Song Writers Showcase Application

Application Deadline: June 10, 2026

Welcome to the NYSSMA Student Songwriter Showcase Application! Students who submit a song will receive a written evaluation of their piece and consideration for inclusion in the 6th Annual Student Songwriter Showcase at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester. Selected students will also participate in coaching workshops and a post-concert reflection with fellow student songwriters and NYSSMA Composition & Songwriting Committee members.

AGE CATEGORIES:

  • Grades K-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 9-12

Works by 12th graders will receive evaluations but will not be considered for concert performance.

Although song quality is the primary criterion, NYSSMA will attempt to represent all three age categories and will seek to program a concert of varied style, genre and instrumentation.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

  • Each K-12 student applicant must be enrolled in a NYSSMA Participating School or School District.
  • Songs will be evaluated on the creative strength of the melody, lyrics, hooks, or groove connected to the genre of the song.
  • Songs must not exceed five (5) minutes in duration.
  • Song submissions will include an audio or video recording (AIFF/WAV/MP4/MOV files compressed into ZIP format).
  • Song submissions will also include a lyric sheet in PDF format. Lead sheets and/or sheet music transcriptions are not required, but will be accepted.
  • Song submissions must be created by the student(s); songs created through the use of Artificial Intelligence applications (such as Suno, etc.) will not be accepted.
  • Song submissions will include the names of all performers, producers, and arrangers of the song and recording.
  • Songs may be for one or more voices, with or without instrumental accompaniment.
  • Songs may be in any style.
  • Each applicant may submit a maximum of two songs, but each submission requires a payment of the $36 submission fee.
  • Students who are selected for the Songwriter Showcase will be expected to perform their work or to present a recording of their work at the Songwriter's Showcase at the Winter Conference in Rochester, NY, Thursday, Dec. 3 & Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
  • Travel, housing, and other expenses for students who attend the Winter Conference are the responsibility of the student's family and/or sponsoring school.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

  • Complete the Application Form no later than June 10, 2026.
  • To access the application form:
  • Click the “Submit Abstract” button near the top of this page (“Abstract” is the term being used for your submission).
  • Select "Log In" in the top right corner.
  • Select "create an account" and follow the prompts.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Be sure to include contact information for the student, student’s parents, and teacher of the student.
  • Upload a video file or an audio file recording (AIFF/WAV/MP4/MOV) of the song compressed into ZIP format. Files must be less than 50MB. There are many free on-line sites you can use to convert and compress your file.
  • Upload the lyric sheet as a PDF file.
  • Upload a song lead sheet or sheet music (optional).
  • Remember your login information! You can return to this site to review or edit your submissions.
  • Submit payment ($36 for one song, $72 for two).

For further information, please contact Dr. Rob Deemer, NYSSMA Composition Committee Chair at comp@nyssma.org.