Song Comp Winners Announced

Judging is complete, and the results are in for the 2022 Australian Children’s Music Foundation’s (ACMF) National Songwriting Competition – a creative initiative, inspiring creativity and self-expression in young people for two decades.

Since its inception 20 years ago, the yearly competition has inspired over 30,000 students across Australia to put pen to paper and enter their original songs.

ACMF Founder and CEO, Don Spencer OAM says, “Songwriting is a highly creative process. We want children to free their imagination, and engage with learning in a fun way, from an early age.”

With five categories, spanning school grades Kindergarten to Year 12, we were inundated with a record number of entries this year.

The content and calibre of the song entries astounded its panel of judges. Many song lyrics demonstrated the importance of music and song in helping children deal with their challenges and this year the judges felt the overall theme of the lyrics was more positive, uplifting and hopeful compared to the last couple of years.

The competition gives children the opportunity to work individually, or collaboratively as an ensemble, a band, or a class group – boosting morale, encouraging teamwork, and a sense of community.

The 2022 judging panel of music industry experts met at APRA AMCOS’ Sydney office. Together they reviewed over 70 songs, shortlisted from nearly 1500 submissions nationally. Judges assessed various aspects of each song, including lyrics, melody, song structure, and originality.

Thank you to all the entrants, we look forward to hearing more music in the future!

Winners will receive a share of up to $10,000 in prize money – to be put towards musical equipment, tuition and more.