An annual scholarship competition for student songwriters and composers of contemporary musical genres, established by Yoko Ono and the BMI Foundation.
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 be assigned to any major music publisher or major record label; Must not have previously won the John Lennon Award (Honorable mention may apply again)
Requirements
One audio file of an original song; Lyric sheet of an original song; English translation if lyrics are in a language other than English
Application materials
Audio file; Lyric sheet; English translation (if applicable)
How to apply
One single songwriter of record must submit the application; Songwriters can only be the writer of record on one submission; Apply via the official BMI Foundation website
Important dates
Deadline: January 15, 2026; Age eligibility date: February 15, 2026
Contact
BMI Foundation, 7 World Trade Center, 250 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007-0030
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