10 of the Top Songwriting Contests To Enter (2024)

Planning to enter a songwriting contest? There are a lot of competitions out there for songwriters – more than you might think! The hard part can be finding the right one for you, depending on where you live, and if it suits your preference.

From big-name events like the American Songwriter Lyric Contest to more niche options like the Podunk Songwriters Contest, there’s bound to be a contest that’s perfect for your style and level of experience. With prize pools awaiting the winners of these competitions, you could find yourself coming out on top with a nice cash prize!

Let’s take a look at 10 of the top songwriting contests to enter in 2022.

1. USA Songwriting Competition

This competition is open to everyone, regardless of nationality. The opportunity to win big, global recognition awaits original solo artists, songwriters, and bands from everywhere. If you’re a songwriter, this contest is an opportunity to have your songs played on the radio and make important connections in the music industry.

The winners will be chosen by a group of music industry professionals. They will be looking for great songwriting, creativity, originality, and market potential. There is a chance to win up to $50,000 in merchandise and cash!

2. American Songwriter Lyric Contest

For over three decades now, the American Songwriter Lyric Contest has been a platform for up-and-coming songwriters to get recognized for their work. Everyone is welcome to submit as many entries as they would like, however, each entry will cost $15.

The contest judges contestants on the quality of their lyrics and how well they can be turned into songs. All submissions will be reviewed by professional songwriters or employees of American Songwriter.

3. International Songwriting Competition

The purpose of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is to give new and accomplished songwriters a platform to present their work on a professional, global stage. Anyone in the world who writes or plays music, whether professionally or not, can take part.

The ISC provides an amazing chance for people in the music industry to win money, prizes, and recognition while also furthering their careers. 74 winners will be sharing the cash and prizes! No other songwriting or music contest in the world has as esteemed a panel of judges as ISC, which gives you unparalleled exposure and chances to have your songs heard by some of the most impactful people in the music industry.

4. The John Lennon Songwriting Contest

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest was created in 1997 as a way to let songwriters share their music with the world and be recognized for their talents. The JLSC is only possible because of Yoko Ono Lennon. They are not looking for a polished, professional recording and will be judging the submissions based on originality, composition, melody, and lyrics.

The money raised from the contest will go towards supporting the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. The mobile recording studio is committed to giving young people opportunities to create original music and digital media content. You also get to receive $20,000 worth of cash prizes!

5. The Great American Song Contest

The Great American Song Contest is a songwriting competition that allows you to have your songs heard by industry professionals and receive feedback on your work. It’s an excellent opportunity for every songwriter. Not only does the Great American Song Contest provide participants with written critiques from the judges, but it is also the only major songwriting contest to do so.

There is a creative aspect to this when you think about it. Even bad feedback is good feedback, at least in the sense that you would know what to improve. Enter now for your chance to win $15,000 in prizes and prestigious awards!

6. SongDoor International Songwriting Competition

SongDoor welcomes all songwriters, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned professional. Not only will they help you improve as a songwriter, but also give you the opportunity for industry professionals to hear your music. These are people with influence and connections who can help further your career.

SongDoor is the only competition that gives every single participant a free, no-limit access trial to SongU.com. The entry fee is only $15, but the songwriting tools that entrants receive are worth $220. In other words, they give away more than they take in.

7. The UK Songwriting Contest

Every August, Bath Spa University hosts the UK Songwriting Festival, a six-day intensive program. The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters give their time and talents to support this venture. The songwriting competition is open to people of all experience levels from any country. In the past, there have been entries from over 80 countries.

The UK Songwriting Contest is one of the most prestigious and well-known international songwriting contests. With over £1,000,000 in prizes to be won, it is no wonder that so many people compete each year. The contest is supported by the BBC and was founded by the makers of the BRIT award.

8. The Mid-Atlantic Song Contest

The Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (MASC) is an event organized by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington (SAW) to educate talented songwriters and help them receive recognition for their work. By paying the entry fee, you not only become eligible for prizes but also help fund many educational and networking opportunities in the business and art of songwriting.

SAW spices up the lives of aspiring songwriters with live performance opportunities, insightful workshops, and constructive peer critique. It has jumpstarted the careers of multiple now-high-profile songwriters.

9. Music City SongStar

Submitting your song may not win you the music lottery, but your song will be heard. Foxhedge Music is proud to invite all songwriters, regardless of genre preference, to submit their melody, lyrics, and chords for the chance to win the Music City SongStar Award.

They rate songs based on how original they sound, if the song was something they have never heard before, and how well it was put together. Music City SongStar welcomes all songwriters, from those just starting out to those with years of experience.

10. European Songwriting Awards

The ESAs focus on songwriters and performers. This competition specifically pays attention to the style and artistry of music creators. If you love to write, produce and perform, then the European Songwriting Awards are perfect for you!

The focus of the competition is to find undiscovered talent with fresh songs from anywhere in the world! The winning songs of the ESA will be promoted globally with a professional marketing campaign.

Final Thoughts

If you are a songwriter, there are plenty of competitions out there for you to enter. Some of these contests are more well-known than others, but all of them offer great opportunities for prize money, networking, and exposure.

The best way to find success in any of these competitions is to have faith in your abilities and enter as many as possible. The more competitions you enter, the better your chances are of winning. It’s time to start writing those songs! Maybe one of them will be a winner.