinguished musical composition of significant dimension by an American that has had its first performance in the United States during the year.”

New: “For a distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the year.”

The removal of “significant dimension” is meant to broaden the field of entries. A score is no longer necessary for entry, though it is encouraged. That change allows for improvisational work. And the jury pool has been altered to include more roles from the music world.