2011 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition Opens
Entry details and $50,000 prize package announced
All proceeds donated to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia
APRA|AMCOS are proud to announce details of the 2011 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition which gives a talented songwriter the opportunity to win an incredible prize package for their songwriting, as judged by a panel of music industry professionals. Now in its second year, the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition is open to all songwriters whether published or unpublished, be they professional, amateur, local or international and regardless of genre.
With the support of APRA|AMCOS, the Vanda & Young Song Competition is proudly presented by Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia (NRMTA). With an entry fee of $50 AUD per song, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to support this charity. Since 1984, NRMTA has promoted and developed the understanding, training and practice of creative music therapy. The therapists work with children and adults, utilising music’s interactive and participatory nature as an agent for change and healing. To find out more, go to: www.nordoff-robbins.com.au.
ENTER ONLINE
Entry is via the website at www.vandayoungsongcomp.com and the key dates to note are as follows:
- Applications open – March 31
- Applications close – May 31
- Top 12 Shortlist Announcement – July 4
- Final Winner Announcement – July 15
PRIZE PACKAGES
The winner will take home an incredible prize package valued at over $50,000 AUD:
- $20,000 AUD cash prize
- Business class travel to London and accommodation courtesy of Showtravel valued at $10,000 AUD
- Co-writing sessions at Kensaltown Studios, London UK with the following world-class successful songwriters (depending upon availability at time of travel to the UK):
- 30-sec. TV Commercial – Courtesy of XYZ Networks valued at $5,000 AUD
- Two days studio time and engineering at Studios 301 in either Sydney, Byron Bay, Stockholm or Cologne. Approximate value $4,499 AUD.
- Online music course from Berkleemusic.com, the online extension school of Berklee College of Music. The winner will have the ability to choose any 12-week course from Berkleemusic’s extensive course catalog. Total value of this prize is $1,200 USD.
- Live gig to perform the winning song at Song Summit 2012, Darling Harbour, 26 – 28 May 2012.
- 3 day pass to attend Song Summit 2012
- 2 tickets to attend 2012 APRA Music Awards, Monday 28 May 2012 (following Song Summit)
- R-09HR: High-Resolution WAVE/MP3 Recorder courtesy of Roland. Valued at $699.
Prizes will also be awarded for second and third place as follows:
Second Prize
- $5000 AUD cash prize
- Berklee Press songwriting books, including Melody in Songwriting;
- Songwriter's Workshop: Harmony; Lyric Form and Structure; Rhyming; Popular Lyric Writing; Essential Songwriter; Writer, Producer, Engineer. Total value of this prize is $200 USD
- Live gig to perform the winning song at Song Summit 2012, Darling Harbour, 26 – 28 May 2012
- 3 day pass to attend Song Summit 2012
- 2 tickets to attend 2012 APRA Music Awards, Monday 28 May 2012 (following Song Summit)
- Boss Micro BR + Earphones/Guitar Cable Set + Case. The ultimate palmtop guitar companion and recording studio, with four simultaneous playback tracks (plus 32 V-Tracks), MP3 compatibility, onboard multi-effects, built-in rhythm patterns, onboard tuner, USB, SD Card slot, and more. Courtesy of Roland Corporation, valued at $467.
Third Prize
- $2,500 AUD cash prize
- Pat Pattison Berklee Press collection, which includes: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure and Songwriting: Essential Guide to Rhyming. Total value of this prize is $50 USD
- Live gig to perform the winning song at Song Summit 2012, Darling Harbour, 26 – 28 May 2012
- 3 day pass to attend Song Summit 2012
- 2 tickets to attend 2012 APRA Music Awards, Monday 28 May 2012 (following Song Summit)
- Boss Micro BR. The ultimate palmtop guitar companion and recording studio, with four simultaneous playback tracks (plus 32 V-Tracks), MP3 compatibility, onboard multi-effects, built-in rhythm patterns, onboard tuner, USB, SD Card slot, and more. Courtesy of Roland Corporation, valued at $349.
Megan Washington was last year’s inaugural winner of the competition with her song “How to Tame Lions” and said, “I am the last person to turn creating music into a competition, but the wonderful thing about this whole thing is the amazing support and profile it brings to Nordoff-Robbins. A really great charity - with music therapy at its heart - the cost of entry alone is worth it just to offer support to that organisation. Not to mention that right now I am on a writing trip in the US courtesy of prizes from the many sponsors involved in last year’s competition. The Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition can make a big difference to both the artists who are lucky enough to win, and the beneficiaries of Nordoff-Robbins. So it's win-win.”
The competition is presented by APRA|AMCOS in support of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia and in 2010 raised over raised over $130,000. Jillian Ritherdon, Chief Executive Officer of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, said, “The donation from the Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition will ensure the continuation of vital programs provided by Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. From early intervention in disability and children ‘at risk’ to music therapy for healthy ageing, this support will bring increased engagement and quality of life through the joy, power and connection of music to countless needy people, young and old, and to their families, thereby transforming lives. Nordoff-Robbins is grateful to the competition for this valuable contribution and to APRA for its ongoing relationship with us.”
The Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition was launched in 2009 and is named after iconic songwriters Harry Vanda and George Young. This year’s judging panel includes:
The Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition is made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:
