Songwriting Competition
Rules and Regulations
Eligibility
Who Can Enter: The competition is open to all high school seniors, including homeschool students
and international students who are finishing the 12th grade and are about to enter
university.
Group Composition: Participants may enter as individual solo artists or in groups of up to four members. Groups must have an English group name of no more than 20 letters.
Social Media Requirements: All participants must follow the Engage Worship Instagram account in order to be eligible for the competition.
Group Composition: Participants may enter as individual solo artists or in groups of up to four members. Groups must have an English group name of no more than 20 letters.
Social Media Requirements: All participants must follow the Engage Worship Instagram account in order to be eligible for the competition.
Submission Requirements
Song Format: All submissions must be provided as a link to an audio or video format (MP3 or WAV).
Song Length: Each entry should be a FULL WORSHIP SONG, no less than 2 minutes and no greater than 3 minutes. Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be considered for the competition.
Language: English only.
Number of Entries: Each participant may submit a maximum of 2 entries, including group submissions. Exceeding this limit will result in disqualification of all entries, including group submissions.
Required Documentation: Along with your audio submission, please include the following:
1. A PDF lyrics sheet.
2. A recording of the worship song.
3. A chord chart or sheet music (if applicable).
Music may be subject to minor modifications
Please ensure that all of your materials are submitted together to complete your entry!
Song Length: Each entry should be a FULL WORSHIP SONG, no less than 2 minutes and no greater than 3 minutes. Submissions that do not meet these requirements will not be considered for the competition.
Language: English only.
Number of Entries: Each participant may submit a maximum of 2 entries, including group submissions. Exceeding this limit will result in disqualification of all entries, including group submissions.
Required Documentation: Along with your audio submission, please include the following:
1. A PDF lyrics sheet.
2. A recording of the worship song.
3. A chord chart or sheet music (if applicable).
Music may be subject to minor modifications
Please ensure that all of your materials are submitted together to complete your entry!
Originality
Original Works: All entries must be original compositions created by the submitting artist (s).
Previously Published: Submissions should not have been previously published or distributed in any form.
Copyright Compliance: Entries must be free from any copyright infringements. Participants must ensure that all elements of their submissions, including lyrics, melodies, and arrangements, are entirely their own.
We value creativity and originality, so make sure your work reflects your unique talent!
Previously Published: Submissions should not have been previously published or distributed in any form.
Copyright Compliance: Entries must be free from any copyright infringements. Participants must ensure that all elements of their submissions, including lyrics, melodies, and arrangements, are entirely their own.
We value creativity and originality, so make sure your work reflects your unique talent!
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Lyrics: Judges will assess the depth, creativity, and emotional impact of the lyrics, considering how well they convey the message provided.
Melody: The musicality of the melody will be examined, including its catchiness, originality, and overall appeal.
Originality: Judges will look for unique and innovative elements in the composition, ensuring that the song stands out from the others.
Length: Submissions must adhere to the specified length of 2-3 minutes. Songs that fit well within this time frame while maintaining engagement will be favored.
Entries will be judged holistically, and the combination of these elements will determine the overall score. Production/recording quality and vocal ability are not criteria for evaluation.
Lyrics: Judges will assess the depth, creativity, and emotional impact of the lyrics, considering how well they convey the message provided.
Melody: The musicality of the melody will be examined, including its catchiness, originality, and overall appeal.
Originality: Judges will look for unique and innovative elements in the composition, ensuring that the song stands out from the others.
Length: Submissions must adhere to the specified length of 2-3 minutes. Songs that fit well within this time frame while maintaining engagement will be favored.
Entries will be judged holistically, and the combination of these elements will determine the overall score. Production/recording quality and vocal ability are not criteria for evaluation.
Honorable Mention Criteria
1. Creativity: Worship songs that demonstrate unique and original ideas in lyrics and composition.
2. Emotional Impact: Worship songs that resonate emotionally and inspires listeners.
3. Song Structure: Well-organized song structure, including verses, choruses, and bridges that enhance the overall message.
4. Lyrics Quality: Thoughtful and meaningful lyrics that reflect personal experiences or insights related to faith.
2. Emotional Impact: Worship songs that resonate emotionally and inspires listeners.
3. Song Structure: Well-organized song structure, including verses, choruses, and bridges that enhance the overall message.
4. Lyrics Quality: Thoughtful and meaningful lyrics that reflect personal experiences or insights related to faith.
Deadlines
Entries must be submitted by January 13, 2025, 11:59 PM.
Winners will be announced February 3, 2025.
Winners will be announced February 3, 2025.
Rights and Permissions
By entering the competition, participants grant Engage Worship the rights to use
their submitted worship song for promotional purposes, including sharing on social
media and streaming platforms. While Engage Worship will not claim ownership of the
worship song and will credit the writers, it is the participant's responsibility to
pursue any legal processes regarding royalties. Engage Worship retains full access
to use the worship song at any time.
Prizes
The winning team will receive a $1,000 Southern scholarship for each member (up
to 4 members, totaling $4,000 in scholarships) along with Southern merchandise.
Honorable mentions will be awarded Southern merchandise.
Honorable mentions will be awarded Southern merchandise.
Conditions for Disqualification of Entries
1. Ineligible Participants: Entries submitted by individuals who are not high school seniors or do not meet eligibility
criteria (including group submissions exceeding the limit).
2. Plagiarism: Submissions that are not original or infringe on copyright will be disqualified.
3. Audio Format Issues: Failure to provide the audio submission with the required link.
4. Incomplete Application: Missing required information on the application form.
5. Exceeding Entry Limit: Submitting more than the allowed number of entries (2 per participant including groups).
6. Failure to Follow Guidelines: Not adhering to competition rules and guidelines as outlined in the official documentation.
2. Plagiarism: Submissions that are not original or infringe on copyright will be disqualified.
3. Audio Format Issues: Failure to provide the audio submission with the required link.
4. Incomplete Application: Missing required information on the application form.
5. Exceeding Entry Limit: Submitting more than the allowed number of entries (2 per participant including groups).
6. Failure to Follow Guidelines: Not adhering to competition rules and guidelines as outlined in the official documentation.
Legal Considerations
In the event of any disputes arising from the competition, participants agree
to engage in good faith discussions to resolve the matter amicably. If a resolution
cannot be reached, disputes will be handled through mediation before pushing any legal
action.
Participants (or legal guardian, if the participant is under 18 years of age) must also agree to sign a legal agreement confirming their understanding of the competition rules, the originality of their submissions, and the rights granted to Engage Worship for the use of their worship songs for promotional purposes. This agreement will outline the terms of participation, including consent for any media representation related to the competition.
Participants (or legal guardian, if the participant is under 18 years of age) must also agree to sign a legal agreement confirming their understanding of the competition rules, the originality of their submissions, and the rights granted to Engage Worship for the use of their worship songs for promotional purposes. This agreement will outline the terms of participation, including consent for any media representation related to the competition.
How to Apply for the Songwriting Competition
1. Review rules and regulations (listed below).
2. Fill out the interest request form below.
3. Prepare your worship song.
4. Upload your worship song on YouTube or other platform that allows you to share a link.
6. Look for confirmation email.
2. Fill out the interest request form below.
3. Prepare your worship song.
4. Upload your worship song on YouTube or other platform that allows you to share a link.
- Review your submissions.
- Double-check your information and ensure your audio link works.
- Submit your application before the deadline of January 13, 2025, 11:59 PM.
6. Look for confirmation email.
- You will receive a confirmation once your application has been reviewed by a member of the Engage Worship team. Applications are reviewed Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Please allow at least 48 hours before reaching out regarding your submission.
- Honorable mentions will be awarded in various categories.
- Final selections will be judged by the Engage Worship Leadership team.
- Results will be communicated via email first and then shared on Instagram.
- Winners will be announced February 3, 2025.
Discover Engage Worship
Holy Forever - Team 2
Watch and listen to Engage Worship's Team 2 cover of Holy Forever!
Contact
4881 Taylor Cir
Collegedale, TN 37315
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