The ten songwriters whose songs are judged to be the winning entries will receive cash awards in the amounts of $2,000 (1st place) $1,500 (2nd place) $1,000 (3rd place) $500 (4th and 5th places) and $200 (for places 6 through 10). The winning songs will also be included on a Commemorative CD to be produced at a future date.
- Applicants must not be signed to a publishing entity.
- Any style of song is eligible: Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Rap, Gospel, Blues, R and B, Jazz, Classical, Reggae, New Age, etc.
- The level of production sophistication of the entries will not be a factor in assessing the songs, although it is very important to have the vocals clearly audible.
- Applicants must also submit the lyrics in a printed or typed copy via E-mail or with the application form. (A lead sheet would be helpful, but it is not required.)
- Songs should be no longer than five minutes in length and will be judged on the basis of lyrical content and musical craft.
- Songs must be submitted no later than February 15, 2009.
- Award winners will be notified by phone or email upon their selection by the judges.
Songs may be submitted on CD or electronically (mp3). MP3 files (under 16 MB) can be E-mailed to
Though the publishing rights for all entries submitted for the contest will remain the exclusive property of the individual authors/composers, PMF reserves the right to post them on its website, record the winning songs on a CD or DVD, and/or use the recordings of the winning songs for events connected to PMF projects. As part of the PMF’s inaugural competition a peace concert is being planned in New York at which several of the winning entries will be showcased. The tentative time for this concert will be this spring.
There is a $10 entry/processing fee for each song submitted. Checks or money orders are payable to Peace Music Foundation. PMF is a non-profit organization in the state of New York. Send your written application and your song to:
NYC Symphony
481 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
MP3 files are to be sent to:
For further information or to obtain an application form, please e-mail: