Why You Should Enter a Free Songwriting Contest

A free songwriting contest can mean a lot more than just the chance to win a prize. In fact, many organizations in the music industry arrange these contests for very specific reasons. They are looking for new and talented songwriters to work with and many times, a competition is an ideal way to find them.

One of the most popular misconceptions is that contests are for beginners only. There are some writers who do not enter their songs because they think they are “past” that phase. The truth is that a lot of these contests are for every level, from beginner to advanced. They are financed from a variety of different sources, such as record labels, producers, publishers, and magazines. For example, Billboard magazine has a well known contest every year, and as every music professional knows, it is never a bad thing to impress the company that keeps track of the charts!

Other competitions are held by websites, radio stations, and various groups that are associated with music. If you are just starting out, entering contests is a great way to get feedback. Some places provide a scoring sheet with comments that are very useful in developing and improving your skills. Plus, your songs will be getting exposure, and that is also valuable for your career.

What about if you are more experienced and have been writing for a while? Depending on the details of the contest, you might have even more reasons to enter. When considering a particular competition, research to find out who the judges are. Often, the people who are selecting the winners are label executives or publishers, which means that even if they do not choose your song, it has still been heard by them. Again, a little exposure goes a long way in the entertainment business.

Be selective about the contest you choose to participate in. Learn as much as you can about the rules, regulations, and requirements. Even if the contest has an entry charge, it still could be something to think about. The prizes can range from being included on a website to having your songs recorded and earning a publishing deal. However, there are plenty of free ones out there if you do not want to invest in entry fees.

No matter what stage of your career you are at, it is very important to make sure that all of your songs are copyrighted before you send them anywhere. Although a majority of the contests are handled by people who have no intentions of stealing your work, it is better to be safe than sorry. In addition, other people affiliated with the contest may listen to your music, and registering each song with the Library of Congress before submitting it will protect you against any form of theft or infringement.

As with any experience, have fun and do your best. Avoid placing pressure or stress on yourself because that will only work against your creativity. Learn as much as you can each time you compete, and keep writing!