ICMP is proud to partner with Song Academy’s Young Songwriter 2020 competition to champion the next generation of musical talent.
Sophie Daniels, ICMP’s Head of Songwriting, will join the likes of Squeeze’s Chris Difford, Tom Odell and Imelda May on the contest’s judging panel.
The Young Songwriter 2020 competition, now in it’s ninth year, is the leading international songwriting competition for eight to 18 year-olds.
According to the organisers:
The competition provides a golden opportunity for aspiring young songwriters to get their songs heard by some of the best songwriters and stand out in the music industry with the opportunity to ... win some great prizes and connect with each other as part of our vibrant community of young songwriters with exclusive songwriting experiences for finalists."
ICMP Songwriting students and alumni including Jonas Grote, Hannah Rose Platt and Jess Sharman alongside external assessors Sodajerker also assisted with adjudicating submissions.
Joy Doherty, an MA Songwriting student, was head judge of ICMP's student assessors, managing the team's scoring accuracy when judging songs on three main elements: lyrcis, melody and chords.
Commenting on the experience, Joy said: "The standard of songs we judged was high across all three categories. It was particularly great to see some fantastic entries in the eight to 12 category. It was also great to see the variety of songs submitted from different parts of the world within the international category."
The judging process involved focusing on the quality of the song rather than the production or performance
Joy added:
All the ICMP judges agreed that the judging process really made us think differently about our own songs. Now when I write, I think ‘if I was judging this, what would I score it for lyrics melody and chords?’ It has made me more critical of my songs, but in a good way."
ICMP is a competition partner alongside other leading music industry organisations including Kobalt, PRS for Music and YouTube Music.
The top 10 finalists are expected to be announced in May with an online award event taking place in June.
Visit songacademy.co.uk to find out more.
Photo credit: Song Academy: Izzy Mawdesley performing at the Young Songwriter live showcase The Tabernacle in June 2019
Write songs that last for generations
A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.
To catapult your songwriting and music career to a whole new level, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.
Songwriting courses
A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.
To catapult your songwriting and music career to a whole new level, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.