Entries now open for world’s largest charity song contest
Songwriters around the world are invited to enter the 2016 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition.
With thanks to Alberts and APRA AMCOS, this year’s winning songwriter/s will take home a cash prize of A$50,000 and join the eminent company of past winners Megan Washington (2009), Kimbra (2011), The Preatures (2013) and Husky Gawenda (2014).
Two runners’ up, cash prizes are also on offer with second place receiving A$10,000 thanks to AMPAL (Australasian Music Publishers Association) and third place taking home A$5,000 courtesy of sponsor, AEG Ogden.
The Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious songwriting competitions. It aims to support talented songwriters while raising much-needed funds for not-for-profit organisation Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia (NRMTA).
The A$50 entry fee for each song goes directly towards the work of NRMTA, which uses music therapy to help people cope with the struggles of living with a wide range of needs. These include children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, autism, trauma, illness, dementia, behaviour disorders and learning difficulties.
To date, the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition has raised over half a million dollars for NRMTA through four competitions.
Brett Cottle, APRA AMCOS Chief Executive said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be launching this year’s Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition. The competition provides a platform for songwriters and 100% of the funds raised go to Nordoff-Robbins so they can continue to transform lives through music.”
David Albert, Managing Director of Alberts said:
“The competition is one that is very close to our hearts. It raises vital funds for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, provides exciting opportunities for local and overseas songwriters, and pays tribute to two of Australia’s greatest ever songwriters.”
Matthew O’Sullivan, General Manager of AMPAL said:
“This is a fantastic competition encouraging the songwriters of tomorrow, while at the same time contributing to the important work of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia.”
Rod Pilbeam, Executive Director AEG Ogden said:
“Great performers need great songs. Harry and George have spent much of their careers putting these two elements together and it is an honour to support the encouragement of writers, vital contributors to our industry.”
The 2016 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition will be judged by a panel of songwriters and industry professionals. See below for a full list of this year’s judges.
Entries close at 11.59pm (AEST), 13 July 2016.
Please visit www.vandayoungsongcomp.com/ for more information and terms and conditions. The Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition logo can be downloaded here
