Must be between the ages of 17 and 24 as of February 15, 2026.; Must be in residence in the United States or its territories.; May only submit one application per BMI Foundation awards program.; May not submit the same musical work to more than one BMI Foundation awards program.; Works must not have been assigned to any major music publisher or major record label.; Must not have previously won the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award or Nashville Songwriting Scholarship (Honorable mention may apply again).
Requirements
One audio file of an original song.; One lyric sheet of an original song.; English translation required if lyrics are in another language.; One single songwriter of record must submit the application for co-written works.; Only songwriters should be listed as co-writers.
Application materials
Audio file; Lyric sheet; English translation (if applicable)
How to apply
Submit application via the online portal.; One single songwriter of record must submit the application for co-written works.
Important dates
Deadline: January 15, 2026; Age eligibility cutoff: February 15, 2026
Contact
BMI Foundation, 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007-0030
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