NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation - Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge

Funder: Foundation

Overview:
A songwriting competition for high school students seeking the next generation of songwriting talent. The initiative offers students an opportunity to showcase their songwriting talents and compete for scholarship prizes.

Award Details

• Grand Prize: $5,000 scholarship
• Runner-up Prizes: $2,500 each
• Additional Prize: Winner's song published by Sony/ATV

Eligibility

• High school students
• Geographic scope: In pilot year, available in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; Dallas County, Texas; and Seattle and King County, Washington

Program Details

• Students submit audio recordings of original musical theater songs in any style
• Three finalists (one from each region) travel to New York City for an intensive songwriting workshop with professional musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers
• Final competition includes presentation of original songs performed by professional musicians and singers
• Partnership includes: NEA (National Endowment for the Arts), Playbill, Inc., Disney Theatrical Group, Perpich Center for Arts Education, Big Thought, and Office of Arts & Culture

Contact/Application

• Applications submitted through arts.gov/songwriting

Application Process

1. Submission Method: Electronic audio recording submission
2. Song Requirements: Original musical theater song in any style
3. Where to Apply: arts.gov/songwriting
4. Format: Audio recording submission (format not specified in materials)

Important Notes

• Competition was in pilot year as of 2016
• Local partners administered the challenge by city
• Three finalists selected (one per region) advance to New York City workshop