Sam van Betuw was astonished when one of his compositions was selected to be performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra last year.
He had only written the piece to ''keep his hand in'' over the summer holidays.
After being selected as a finalist again this year for the NZSO Todd Corporation Young Composers Award, he is more confident about his ability.
The 21-year-old University of Otago composition student's work, The Stone Mage and the Sea, will be performed by the orchestra and recorded for Radio New Zealand in December.
Mr van Betuw said the piece was inspired by a fantasy novel of the same name, by Australian author Sean Williams.
And the author is coming to New Zealand especially to hear the composition during the NZSO recording session.
''That's pretty exciting. Hopefully, if someone turns his book into a movie, they'll call me to write the soundtrack.''
When he applied for the award this time, he was significantly more confident about being selected.
''Going into it this time, I know what to expect, and I'll be a lot more confident about telling the orchestra and the conductor specific things that I want out of the music.
''Last time, I was a bit more of an observer, watching them work on the piece, rather than being actively involved with them working on the piece.''
In its 12th year, the award is an opportunity for young New Zealand composers to have their work recorded by the NZSO over a three-day residency in Wellington.
Mr van Betuw is one of nine young composers from around the country selected as finalists this year.
Their compositions will be assessed by a panel of industry professionals, and the best overall composition will win the award and receive $750.
All of the young composers will receive invaluable mentoring from an established New Zealand composer, and participate in industry seminars and instrument workshops.
