ETM-LA students perform previous winning song “Music Unites the World” at the LA Sparks Halftime
Show at Staples Center on June 18, 2019 with musical guest, Ricardo Hurtado (School of Rock, Nickelodeon).

Education Through Music-LA (ETM-LA) is excited to announce the 2026 ETM-LA Songwriting Contest! The purpose of this contest is to produce an inspiring, high-quality, original song that speaks to the theme of music’s ability to unite the world. The winning piece will be premiered by choir students at the annual Music Unites the World Festival, a two-day event bringing together student performers from many of our over 40 partner schools in Los Angeles County.

For more info on ETM-LA’s mission, visit our about page.

PRIZE:

• The winning song will be premiered at ETM-LA’s annual Music Unites the World Festival during March 2026 (Date TBD) in Los Angeles, CA, performed by ~60 student musicians in Grades 4-8 and accompanied on piano.
  
• The winner will be invited to attend the premiere where they will receive a $2,000 cash prize.
  
• In addition, the composer will meet and work with the ensemble and director. Music industry professionals, educators, celebrity film composers, and other leaders will be in attendance.
  • Past festival celebrity coaches and artists include Rickey Minor (Aretha Franklin), CeCe Sammy (American Idol), Randy Spendlove, Lisbeth Scott (Shrek, Chronicles of Narnia), Carmen Twillie (The Lion King), Sally Stevens (The Simpsons), Christophe Beck (Frozen), Baraka May, Zanaida Robles, Joseph Trapanese (Straight Outta Compton), Sebastian Krys (Shakira, Luis Fonsi, Juanes), Raashi Kulkarni, Judith Hill (The Voice, Prince), NOMAD (Babyface), & more.
    

PROCESS:

• Application materials are accepted via the online application. Entry Deadline: 08/15/2025 11:59 PM PT
• Songwriters are asked to submit a score (full score and part-only score) and recording (optional) of an unpublished work on the theme of music uniting the world. 
• Songwriters will write for: CHOIR: Young treble voices (2 Part) – Soprano & Alto voicings; Range of B♭3 to D5
• Piece should celebrate the diversity of cultures and identities represented across our communities, inspiring freedom of expression and unity through music. Creativity with style and genre is highly encouraged. ex. musical elements from Jazz, modern, music production, show choir, world music, etc.
• FEE: $5 (USD) submission fee.  All fees are payable online and are non-refundable.

TIMELINE:

• June 16, 2025: Applications open. 
• August 15, 2025: Applications due 11:59 pm PT. Pre-screening begins.
• September 2025: Winner consults with ETM-LA on song and delivers final manuscript.
• January 2026: Winner publicly announced.
• March 2026: Winning song will be premiered by ETM-LA Honor Ensembles at the 2026 Music Unites the World Festival in Los Angeles, CA.

ELIGIBILITY AND TERMS:

Songwriting Contest Guidelines

Looking for information about the 2025 Composition Contest (Bands or String Orchestra)? Click here

ETM-LA reserves the right to not select a winner.

ENTRY DEADLINE: 08/15/2025 11:59 PM PT