Dolly Parton Songwriters Award
Direct application
Eligibility
About this scholarship
Aspiring songwriters ages 17 to 24 who live in the United States or its territories may enter this annual BMI Foundation competition with one original song in Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, or roots genres. Up to two winners receive $20,000 career grants usable for study, instruments, recording, or other professional expenses (not limited to tuition). Submit one audio file and lyric sheet; the work must not be assigned to a major publisher or major label. Prior winners of this award or the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship are ineligible; honorable mentions may reapply. Established in 2015 (originally the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship), the award is judged by music industry professionals.
Essay questions
What else to submit
- One audio file
- Lyric sheet
- Submitted song must be original and in Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, or roots genres.
- Work must not be assigned to a major publisher or major label.
- Prior winners of this award or the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship are ineligible; honorable mentions may reapply.