Select Region
Let's Get Social!


Teen Songwriters in NYC Can Enter Contest to Win Recording Session

Teen Songwriters in NYC Can Enter Contest to Win Recording Session


   
Teenage songwriters in NYC can enter #MyNYCSong to win a one-on-one mentoring session with Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons.
    

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and Guitar Mash have partnered to launch the first-ever city sponsored songwriting contest for teens in New York City, according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office. #MyNYCSong gives young New York musicians the opportunity to show their creativity, talent, and love for the Big Apple by submitting an original song, accompanied by a guitar or ukulele, inspired by any aspect of NYC.

“We’re delighted to launch the #MyNYCSong contest today, providing an opportunity for teenage musicians from across our city to share their musical creations with the world,” said Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin in the press release. “New York City has always been a breeding ground of musical talent, and I have no doubt that we will discover some truly talented future music superstars.” 

Recorded entries must:

  • include a guitar or ukulele accompaniment, and can feature up to two singers (one must be the songwriter)
  • be no longer than 5 minutes in length
  • be submitted as an mp3 file with a PDF of the song lyrics
  • be an original song about or inspired by NYC

     
Entries will be judged by Menin; Tom Colicchio, chef and Guitar Mash artist co-chair; Valerie June, award-winning recording artist; Mark Stewart, Guitar Mash artistic director. Judges will base their decisions on appeal of the song’s concept and subject matter, overall quality of the song, and the interpretation of the NYC theme.



The grand-prize winner and two finalists will receive a professional recording session and digital recording of their song, two VIP tickets to Guitar Mash at City Winery on Nov. 19, and a one-on-one mentoring session with Ben Lovett, co-founder and member of Mumford & Sons. The grand-prize winner will also receive a performance spot at Guitar Mash at City Winery on Nov. 19, working in collaboration with Stewart.

The contest is open to teen songwriters ages 13-19, from all backgrounds and skill levels, who live within the five boroughs. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 5, and winners will be announced on or near Oct. 23.

For more information, including a submission form, visit guitarmash.org/mynycsong


RELATED:

Find Music Classes for Kids Near You

Get Kid-Friendly Concerts and Music Events in Your Inbox

    

More Parenting Articles:

Mayor de Blasio Announces Plan to Build 20 New 'Imagine' High Schools in NYC

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced plans for the Imagine Schools NYC Challenge, a plan to use a publ...


Latest News:

New NYPL Teen Center: A Safe, Inclusive Space for Young Adults

The NYPL teen center recently opened in Midtown Manhattan. It offers fun and educational activities for young adults and serves as a model for future ...


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.
Katelin Walling

Author: Katelin Walling is the former editorial director for NYMetroParents. She has been writing about parenting, health, finance, education, fun things to do in NYC and the surrounding area, and more for nearly 10 years. She also has 20+ years of child care experience and was a babysitter in NYC for 8 years. Katelin graduated from the University of Maine in 2011 and attended the NYU Summer Publishing Institute during the summer of 2011. To unplug in her free time, she can often be found reading, knitting (or general crafting), or whipping up a vegan treat—all with a cup of coffee nearby. See More

Featured Listings:

Variety Child Learning Center

Variety Child Learning Center

Syosset, NY Variety Child Learning Center provides services to more than 750 children and families annually. Services include evaluations to determine eligibility...

Bach to Rock - Nanuet

Bach to Rock - Nanuet

Nanuet, NY BACH TO ROCK is a music education center for students of all ages. Our unique method is based on the knowledge that students learn best when they join...

Kumon of Queens

Kumon of Queens

Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading program. The Kumon Method has helped millions of children achieve more than they ever thoug...