The Schneider-Schott Music Prize is a cash award bestowed to an outstanding composer, performing artist, or music ensemble in classical music — with emphasis, but not mandatory, on contemporary music. From 1986 to 2006, the prize was awarded annually, and thereafter, biennially. The award is funded by an endowment established by Heinz Schneider-Schott (1906–1988) and his wife. In 1952, Schneider-Schott, a son-in-law of (1883–1978), became a director of the London-based music publishing firm, Schott and Co., which in 1980, reunited with Schott Music GmbH & Co. KG, in Mainz, which in 2006 was renamed Schott Music Limited. Candidates should meet criteria of financial need. The winner is selected by an independent jury of music experts.