Song Writers Showcase Application

Application Deadline: June 10, 2025

Welcome to the NYSSMA Student Songwriters Showcase Application! Students who submit a song will receive a written evaluation of their piece and consideration for inclusion in the 5th Annual Student Songwriters 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 & Songwriters 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.
  • Song submissions will also include a lyric sheet. Lead sheets and/or sheet music transcriptions are not required, but will 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.
  • Music and lyrics must both be written by the student.
  • 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 Songwriting Showcase at the Winter Conference are expected to attend the conference in Rochester, NY, Thursday, Dec. 4 & Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.
  • If a song is selected for the Songwriting Showcase at the Winter Conference, the songwriter will be expected to perform their work or to present a recording of their work at the Songwriters’ Showcase in December.
  • 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

  1. Complete the Application Form and uploads no later than June 10, 2025.
  2. Upload a video file or an audio file recording of the song in .mp4 format. Files must be smaller than 50MB. (There are many free websites you can use to convert and compress your files).
  3. Upload the lyric sheet as a PDF file.
  4. Upload a song lead sheet or sheet music (optional).
  5. Submit payment ($36 for one song, $72 for two).

For additional information,  please reach out to Dr. Rob Deemer, NYSSMA Composition Committee Chair.