national songwriting competition

Inspired by the Grammy Awards?

Well if you’re a budding Goyte or a wannabe Taylor Swift the 2013 ACMF National Song Competition will be launched in July.

Sponsored, once again this year by APN News & Media, the ACMF National Song Competition is a great way for young composers to get their music heard.

Keep an eye out for launch details and in the meantime check out the winners from 2012!

 

NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION 2012 WINNER

Congratulations to all the winners in this year's ACMF National Songwriting Competition and thank you to all the students, classes and schools who got involved and sent in entries. Scroll down to listen to the winning entries, as well as to read more about the winning entrants, their inspirations and their aspirations.

Have a watch of this great video, featuring Jackson Hurwood, a category winner in this year's National Songwriting Competition with his song "My Mate's in Love". Jackson is 13 years old and is in year 7 at Fitzroy High School.

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    2012 Winners

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

The ACMF National Songwriting Competition 2012 is proudly sponsored by APN News & Media. Brett Chenoweth, CEO of APN News & Media says: “We are delighted to be associated with the ACMF and to be the major sponsor of this competition. It is a real opportunity for students to be creative and demonstrate their songwriting talent and at the same time help build awareness of the invaluable music programs the ACMF runs for young people.”

The ACMF would like to thank all of their partners for the National Songwriting Competition 2012 including APN News & Media, APRA AMCOS, Adam Scott Foundation, Allans Billy Hyde, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Ampal and Hard Rock Café. The ACMF is supported by the Australian Government.

The ACMF conducts an annual National Songwriting Competition for every Primary, Secondary and Specific Purpose School, both public and private, across Australia. This is the only ACMF initiative that is for all Australian children and youth. There are no geographic or socio-economic boundaries. Now in it’s tenth year, the competition is endorsed by the Federal Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Entry into the competition is free. The competition is divided into various categories to provide opportunities for children of all ages, from kindergarten through to Year 12. Many children enter the competition in consecutive years, with a number of students entering multiple songs and improving their results each year. Each year we involve high-profile songwriters, artists and publishers to endorse and judge the competition. All prizes awarded are in the form of musical equipment or tuition for both the winning students and their school. Since commencement, the ACMF has awarded over $400,000 worth of musical equipment to schools and children across Australia.

OBJECTIVES

- Creativity and imagination
- Positive self expression
- Engagement with learning
- Improve literacy levels
- Opportunities for talented students

RESULTS

The process of writing a song takes children on an amazing journey, helping them discover and understand their emotions, to share and express these emotions with clarity to others. Songwriting gives our children the opportunity to share ideas and opinions and makes our children stop and contemplate life and their surroundings, contemplate cause and effect, find a deeper sense of empathy. Their lyrics give parents and teachers a window into a child’s mind, heart and soul.
Matt Stone, Teacher at Mt Evelyn and Montrose Primary Schools, VIC.

THE CATEGORIES AND PRIZE FUND

SECONDARY SCHOOL CATEGORIES

Category A: Years 11 and 12 (aged 17/18)

Category B: Years 9 and 10 (aged 15-16)

Category C: Years 7 and 8 (aged 13-14)

Special 10th anniversary category (What does music mean to you?): Years 7 to 12 (aged 13-18)

Best Instrumental Classic: Years 7 to 12 (aged 13-18)

Best Instrumental Contemporary: Years 7 to 12 (aged 13-18)

PRIMARY SCHOOL CATEGORIES

Category 1: Years 5 and 6 (aged 10-12)

Category 2: Years 3 and 4 (aged 8-9)

Category 3: Years K to 2 (aged 4-7)

Special 10th anniversary category (What does music mean to you?): Years K to 6 (aged 4-12)

Best Instrumental: Years K to 6 (aged 4-12)

Specific Purpose Schools: Years K to 12 (aged 4-12)

SECONDARY SCHOOL PRIZES

1st place winners in each category will receive a certificate and $800 (inc. GST) worth of musical equipment or music tuition. They will also win for their school an ACMF grant of $500 (inc. GST) for musical equipment.

2nd place winners in each category will receive a certificate and $500 (inc. GST) worth of musical equipment or music tuition. They will also win for their school an ACMF grant of $300 (inc. GST) for musical equipment.

3rd place winners in each category will receive a certificate and $300 (inc. GST) worth of musical equipment or music tuition. They will also win for their school an ACMF grant of $200 (inc. GST) for musical equipment.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PRIZES

1st place winners in each category will receive a certificate and $600 (inc. GST) worth of musical equipment or music tuition. They will also win for their school, an ACMF grant of $400 (inc. GST) for musical equipment.

2nd place winners in each category will receive a certificate and $250 (inc. GST) worth of musical equipment or music tuition. They will also win for their school an ACMF grant of $150 (inc. GST) for musical equipment.

3rd place winners in each category will receive a certificate and $200 (inc. GST) worth of musical equipment or music tuition. They will also win for their school an ACMF grant of $100 (inc. GST) for musical equipment.

* All prizes awarded are in the form of musical equipment or tuition for both the winning students and their schools. Media and live performance opportunities exist for the winners too.

WINNERS' STORIES
Tess Cornwall
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Category: 2
Place: 1st
Song: “Don't Misbehave”

Category: 2
Place: 2nd
Song: “Not Cool to Bully”

Here's what Tess's Mum sent us, when asked about her background, inspirations and dreams:

"Tess is an 11 year old girl who has struggled with her school work throughout primary school and is now in year 6, and preparing for going to a very cool performing Arts high school. She still needs a speech-language therapist who visits the primary school to help her with spelling, but she has a talent with her verbal and non-verbal expression which has seen her NEARLY make it into the school debating and speech teams despite being always in a special class for most of her schooling!

In short, she has a gift for expression – the ability to express feelings/thoughts/ideas alluringly, though she is not academically gifted at all (C & D student). This year she was discovered through her singing and asked to sing a solo in the school church and in a concert, which she did very successfully. Somehow despite the difficulties of being always at the bottom of the class, she has managed to maintain a positive cheerful attitude and is always trying 100%. One of her ambitions in life is to one day get an “A” like her straight A sister – who she loves to pieces.

Tess is in a serious pop group with her sister Josie (14), which is why they write songs together. You see, 5 years ago they auditioned in front of Nick Howard (Hit Music producer) who was putting together a kids pop group. They were successful! Their pop group for kids was called The PopAngels and they have an album and walked the red carpet at the Opera House earlier this year, when they were nominated for an Australian Music Award for Independent Artists (Pop Category). But they think the music they did is uncool now. So, they have just rebranded to become a teen pop group called NEXXT IMAGE – and finished recording their new EP in October 2012. According to Nathan Eshman their new producer, this E.P. is a hit (it has a song called: You’re So Good Looking, which is a very hot song at the moment). They are very excited.

Tess is from a family of singers/songwriters and what a lot of people don’t know is that Tess, her sister, mother and uncle once won a T.V. talent variety competition, when they entered as a family singing group. Tess was just 2.5 years old at the time. It was on the Comedy Channel for several months. We hope to one day end up as a group of 4 again...but for now the kids are doing it for themselves with NEXXT IMAGE pop group. Much cooler than singing with mum and uncle!

The motivation for writing 'Don’t Misbehave' was to be a cool role model for little kids and to make it cool to be good. The motivation for writing 'Not Cool To Bully' was that Tess had been bullied at school. It was an attempt to change the culture of bullying in schools......with a song!

Tess dreams of writing songs and becoming a pop singer who sets up animal shelters. She is very sensitive to the needs of animals and loves to hug them. She would like to stop animal trafficking in her native Guyana. She is a lucky little girl who works hard and who wants to give back."
Smash Mystery
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Category: B
Place: 3rd
Song: “Ain't No Love Song”

Smash Mystery is made up of Acacia Coates, Noah Bennett, Jemima Gulliver and Kayla Tester. When asked about their experiences and aspirations, one of their Dads sent us through the below:

"‘Ain’t No Love Song’ is an original composition, created by Jemima and Acacia. The reason that the band formed in the first place was because they wanted to write a humorous song, to tell friend and fellow band-mate Kayla, how much they loved her. A year later they rediscovered the lyrics and they decided to put these to music, to create this song. The band decided to have the song title ‘Ain’t No Love Song’ to differentiate it from the large number of other cheesy love songs out there, that are written.

Smash Mystery's song writing experience came through the release of their first EP, which feature five original songs. 'Dolls' was the most popular of the 5 songs and scored rave reviews from triple j legends: The Doctor, Rosie Beaston and Dan Buhagiar. The Doctor was recorded as saying: ‘Sweet 90s tune! Nice harmonies in the chorus but I really like the melody in the verse too. And that guitar in the solo rules!’

Musical ambitions for the band include continued gigging, recording of music and just having fun really. They're also working on a few music videos, which they are finding extremely exciting. They are passionate about their music and plan to make a career with their talents and they would love to be able to support some of the smaller up and coming bands who inspired them to start up Smash Mystery. They have dreams of one day becoming well respected musical icons... like the Beatles and to record an album at Abbey Road studios. They reckon that would be cool."
Sebastian Maegraith
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Category: 2
Place: 3rd
Song: “Believe”

When we asked Sebastian what his passions, motivation and dreams were, his Dad kindly sent through the below information:

"Sebastian is a talented singing and guitar playing nine year old from Adelaide, whose song 'Believe' was inspired by and written for his eight year old brother, Jacob. Jacob was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes over two years ago, and this song is to encourage him in his fight against the disease. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body ceasing to produce insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The disease proves fatal unless treated with insulin.

Sebastian uploaded the music video of this song to YouTube, where it has enjoyed over 1,300 views in just a few days. The video features home video footage of the two brothers and their sister, to the soundtrack ‘Believe’. Views reached over 1,300 after just a few days, and the video is being acknowledged by and directed to by diabetes organisations in Australia and the USA. The song is available for download and part of the proceeds are being donated to JDRF to fund research to find a cure for diabetes.

Click here to go to the song download page and YouTube video.

Click here to go to the song directly on iTunes.

Sebastian comes from a musical family, with his mum, dad and uncle all being musicians themselves. Sebastian’s goal is to be number one on the Australian music charts by Christmas!"

Gretta Ray
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Category: C
Place: 2nd
Song: “Little Things”

Have a read of what Gretta sent us, when we asked her about her passions, motivation and future aspirations:

"I’m 14 years old, and I’ve been writing songs since I was 7. Looking back, I can’t really remember what motivated me to start writing, but when I wrote my first song using an old keyboard that I barely knew how to play, it just all fell into place and everything felt right when I sang it . When I was around 10, I began to get more inspired by the world around me. I started to notice just how fascinating the details in life can be. I began piano lessons, and picked up the guitar and learnt a few chords. I wrote about everything... arguments I would have with my friends at school, how pretty the country was, once I even wrote about how I thought the world began! At 12, I wrote a song that definitely came from the heart, and that was a turning point for me in my songwriting.

The song ‘Little Things’ which I wrote a few months ago, took 2 days to write and then I re-worked it on and off after that. I usually write with the guitar but it was great to write at the piano. It’s about a relationship and my aim was to try and paint a picture with words. I wanted people to listen to it and feel like they were staring at a photo of a place or a person for a long time, and just seeing and remembering everything - the little things.

When I write a song that other people enjoy, and it’s catchy and musical - I’m happy with it. I kind of compete with myself and try and meet the standards of the last good song that I wrote. I like to try new styles and continue to listen to a wide range of music, to help inspire me.

In the future, I hope I am performing my music. I am lucky enough to sing in a really great choir – ‘The Young Voices of Melbourne’ and I perform sometimes at school. Performing is something that I have loved since I can remember, and I would really love to continue with it. I want to keep writing, playing and learning new things – and I’m very excited about the journey ahead."
Jade Ingvarson-Favretto
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Category: B
Place: 1st
Song: “Kick Drum”

Jade sent us the below, when asked about the inspiration for her music, her passions and her future dreams:

"Songs usually come to me in funny places. 'Kick Drum' came to me out of the blue. When I was 15, I was having this weird dream and then I suddenly woke up and it hit me. This song doesn’t have any underlying stories or deep and meaningful messages, it is simply about being uncontrollably happy. I took the opportunity during work experience at my dad’s studio to record myself and what I had written.

I have written several other songs with my guitar, and performed one of them at an Oxfam exhibition launch and a Wilderness Society function. When I was around the age of 3, my dad would play random chords on the piano and I would dance around and sing whatever melody came to my head, blabbering out words that didn’t make any sense, so I guess I have always had a passion for creating songs.

Music is what I love. My parents have finally realised that the only way to stop me from constantly singing around the house is to stick gaffer tape on my mouth. I would love to be a professional singer/songwriter, scribbling down lyrics and forming a song gives me great pleasure. I love performing and making friends with people who share the same passion for music. Performing is my second love (I was Laurie in last year’s musical Oklahoma and loved that.) My ambition is to make a living from music – that I do know."
Alana Patmore
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Category: B
Place: 2nd
Song: “When I am with You”

Alana's guardian sent us through the below information, when we asked her about her songwriting experiences, passions and dreams:

"Alana began writing songs when she was very young and she has high standards when it comes to her musical creations. She always aims to create timeless songs. Alana takes one step at a time and is currently working on her 2nd original EP.

She wrote and recorded 'When I am with you' at the age of 12 when she started high school. The song was an attempt to express a pre-teen’s emotional experiences around a 'first crush'. She wanted the song to be cheerful, catchy and simple. She was also experimenting with reggae at the time. Alana wrote the lyrics, melody and also did the vocal arrangement, performing all of the vocal parts including the whistle.

She has achieved the following: • 1st prize - 2011 Sydney Eisteddfod (McDonald Performing Art Challenge), original work, own composition (14U) for 'Walking to School' • Highly Commended - 2011 Sydney Eisteddfod (McDonald Performing Art Challenge), singer/songwriter (open age) for 'Let’s Go' • Finalist – 2012 SD Music Award (Australia Screen Music Composer Guild) for 'Walking to School' • Part of the Song Writing Team for Sydney Children Festival Choir (2011 Children Festival) and wrote 2 songs 'Let’s Go', 'Rise' and co-wrote 'Calm Sea' and a verse of the song 'Devious Doug' • Part of the Song Writing Team – Backstage Pass Song Summit 2010 & 2012, co-writing 'Soccer Fever' and 'Jealousy'

A music video of her original song 'Another Letter' has recently been made by a team of talented film students who volunteered their time and skill. It is a deeply emotional song about how she perceives wars.

Alana plays piano, guitar, percussion and enjoys music programming. She is also a singer and an actress, performing with artists such as Nikki Webster, John Morrison and Timomatic. She was a vocalist in the recording of 'Woolworths the Fresh Food People' (for the Woolworths advert) and Telstra's 'We are Australian'and has also appeared in TV shows including: 'Raggs', 'What Do you Know' and 'Kitchen Whiz'."

For more information, visit Alana's website, Facebook and YouTube pages.
Alice Vance
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Category: 3
Place: 1st
Song: “Springtime”

When we asked Alice what her inspirations and dreams were, her Mum eagerly sent us through a brief "snapshot" of her daughter:

"Alice is a happy creative and fun spirited 8 year old, who enjoys dancing singing and listening to any music, most hours of the day. Although Alice has had limited structured learning of music, she has a keen ear for rhythm and is a creative writer.

Her songwriting motivation came from her homework, where she was asked to write a song for the recorder, with the 4 notes that they had learnt and then teach the song to the class. The notes being A, B, C and G. Alice found it easy to write lyrics to her song, and it also made it more enjoyable to play. That is how 'Springtime' was created!

Alice's motivation for writing a song about Spring is because her birthday is in Spring, and she loves the flowers and all the activities that take place around that time of year. Alice's musical ambitions include singing, writing more lyrics and music, playing musical instruments (she can't quite decide how many!) and looking after our planet.

Alice is also a keen gardener, who is involved in Earth Kids at school and manages her own worm farm at home.

Alice would like to thank Ms Campbell (her Year 2 teacher at Castle Cove Public School) for her support."
Christopher Chamberlain
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Category: Instrumental
Place: 1st
Song: “Universe”

Have a read of what Christopher sent us, when we asked him about what motivated him to write his music and what the challenges he faced were:

"I was motivated by my enjoyment of creating, playing and listening to music. This piece also shows my interest in science, through the title ‘Universe’. It reflects the stars twinkling in the distance, the grand formations of gases, black holes and gigantic galaxies. I feel that by repeating the first section of the song, you can get a mental picture of a massive galaxy, churning up stars and rotating round and round.

This piece was originally composed for piano, however I soon realised there weren't enough hands to play it all! My teacher helped me expand and rearrange it for the piano and electone (electronic organ) which allowed me to create other orchestral sounds. I worked hard at the middle section where I concentrated on the rhythms and notes that made the section fast and exciting.

The biggest challenge for me was being able to play the piece, as many of the parts were technically more advanced than what I had ever done before.

'Universe' starts with a distant twinkle of far away stars, then moves into a slightly sad and slow A section with a long legato melody. In the B section it bursts into rhythm (making many of the phrases quite difficult).

I have been composing for a few years already, and have written other compositions for the piano (including 'War of the Cybergons') and for two electronic keyboards with an electronic backing ('The Electronic Dance Machine')."
Phoebe Gardner
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Category: Classic
Place: 2nd
Song: “Anticipation”

Phoebe's Mum sent us through this information when we asked about Phoebe's interests, experiences and passions:

"Phoebe is 15 years old and in year 9 at Sydney Distance Education High School. She had received a music scholarship from the Hills Grammar School, but changed to Distance Education this year to concentrate more on her music. Phoebe would love to be a professional performer and composer one day. She plays violin and is a scholarship recipient in the Sydney Conservatorium's Rising Stars program. Phoebe has composed music since she was 8 years of age, and has won a few prizes over the years. Winning in a previous National Songwriting Competition served as huge encouragement for her and has motivated her to continue. There are not many opportunities for young classical composers to get feedback on their work, so the competition has been a major part of her life for several years now.

Phoebe has also won prizes for her compositions with the Sydney Eisteddfod and the 2MBS Young Composer of the Year. She has won many awards for her performances too. Although the main motivation to compose is that of enjoyment, the impact from the recognition that she receives from the National Songwriting Competition (that someone else might enjoy listening to her composition), cannot be underestimated. Phoebe is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be associated with the ACMF - as it does such wonderful work for children who might otherwise not have a music education."
Timothy John Bettinson
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Category: A
Place: 2nd
Song: “Child Of Day”

Tim's mum sent us through the below information, when we wanted to know more about Tim, his experiences and his hopes for the future:

"Tim Bettinson, singer-songwriter from Brisbane town, was sitting one day in double maths on a Friday afternoon, looking out the window and dreaming of freedom. He then decided to write a song about it in the back of his maths book. Ideas grew and concepts formed, and after several weeks spent in the bedroom fiddling on the guitar, laying down tracks, tiring over lyrics, and even occasionally sleeping, 'Child of Day' was formed.

The song tells the story of a child born of the wild, living life as a total adventure each day. Ultimately it is written as an encouragement for listeners to leave behind their problems, or the ‘darkness’ in their lives, and to make the most of the beautiful world in which we live.

Although Bettinson has already been writing songs and performing them acoustically for a few years, he felt that ‘Child of Day’ couldn’t be crammed into a mere acoustic performance; and he had so many ideas for a live show. Thus, Tim got talking with several mates, and 5-piece Brisbane band ‘Wilderness’ was formed, with Tim leading. The band aims to create a totally unique experience for the listener through the combination of chilled experimental sampling, massive instrumentals, and reverb soaked harmonies. Tim’s project ‘Wilderness’ has already received good response from the release of ‘Child of Day’, with the track peaking at #8 on the Triple J Unearthed Indie Charts, and receiving airplay on several stations around the world as well as in Australia.

It is one day the ultimate dream for Tim and the band to tour the world playing beautiful, tranquil and peaceful music for everyone to hear. Until then, they’ll all be stuck next to the window in double maths, dreaming of it."
Hayden Wilcox
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Category: Contemporary
Place: 2nd
Song: “Anticipation, A Contemporary Wedding March”

We asked Hayden about his inspirations, passions and future goals. Have a read of what he sent us:

"The song, 'Anticipation', was written as a contemporary wedding march. I was asked by a friend to write a piece for her to walk down the aisle to. Her brief to me was to create a piece that was upbeat and contemporary (something that wouldn’t make her cry) and was a little different from the normal style of wedding marches. I also knew that just because I had written the piece, it wouldn’t necessarily be picked, as it may not have been quite what my friend had wanted. However, she did like it, and I was privileged enough to be able play it at her wedding.

I really enjoyed writing the piece, and was also able to collaborate with the groom to work out timing with bridesmaids and the bride entering at specific times. I worked on timing, but also playing around with the dynamics and other elements to make the song that little bit more special for when the bride entered.

I’ve always had a passion for music and I’ve been writing both instrumental and lyrical music for the past couple of years. Earlier in 2011, I had the privilege of being selected to take part in the ‘Music Count Us In’ songwriting workshop, where I got to work beside Kavyen Temperely (lead singer of Eskimo Joe) to write a song for the nationwide program later the same year. My main instrument is piano, and I completed my grade eight exam earlier this year, however I can also play the guitar and sing.

My future goal is to study music at university, before moving into the music industry. I am passionate about many areas of music and one of my dreams would be to write scores for feature films. I’ve also enjoyed writing worship songs to be played at church. I would love to be able to become a recording artist or singer songwriter, and make my way into the music industry that way too.

I love being able to share my music with others, and I am so excited to have received a place in the 2012 ACMF competition! I look forward to continuing on my musical journey, and seeing where it takes me in the future."
Kaitlyn Thomas
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Category: 1
Place: 1st
Song: “Summertime”

When we asked Kaitlyn about what motivated her write her song, her Mum sent us through the below information about Kaitlyn's song, her interests, passions and dreams:

"My motivation for writing 'Summertime', is because it is my favorite time of the year. I just love every minute of Summer, spending time in my pool and with my friends and family. I wanted to write a song about it that was catchy and would stay in your head for days. My ambition is to keep writing and practicing as much as I can, so that one day I can share the stage with some of my idols like Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, The McClymonts or Taylor Swift. I really want to sing Country/Pop style music as it allows you to tell a story through your songs and you can really show people what you are feeling and who you are." (by Kaitlyn)

At just 12 years old Kaitlyn Thomas is making her own waves in the music industry. Her Country/Pop sound will get your feet tapping and your hearts racing as she takes you on a journey with her music. Born in Melbourne, Australia on 28th August 2000, Kaitlyn began singing almost the same minute she could speak. Knowing that she was never going to stop singing and how much she loved to put on shows at home and perform, she was enrolled at the Johnny Young Talent School in Mill Park and thus began her performing arts and musical journey.

Kaitlyn started posting homemade videos on YouTube in 2009. Her first video was for Ellen’s Singing in the Bathroom Competition as she really wanted to get on her show. It turned out that other people liked her performance and started subscribing and leaving her comments. Being online created so many opportunities for Kaitlyn. She was blessed to be a part of Opera Australia’s production of 'La Boheme' in 2011 and represented Australia at the World Championships of Performing Arts where she gained significant recognition for her singing, dancing and acting - receiving medals in all genres and receiving an industry award. She has been fortunate to work with some of Australia’s up and coming stars and some big international stars too.

Kaitlyn began writing music and songs when she was 9 years old and released her first professional recording of her original song ‘I Wish’ when she was 10. 'I Wish' was inspired by a young girl who Kaitlyn knew, that passed away from a rare childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. 'I Wish' is about wanting children of the world who struggle with everyday life to find their smile. Kaitlyn donates $1.00 from every iTunes download to the YAMS (You are my Sunshine) foundation to help raise money to find a cure for Neuroblastoma.

Since then she has released more original songs and continues to try to make a difference with her music. Her song 'Stand Up to Bullying' is being used as an educational resource within the Department of Education in Victoria, to help teach kids about bullying and standing up for who you are. She is very proud of this song as she has been a victim of bullying herself.

Kaitlyn hopes to make a difference through her music and thrives on helping others. Her motto ‘Everything Is Possible’ is what she wants to instil in the minds of people around the world, to encourage them to follow their dreams and do what makes them happy and to never give up, because everything is possible if you just give it time."

Click here to watch her official 'Summertime' video on YouTube.
Zara White
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Category: Specific Purpose
Place: 1st
Song: “T-Rex Eating Biscuits”

Category: Specific Purpose
Place: 2nd
Song: “Fat Cat Camping”

When we asked little Zara a bit more about her winning entries, her mum helped her send through the below to us:

T-Rex - "Its about Morris my T-Rex. He wanted to eat biscuits to help his babies and the hole is to put the baby t-rex eggs in so they can hatch"

Fat Cat Camping (at Lake Ballard) - "It's about when we went camping out in the desert at Lake Ballard with the family and I was imagining that our big fat cat Billy was with us too. I was having lots of fun and I thought Billy would like it"

Past experience - "I have made up my own songs on the trampoline but I forgot them. This is the first time one I have recorded on. My favourite thing is playing songs"

Musical ambitions - "I want to keep it on iTubes(?) I want to play the drums and sing a song with my friend Carter"
Abbey Gardner
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Category: C
Place: 3rd
Song: “Turn Around”

Abbey's Mum sent through the below information, when we asked about what motivated Abbey to write her music and what her passions are:

"Abbey began learning piano at the age of five, and soon after gained an interest in creative writing and music composition. At the age of twelve Abbey also took up the guitar, which is where her love of creating contemporary songs influenced by young artists came from. To gain experience in performing her own songs and covers, Abbey has enjoyed busking, performing at various open mic night events, in local festivals and has also recently been interviewed and sung on local radio.

For her song entry 'Turn Around' (a song about bullying, and believing in yourself) Abbey was motivated by the belief that being yourself and respecting others are very important issues. She was inspired by songs such as 'Caught in the Crowd' by Kate Miller-Heidke.

Abbey enjoys sharing her music with family and friends and looks forward to continuing her love of song writing. Her ultimate goal is to perform in front of large audiences and she aspires to one day have her music published."
Felix Pirie
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Category: Instrumental
Place: 3rd
Song: “Stepping Stones”

Have a read of what Felix sent us, when we asked him about his inspirations and dreams:

"Dad, me and my brother Justin went on a hard, dusty hot cycle trip to Warbuton. At the end of the day we were camping beside the Upper Yarra, and the river was gurgling over some rocks (on which children were playing). The sounds produced by the water flowing over and around the rocks sounded both beautiful and melodic. I hoped to recreate this sound through my song called 'Stepping Stones'.

This year, my inspirational teacher Keiko has made composition the focus of our class. Every week we are encouraged to write new motifs and songs. I wrote the ensemble that the group performed at the Yamaha Creativity Festival, which was a real source of pleasure for me.

I would like to continue creating and expressing my emotions through music. I hope, at secondary school I will be able to develop my composition skills."
Neneh Wilson Jones
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Category: Specific Purpose
Place: 3rd
Song: “Precious the Poodle”

Have a read of what Neneh sent us, when we asked her about what her song was about, and what she loves about music:

"I am 10 years old and in Grade 5 at Brunswick North West Primary School.

My song 'Precious, the Pink Poodle' is about a very stuck up poodle. I like writing songs about animals. My previous song was about a caterpillar so this time I decided to give a housepet a try. When I was 7 years old, I wrote another song about an animal called 'My Dog has Fleas' which got Highly Commended in the 2009 ACMF National Songwriting Competition.

I have a fantastic music teacher Claire Hollingsworth who has a really interesting way of developing my songwriting. She gets my sister and I to draw a picture and write a story which we then turn into words for a song. That's how I wrote 'Precious, the Pink Poodle'. I also made a video clip to go with the music."
Anna Warren
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Category: Instrumental
Place: 2nd
Song: “Summer Lullaby”

Have a read of what Anna sent us, when we asked her about her song, her songwriting experiences and what she hopes the future will bring:

"I like making up melodies and playing them on the piano. 'Summer Lullaby' was one of the first pieces I wrote. It evolved over a few months and changed a lot from what it started out as. I like to record my compositions so I don't forget them and so I can work on them until I am happy.

I have been writing songs since I first started learning the piano. I started out changing the keys of my piano pieces from major to minor and minor to major. Then I started writing my own melodies.

I'd like to start experimenting writing songs for the flute and keep writing more piano compositions. I can't wait to study music when I go to high school in a couple of years’ time."
Class 4B - St Joseph's Primary School, Taree.
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Category: 10th Anniversary Primary
Place: 1st
Song: “Music Makes Me Happy”

Have a read of what we received from St Joseph's Primary School, when we asked them about the inspirations and activities undertaken during the songwriting process amongst the children:

"From the minute I walked into Class 4B, I knew we were onto something really special. I was greeted by 27 smiling, creative, happy children who were genuinely excited about music classes. As a wonderful bonus their classroom teacher, Mrs Bielby, was equally as enthusiastic and passionate about music!

At the start of the year the children learnt about music and movies and music and story telling. We talked about how to interpret a story through the music and the lyrics. We focused on how different styles of music were adapted to fit the many different scenes from the movie Toy Story. These styles ranged from the kids telling me if the song was happy,scary,sad or fun! We then read chapters from the toy story book and the kids fitted the songs to the scenes . Their ability to discuss how music made them feel in this story was just amazing and inspired many of the wonderful lyrics in their own song.

As the months progressed every child in the class participated in all aspects of music,rhythm and rhyming techniques and it was decided that they would have a go at songwriting! What was to follow was an incredible journey of fun, friendship and camaraderie.

With one term to prepare, all 27 children come up with a line, a phrase, a word, a sentence, a title and a SONG, their song: “Music Makes Me Happy”. Once the lyrics and the song structure were finished we were lucky enough to have the very talented Matt Zarb come and talk to the kids about music and melodies, we heard amazing stories about Matt’s own songwriting and his beautiful song, 'Rose Matilda' which inspired some very special moments during this whole story of song writing. From this point the kids then had the task of performing and yes, all 27 children sang their song over and over and over again ready to record!

You see, the wonderful thing about creating a song is that there is always a story behind it! These kids have shown what an amazing spirit each and every one of them has. They all worked as a group and have created the most special bond that they will share forever.

We are very grateful to the ACMF for recognising this song not just as an mp3 file, but in fact an incredible journey of music, imagination and creativity over the course of this year.

Our Principal, Sidonie Coffey, says, “A school without music is a school without a soul” and class 4B, music certainly makes you HAPPY!"
~ Katie Hardyman, St Joseph's Primary School.
Ruth Burke
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Category: 1
Place: 2nd
Song: “Myself”

When we asked Ruth about her musical inspirations, experience and ambitions, her parents sent us through the below information:

"Ruth is an eleven year old West Australian guitarist, singer and songwriter and is passionate about music and performing. Her entry 'Myself' was written while on a visit to Ireland in February 2012 to attend her Auntie Teresa’s funeral. The lyrics remind us that life throws up both happy and sad experiences. We must believe in ourselves and be willing to take chances to get the most out of life and to deal with all that life brings.

Ruth has written a number of songs to date. She entered the ACMF competition last year with her song 'Broken Heart'. This year Ruth has had the opportunity to perform some of her compositions at the Catholic Schools Festival in West Australia, at fundraising concerts and for friends and family. An Honourable Mention was awarded to Ruth earlier this year at the Catholic Arts Festival for her performance of one of her own songs in the ‘Band’ category.

As a member of the ‘Young Voices Choir’ of UWA, Ruth is developing her singing voice and musical knowledge under the expert tuition of Celia Christmass. Ruth also sings lead and plays in her award winning school rock band 'The Electric Spirits', and has taken lead roles over the years in school musicals. The dedication and support of Ruth’s music teachers at Holy Spirit Primary School; Mrs Doyle, Dom Papa and Rhiannan Longley is acknowledged and appreciated.

Ruth is inspired by her daily life and the challenges young people face. Her guitar is a constant companion and when moved by a particular experience, lyrics and music are Ruth’s way of expressing herself.

Her musical style could be described as folk rock and she is influenced by the music and lyrics of Taylor Swift. A major ambition of Ruth’s is to attend WAAPA and eventually to launch a career as a singer/songwriter. Ruth loves performing live and would eventually like to travel the world sharing her music and inspiring lyrics with others."
Ben Robinson
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Category: Contemporary
Place: 3rd
Song: “Happy Song”

Here's what Ben sent us, when we asked him about his inspirations, passions and plans for the future:

"Music has always been my passion, but the last few years it has been composing in particular. I always had trouble getting the music from my head to paper, because I could often hear multiple instrument parts and I only had the musical skill of a 12 year old. But in year 7, my school music teachers, Mrs Sally Johnson and Mr Stewart Heddles, lent me the school laptop with a version of the music notation software Sibelius. I quickly fell in love with composition and have continued it since. I don't really have a "motivation", other than my love for music and composition; the process, the freedom of expression, even the recording, but mainly the feeling you get when you listen back to it and know it's finished.

I studied musicianship up to grade 4, which could be relevant. Everything else is pretty much trial and error over the last few years - learning from my mistakes and slowly getting better. The only lessons I've had for composition are a week at the Gondwana Voices composers workshop where I learnt for a week, among about 15 older kids, from Australian composer Stephen Leek. This was my first experience in writing for SATB style voices.

I'm currently undergoing the Music 2 HSC course, a year accelerated, along with extension composition. I've also chosen Entertainment for year 11 next year. After school, I hope to study composition at a Conservatorium of Music. I will continue learning about composition, performance, recording, etc. in hope to one day compose (and possibly perform) my music for a living."
Julia Nicholls
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Category: A
Place: 1st
Song: “Somebody Else”

Julia sent us the below information about herself, when asked about her musical experience and her motivators for writing her song:

"I’ve loved songwriting since I was very little. I used to make up songs on the spot about friendship and love and life when I was five or six, and when senior school came around and there was so much more to say about those things, I found I just couldn’t stop writing.

Usually the lyrics, melody and chords come to me all at once, though sometimes I write a poem and it happens to work with music.

Songwriting, for me, is a way to express feelings and get rid of emotional baggage without being overly sentimental. Songs are allowed to be poetic and unusually worded and expressive, so even though you might not be able to address someone or something face-to-face, you can always say how you feel in a song.

When I wrote Somebody Else, I wanted to communicate as simply as possible the universal idea of wanting someone you can’t have. The refrain of the chorus was stuck in my head one day and I found myself knowing words that would fit perfectly."
Jackson Hurwood
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Category: C
Place: 1st
Song: “My Mate's in Love”

When we asked Jackson's Mum about his song, the background behind it and his inspirations, she sent us this:

"Jackson started playing piano when he was 4 and started writing his own songs pretty much straight away. His godmother gave him Tim Minchin’s ‘Ready For This?’ album for his 8th birthday from which he made the happy discovery that songs could be funny. Soon after Jackson discovered ‘Flight Of The Conchords’, ‘Tenacious D’ and Randy Newman. Jackson started playing guitar at 11 and he sometimes likes to turn it up really loud in his bedroom and scream like Kurt Cobain. He has performed at the St Kilda festival twice (and may be going to again… shh…) with his band/duo ‘What?’ Jackson plans to take music through his whole life, for it to be his career, his love and his passion.

When Jackson wrote ‘My Mate’s in Love’ he was having a lovely holiday in Bali. His friend (who wishes to keep his identity private) Skyped him with the “happy” news that he was dating a girl. Well Jackson was jealous. His friend had a girlfriend. What might that mean for Jackson when he returned to Melbourne? Would he be left out of the fun? He missed his friend already… Jackson felt like he needed to let his emotions out and he wrote the song. The song about his jealousy and his loneliness that he felt! It is full of passion… and a little bit of laughter!"
Hayden Johns
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Category: Classic
Place: 3rd
Song: “The Train Ride Home”

When we asked Hayden's Mum about her son's passions, inspirations and plans for the future, she kindly sent us through this information:

"Hayden Johns has enjoyed music from a young age, continuously developing his passion. There has always been a love of music and it has always been an important part of his life. He can sing and play a range of instruments and whenever he is asked what he can play, his philosophy is ‘If you give me an instrument, I’ll learn how to play it’. This being said, Hayden has achieved grade 7 AMEB for his piano in 2012 and has been playing not only classical but a wide range of styles for over 6 years. He has also achieved grade 5 AMEB for music theory in 2010.

Another one of Hayden’s talents is his aural skills and, although he doesn’t have perfect pitch, he is developing relative pitch, can judge intervals quickly and easily, transpose quickly in his head and transcribe anything from a chord progression to a full melody line. He also has a range of recording abilities with the programs Protools, Garageband and Logic.

Aside from his music, Hayden has had some dance and acting experience working with organisations such as the Queensland Music Festival and their production ‘The Road We’re On’ (2009) and Simon Gallagher’s ‘Showstoppers’ (2007).

Born and raised for 14 years in the small country town of Charleville where the nearest city is a day’s drive away and the nearest town bigger than Charleville is a 3-4 hour drive, Hayden is now 17 and currently completing an IB Diploma at the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI). While establishing himself little by little in his music career, he was lucky to have some good mentors and a supportive community. He began in primary school as a member of the school choir and acted in the school musical ‘West Side Story’.

Once he hit high school he started a band with a few of his friends called ‘Hyperdrive’, playing keys, guitar and vocals (backing and lead). Throughout his time in Charleville he also took part in the South West PCAP Music Program via lessons in violin, double bass and bass guitar as well as participating in the Beginner, Intermediate and Senior String Ensembles with violin and double bass, and the Charleville Senior, Stage and Concert Band with bass guitar. While in Charleville, Hayden had performed many times with the PCAP ensembles such as at eisteddfods and music festivals. He also had a great deal of performing experience with Hyperdrive as they were frequently hired for functions, parties or other such events. Hayden also used to busk down the main street to raise money that he could put towards his music, be it anything from buying instruments or music to saving up money so he could go on tour with PCAP. He believed that raising money this way was more fulfilling as it allowed him to use his music to pay for his music and not rely so much on his parents.

When Hayden left his home of Charleville and moved to Brisbane to attend QACI. He had to leave Hyperdrive but joined multiple music ensembles once he started at QACI such as the Vocal Collective choir, Funk Band, Aurora Australis (an electro-fusion style band in which Hayden played the Keytar), and in 2011 he joined the Vox group for the more elite singers in the school.

Since attending QACI and joining the various ensembles it has to offer, Hayden has performed numerous in-school and out-of-school concerts, the most prestigious being the Vocal Collective performances at Disneyland and California Adventure in LA in 2010, as well as concerts at 4 LA high schools with Vocal Collective, Aurora Australis and Funk Band. In late October 2012 Hayden also performed with Aurora Australis as the opener for Deep Blue’s ‘Who Are You’ concert at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

The inspiration for the piece ‘The Train Ride Home’ came about on a train ride home from a late night rehearsal at school, hence the title. It incorporates influences from composers such as Michael Nyman, Hans Zimmer, Debussy, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. It’s still a work in progress and Hayden wants to fix some minor things but the majority of the piece is finalised. In terms of his other non-classical music, the major influence has been country music and artists as this was essentially what Hayden was raised with. Other influences include Radiohead, Coldplay, Snowpatrol and All American Rejects as well as my peer musicians."

You can find more info and hear more of Hayden’s music at: Facebook Soundcloud Reverbnation
Oscar Sharah
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Category: A
Place: 3rd
Song: “Puppy Dog Eyes”

We asked Oscar what made him write his song and what his future dream and aspirations are. Have a read of what he had to say:

"My song, 'Puppy Dog Eyes', was just a spur of the moment kind of thing. I wanted to write a song about being in a young, cheeky relationship, where basically no matter what she/he does they've "got you good" because you like them too much and they know it. I wrote it to be just a feel good song and i'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

I was in the ACMF Songwriting Competition last year and ended up getting two highly commended songs, which was great. I didn't know what to expect when I submitted the songs. So I'm super happy to have been placed third this year and be a part of the competition again.

I definitely want to be an artist and play my own music and release my own album. I'm in a band at the moment called 'Oscar & The Grouches'. We play all original material and just have fun. We're a bit silly and don't take ourselves too seriously, but we take our music pretty seriously and we can't wait to start playing shows now that I've finally finished school! We're looking to release some music in the next few months hopefully."
Evan Yang
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Category: Classic
Place: 1st
Song: “Seashore”

Evan's Mum kindly sent us through the below, when we asked about what motivates him, his passions and his hopes for the future:

"At the age of only 13, Evan has already composed many pieces for the piano. He started composing music when he was 6 years old.

He is currently a student at Scotch College and whilst he enjoys learning to play the trumpet, Evan has composed various songs on the piano such as 'German Suite' and 'Violin Dance'. He said that when he was little and he heard his very first Chopin piece, it inspired him to want to make music as beautiful! Evan also said that his teacher was a big motivating factor and that the song would not be nearly as impressive or rewarding without her guidance and involvement.

Evan has recently completed his sixth grade piano and fourth grade trumpet exams. He plans to continue with his passion of composing music and he is planning to start to play new instruments too.

Evan said that he called his piece 'Seashore' because the melody sounded like a never-ending flow of notes, just like a never-ending flow of water in the sea. He enjoys going to the beach, sitting by the edge of the surf and watching the waves drift towards the shore.

With this being his first major prize, he hopes that he can earn more rewards and accolades as his music career takes shape."
Charlie Bell, Jack Orchard, Timothy Simpson
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Category: 10th Anniversary Primary
Place: 2nd
Song: “Body & Beat”

We asked Matt Stone (from Noisecraft Studio) to tell us about the creation of "Body and Beat" and how the boys reacted and responded to the process. Have a read of the below story he sent through:

"The song "Body and Beat" has shown me how switched on these young songwriters are becoming with identifying the relationship between melody, lyrics and music. The three boys who wrote this simple little R&B song wanted the music backing track to "talk the words" and the "feel the feel".

I clearly remember the lesson when this song was conceived. Charlie came up with the concept "the beats in my body" and then Jack proceeded to argue "it should be my bodies in the beat" and whilst the two boys were "debating" young Tim was quietly in the background rapping under his breath "the beats in my body and my bodies in the beat". I drew their attention to what Tim was rapping and you should have seen the excitement on their faces.

They boys all came back the following week with other one liners that portrayed the relationship between music and the body and as a group decided which ones to include in the song. The boys then looked at each verse and discussed how they wanted each verse to feel and sound.

Vs1. The Beats in the my body and my bodies in the Beat ("must be a beat box drum sound") Vs2. The musics in my souls and my souls in the music (Jack plays me Dani California by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and says we need a bass guitar something like that) Vs3 The rhythm pumps the heart and my heart pumps the rhythm. ("make the music sound like a heart beat") Vs4. The sounds in my head and my heads in the sound ("make it cool and spin in our heads")"
Jaxson Stone, Thomas Carden, Tristen Morris, Riley Kane
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Category: 3
Place: 3rd
Song: “Dino Dance”

We asked Matt Stone from Noisecraft Studio to tell us a bit more about the boys' creation of "Dino Dance" and the inspirations involved. Have a read of this below:

"Our songwriting classes can become a little noisy sometimes and to an outsider looking in, one may even say the classes look a little bit out of control. But when you let the kids run that fine edge between chaos and control that's when their creativity comes alive and some real magic can happen. So our songwriting lessons are best described as controlled chaos with kids yelling out ideas, words and lines, and sometimes out of the excitement and allowing little silliness can come a great idea as did with "Dino Dance".

Jaxson came into class with the whole of verse 1 already written for "Dino Dance". The boys loved his little song and everyone was singing the verse and working out the actions within a few minutes. Everyone except Tristan. Whilst everyone else was singing "Stomp stomp stomp....", Tristan was sitting in his chair repeating "Dino, dino dino dino" over and over with this eyebrows knitted with determination.

At first I thought he was just been silly and asked him to join in with the other boys but he just kept on going on with his "Dino, dino dino dino". Now at this point it would have been very easy pull him into line but then Jaxson yelled out "hey we should put that in the song" and next thing the whole class was singing "Dino, dino dino dino" and through the noise and chaos someone threw in the word "dance"... and the idea came together.

The boys then made up some more verses and chose which ones to include, based on which ones were the most fun to sing and do actions for.

The boys were very clear they wanted their song to be a rock song and listening to Tristan sing his "Dino, dino dino dino Dance!" is what inspired the simple guitar riff.

The four boys have since performed their song at the Mt Evelyn Fair and were a big hit but the most amazing thing was watching three preps and a grade one student on stage singing and dancing to their song in front of so many people with such cool confidence."
Angus Gill & Maddy Brown
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Category: 10th Anniversary Secondary
Place: 3rd
Song: “Music Is My Drug”

Have a read of what we got sent through when we asked to know a little more about Angus and Maddy's songwriting history and dreams:

"They both love music and have previously performed together for school activities, so they decided to get together and do a co-write. Angus is more of a country singer, where Maddy prefers Rock/Pop, both of them sing, both play in bands, so it seemed a great team.

Angus loved the idea behind 10th Year Anniversary Section and he wanted to get together with Maddy to do a co-write. She is such a talented musician and they are great friends - plus they really enjoy putting their heads together to produce a quality result. Maddy agreed as she was really interested in expanding her musical experiences and songwriting, which was something that she hadn't done much of.

Angus was so pleased to win a prize in a previous ACMF National Songwriting Competition that he found it a large motivating factor in continuing with his songwriting. He has had tuition from industry professionals such as Jim Haynes and Tamara Stewart and would love to become a professional singer/songwriter/musician himself one day.

For now, Maddy wants to keep enjoying music. She knows that it will play a huge role in her life. She acknowledges that building a career around such a competitive art form would take a lot of dedication and willpower, and she is keen to enjoy it for what it brings to her life now."
Mia Herrick
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Category: 10th Anniversary Secondary
Place: 2nd
Song: “Musicology”

Listen to song
Mia's Mum sent us through the below, when we asked about what motivates Mia, what her passions are and her aspirations: "13 year old Mia Herrick has loved music all her life. She started making up her own songs at a very early age, pretty much as soon as she could talk. When she started primary school she was able to join a song writing class that was included as an extra-curricular activity where teacher Matt Stone would come into the school and work with the children. She had success in her first year of participating in the ACMF’s National Songwriting Competition with a Highly Commended award for the song ‘Family and Friends’ that she wrote with friend Emma Taylor while in Grade 2. In Grade 3 they collaborated again and wrote their song ‘Rainbows, Flowers’ which won first place for their age group. The song was performed by Felicity Urqhuart and Laura Jean at the Sydney Festival in 2009. In 2009 Mia entered another song 'Secret Crush' for which she also won first prize in her age group and was fortunate enough to be invited to perform it on opening night of the 2010 Sydney Festival in Hyde Park, accompanied by George Ellis on guitar. The family travelled to Sydney on a very warm January afternoon and were so proud to see her up there on stage singing her song with such confidence and poise. She has accumulated quite a catalogue of songs now – most of which have been written from some sort of personal experience. This year Mia started secondary school at Luther College in Croydon and is part of their music stream which offers extra music classes for those involved. They nurture her love of music and she has come a long way in developing a more mature voice and also her performance skills. She is also a member of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus where she sings, dances and acts. They have 2 production seasons a year at the National Theatre in St Kilda. Mia decided to enter the Special 10th Anniversary Category this year – ‘What does music mean to me?’ so that she could share her motivation behind a lot of the songs she writes. She was absolutely delighted to have won 2nd prize for her song 'Musicology' in that category."
Michaela Baranov
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At only 21, singer, guitarist & songwriter Michaela Baranov is quickly emerging as one of Australia’s most recognisable up and coming recording artists.

Not easily stereotyped, Michaela's musical stylings are reminiscent of Katy Perry mixed with young Natalie Imbruglia. Her songs offer guitar driven anthems, commercial hooks and poetic lyrical content.

Her debut single, 'Hurricane' was released nationally on October 17 2011 by the same force behind the releases of Sneaky Sound System, John Butler Trio and most recently Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know.

The single recently won second place in the world-wide John Lennon Songwriting Competition – Pop Music Category.

Despite chronic ear problems and trouble hearing, Michaela was born with a determination to succeed in the music industry. She has received acknowledgement for her talent from a young age - not just from her family and friends, but high profile industry professionals. In 2007 she was a winner in the ACMF National Songwriting Competition, which gave her the opportunity and the impetus to really push forward.

Michaela is passionate about the impact music can have on people, especially kids and has filled the role of Youth Ambassador for the Australian Children's Music Foundation.

For more information, visit michaelabaranov.com.


Bombala Year 2 Class
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"I have had the privilege of teaching music to these creative children over the past 3 years. We have explored percussion, making instruments, singing, and in 2011 year we embraced songwriting. Based around the seasons, we wrote a song a term. The first song, Bombala Summer, was entered in the Australian Children’s Music Foundation National Songwriting Competition where it received 2nd Place in the Category 3 section – K, 1, 2.

We have had lots of fun writing and singing these songs and hopefully the children will be singing them for many years to come. The class has also performed some of these songs at assemblies over the year.

The students who have contributed to this project are:

Katelin Austin; Paddy Brownlie; Amber Butterworth; David Cotterill; Mel Devine; Hannah Feilen; Portia Giles; Shanice Hepburn; Finn and Shauna Keavey; Elsie-Rose Kember; Alex McLeod; Xanthe McKinnell; Dakota Miles; Sarah Moreing; Larissa Ponsford; Connor Sten; Liam Sutton; Aleasha Wahrlich; Joeseph Williams; Matilda Yelds."

~ Barbara Crowden, Support Vision Teacher, NSW.

Click here to view lyrics.

Click here to listen.


Richard Cooper
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"I started learning piano when I was about four and half. I played my first composition when I was in prep.

My principal said:"It is awesome!".

Now my piano is grade 8. Earlier this year I started learning basson. I play bass guitar in my school band. I also can play drum. I think music is live and fun.

The best thing is that you can express your feelings by music".

Click here to listen.


Natasha Duarte
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Natasha Duarte is an exciting young pop artist who at 17 is set to become a major sensation on the Australian music scene and beyond. She is a prolific songwriter, guitarist and powerhouse vocalist. Natasha has been gigging with various bands and acoustically in pubs, clubs, festivals and cafes since she was 13 years old. Her songs are incredibly catchy, well crafted pop that speak directly to her young audience in a way that they can instantly relate to. Natasha is signed to Empire Records and is currently putting the finishing touches on her stunning debut album, to be released mid 2012.

In 2007, Natasha won the coveted Kick start Career prize, receiving, $10,000 and performing live at the Acer Arena. In 2008 Natasha entered a song she wrote, performed and recorded, in the Nationwide Kool Skools JB-HI-FI Competition gaining 1st place and winning a full album recording package through the Kool Skools Project. In 2008 Natasha was awarded Best Female Vocalist, and received The Ralph Carr Award for Best New Talent at the Kool Skools Awards.

In 2009, Natasha entered her song “Taken” in the worldwide UK Song writing Competition gaining Semi-Finalist status. In 2009 Natasha won a scholarship through ARS Musica Australis – Rev. Dr Arthur E Bridge AM– Acclaimed AMA Arts Fellowship Recipient for Development and Support of her talent. In 2010 Natasha won a scholarship to attend the Australian International Performing arts High School. In 2010 Natasha entered her song “Take it Away” in the nationwide ACMF Song writing competition gaining 2nd place.

In 2010 Natasha was chosen to be a part of the Alpine “Uncovered” DVD and filmed her first music video. The video is currently on rotation in many Westpac Bank branches throughout Australia along with other videos from “Uncovered”. In 2010 Natasha was given a feature Live showcase at the APRA Song Summit - held at the Home Night Club in Darling Harbour in front of a room of industry heavyweights and professional songwriters. In 2011 Natasha entered her song “You Don’t Know me” in the worldwide UK Song writing Competition gaining Finalist status. In 2011 she entered her song “Wanted to Feel” in the nationwide ACMF Song writing Competition gaining 1st Place.

Natasha has also performed for national events such as Youth Week, Teens Against Whaling and organised a concert with Camden City Church to raise money for the victims of the Black Saturday Bushfires, raising $5,000

In 2011 Natasha juggled schoolwork with regular commutes to Melbourne to record her debut album, shoot video clips and attend photo shoots. All the while still managing to fit in many live gigs around Sydney and Melbourne. In 2012 Natasha entered songs in the (ISC) International Song Competition based in the US and is currently in the top 15 songwriters in contention in her category, winner to be announced soon, are songwriters in the same competition include Missy Higgins and last year’s overall winner was Kasey Chambers. In 2012 Natasha took up her final year of schooling by correspondence so she could spend most of her time in Melbourne completing her album and touring with her new professional band. Her first tour which is in motion currently is ‘Loud at Lunchtime’, a full production school tour aimed at reaching 100 schools in 2012.

Her debut Ep has just been released through Empire/MGM and landed at #14 on the ARIA Australian Singles Chart first week in 2/4/12.

View her performance on Youtube.

Click here to view "Wanted to Feel" (current single)
Melanie Dyer
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Melanie Dyer is an 18 year old singer/songwriter from Mt Russell, NSW. Melanie graduated from Tamworth Camerata in 2006 & 2007 and is a 2010 graduate of CMAA Academy of Country Music.

In 2006 Melanie was accepted into NSW Talent Development Project where she continued to develop her singing and songwriting. In July 2010, at just 16 yrs old, Mel became one of the youngest to ever graduate from TDP. Melanie’s career highlights so far include featuring as Soloist in NSW Schools Spectacular 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 & 2011 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Melanie performed her original song ‘Life on the Land’ in the 2007 production and ‘Please Wait for Me’ in 2010.

Most recently Melanie was commissioned by the NSW Department of Education to write and perform the Theme Song for the 2011 ‘Creating the Future’ Campaign. This original song ‘The Power’s in our Hands’ was performed by school students all across NSW during Education Week. Melanie has also been honoured to perform her original songs at Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival Hyde Park, Convention Centre & Star City and Country Music & Folk Festivals around Australia & New Zealand. Melanie recently travelled to Los Angeles, California on a singer/songwriter tour with the Australian Institute of Performing Arts.

Click here to listen to "The Power's in Our Hands".


Angus Gill
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At the ripe old age of 7 years, Angus Gill first picked up a guitar after hearing records of Keith Urban and Beccy Cole. Since then he has never looked back, having country music retiree and mentor William Lane, take Angus under his wing. At the age of 9 years, Angus had his first public performance with the Hastings Country Music Association in his hometown of Wauchope, which started him on the road of song.

After winning his first talent quest in 2008, Angus has kept his dreams high. With his song “Names Upon The Wall” in January 2011, he was a finalist in the Tamworth CCMA open songwriting competition, and in November 2011, brought Angus his “huge” win in the ACMF national songwriting competition, lyrics only section. With his $800 prize money, Angus purchased a 12 string guitar, dobra and electronic drum kit to add to his ever-growing collection. His school, St Columba Anglican School at Port Macquarie, won $500, buying 2 new Fender Squire™ guitars.

“ACMF has changed my life,” he says.

Angus plays 17 different instruments including guitar, banjo, mandolin, didgeridoo, bass, accordion, harmonica, drums, dobra, ukulele, piano, jaw harp, tin whistle, recorder, stomp box as well as vocals. His styles range from his first love Country to Alternative, Folk, Rock n Roll, Pop, Jazz and R&B.

Click here to view lyrics

Check out his websites – www.angusgill.webs.com and www.greygumstudios.com


Willow Jones
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At 15 years of age Willow Jones, Sydney based singer/songwriter, has already achieved so much and yet her career in music is just getting started.

Willow has been surrounded by music since before she can remember. Classically trained on piano, Willow has taught herself ukulele, and in 2011 picked up a guitar for the first time. Willow loves to sing and haunting vocals are a key element of her distinctive sound.

With her varied musical background, it's no surprise her songs are so unusual. When asked to describe her sound she says, "it's hard to assign myself to a particular genre. Listening to some of my songs I could label myself as indie/folk, but I also take influences from jazz and Spanish blues to name a few."

When writing songs, Willow tends to start with an emotion or a concept, and writes the lyrics and music around that. "The lyrics aren't necessarily meant to be taken literally. The mood created by the instrumental work and the words together is often what drives my work."

In the past few years, she has been fortunate to have performed at venues including the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Basement, the Seymour Centre and local festivals in her area. All of this while attending Sydney Girls High, an academically selective school in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Willow laughs when asked how she fits her music in to her busy school life. "For me, there will always be time for music because it's so much a part of me. Besides, creative expression is a great release."

In 2011 Willow was delighted to win, for the second time, ACMF's national songwriting competition with a piece she composed for voice and guitar. Willow describes her winning entry in 2011, Nostalgia, as a moody insight into a point in time that is completely still and unchanging.

In early 2012 Willow recorded her second album which includes Nostalgia. With a second album of original works soon to be launched, we anticipate hearing a lot more from this talented young artist.

For more information about Willow go to www.triplejunearthed.com/willowjones

Click here to view lyrics.

Click here to listen.


Adrien Nookadu
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Adrien Nookadu is the new face of Ten Network's Young Talent Time, 15 years of age, singer, dancer, writer, multi-instrumentalist, actor. Performing since an early age, this rising star counts R&B heavyweights Usher and Chris Brown amongst his inspirations and hopes YTT will help him follow in their footsteps.

He started dancing at the age of 5 and joined the Sydney Conservatorium at the age of 6 where he started his musical journey. He plays the piano, guitar & drums. He also beatboxes in his free time. Together with his 17 year old brother, he has started producing their very own songs in their home-based fully equipped recording studio in Sydney. Adrien has captured public attention when he participated in the Panjo All Stars show casted on Nickelodeon & Channel 9. He was the only 11 year old competing against some sydney’s best talented dancers/singers. He was part of the Top 10 and could not be part of a team of 17 year old artists for obvious reasons.

In 2009, he wrote a song, ‘you are too beautiful’, produced by his brother Andre and won 1st prize in the ACMF National Songwriting Competition in his age group. His acting career started when he played Olivar in “ In Search Of Paradise”, a pilot series for Grundy TV, Freemantle Media (USA) alongside 2 main American actors -Rebecca Budig from ABC Soap Opera ‘All my children’ & Christian de la Fuente from ‘Driven’ with Silvester Stallone, ‘Basic’ with John Travolta, CSI Miami & 2 great Australian actors Robert Taylor from Matrix and Zoe Tuckwell Smith from Home and Away. Directed by Catherine Millar & filmed at Fox Studios QLD.

He has played as Young Scientist in the BACKYARD SCIENCE SERIES 3 by Beyond Productions which appeared on Australian TV Channel 9. He has joined Aaron Stone US Actor in a show called ‘What Cant Kelly Do’ produced by Disney, aired on Disney. He has scored numerous roles in short films and TV commercials.

Being part of the Young Talent Time Team is very exciting. “To get to do what you love best & surrounded by a professional team is surreal. To be able to sing & dance on National TV every week feels amazing! I feel truly blessed to be on YTT, every time I see myself on YTT I am amazed. YTT is a great concept, it stands for good family fun time together where talented young Australian artists are given a chance to show what they can do.”

His goals. “I dream of doing huge concerts in Australia & overseas in front of people who are unbelievably excited to see me. I would love to be busy writing my own songs together with my brother Andre and recording our very own songs & selling millions of albums. I hope to become an inspiration for young people.”

View his solo performance on Youtube.

Other links can be found here.


Zoe Osborne
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Born in England in 1994, Zoe Osborne has studied music from an early age, achieving her grade 8 for piano in year 11. She began composing as a very young child, but her creativity was significantly sparked by the separation from her best friend Anna when she emigrated to Australia at age 8. Zoe writes in a variety of genres, holding the attitude that the wider her experience and capabilities, the better. Whilst composition of classical romantic works is her preferred area at the moment, she enjoys explorations into creating music in other musical genres such as Serialism, Baroque style contrapuntalism, and Christian popular music.

In 2007 Zoe won the ACMF National Songwriting competition with one of her more pop-style vocal and piano works, ‘Small Inside’, which was subsequently performed at the Sydney Arts Festival in 2008. In 2011, she went on to win ACMF’s Best Classical Composer with a trio for piano, violin and cello, ‘Sentiments of a Muso’ which is to be featured in the concert for top achieving HSC works, Encore, in March this year at the Sydney Opera House. It consists of two movements, ‘Philosophy’ and ‘Frivolity’, which represent the vast diversity of her emotions as a composer, both when composing and as an aspect of her character.

Having studied extension music composition for her HSC in 2011, Zoe is currently studying a Bachelor of Music/Arts English at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, majoring in composition. Though she has little idea of what path her career might take at the completion of this 5 year degree, Zoe knows that her life will always revolve around her creative work.

Click here to listen.


Oscar Sharah
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Oscar Sharah is a 17-year old singer-songwriter. He also plays guitar and drums.

He is the songwriter and lead singer of the band Oscar and the Grouches. Formed last year, they came second in the 2011 Australian final of the international band competition Emergenza. They have performed at the University of NSW’s O Week celebrations and have several festival gigs coming up.

Oscar performed two duets (which he arranged) with his brother Tom Sharah in Tom’s cabaret show Que Sera, Sharah, which has had three sell-out seasons in Sydney and which toured to Melbourne early this year. They also performed together recently at the Blackcat Lounge at Sydney’s Sidetrack Theatre and at Slide Cabaret.

Oscar had two highly commended songs in the 2011 ACMF National Songwriting Competition – Wake Up and The Fool – and has performed at an awards dinner on behalf of the ACMF.

He is currently in Year 12 at Marcellin College Randwick and aims to pursue a career in music.

'The Fool'- Click here to view lyrics, Click here to listen.

'Wake Up'- Click here to view lyrics, Click here to listen.


Shannon Gaitz
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Shannon Gaitz won the ACMF National Songwriting Competition in 2003 and has since gone on to establish a formidable music career. At the age of 19, Shannon has recorded two original EP's, for which her songs have won numerous competitions and received interest from record companies and producers nation-wide. After studying Music 2 and Music Extension at HSC level, she is currently in her second year at the Australian Institute of Music, and will complete a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Performance Studies at the end of this year. She has been a state finalist in Junior Australian Idol, a top 20 contestant on Australia's Next Top Model and a state finalist in Miss World Australia.

She is the lead singer in an agency backed Taylor Swift Tribute band, set to tour New South Wales and frequently performs her own songs in gigs around Bondi, Newtown, Kings Cross and Surry Hills, as well as other various venus around Sydney.

She describes her style as country pop with lyrical influences taken directly from her experiences. Her musical influences are Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Faith Hill and Katy Perry.

You can read more and hear tracks here.