The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is a prestigious annual competition designed for aspiring songwriters across the nation. Established in 2015, originally as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship, this award offers a generous grant of $20,000 for up to two individuals. The grant supports various professional expenses, including study, instrument purchase, recording costs, and more, extending beyond just tuition costs. It welcomes original song entries in genres like Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk, or roots.
Scholarship Details
- Annual, nationwide competition for aspiring songwriters
- Founded in 2015, originally as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship
- Grants of $20,000 for up to two individuals
- Supports professional expenses including study, instrument purchase, and recording costs
- Open to original songs in genres like Americana, blues, bluegrass, and more
- Past judges include GRAMMY winners and music industry veterans
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages 17 to 24
- Residence in the United States or its territories
- One application per BMI Foundation awards program
- Work not assigned to any major music publisher or major record label
- Previous winners of the award or scholarship are ineligible
- Honorable mentions from previous years may reapply
Application Process
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria
- Prepare an original song in the specified genres
- Complete and submit the application form
- Include your song entry with the application
- Submit by the specified deadline
No rights to the submitted work may have been assigned to a major music publisher or to a major record label and applicant must not be a prior BMI Foundation Nashville Songwriting Scholarship winner (excluding Honorable Mentions). Note: Nashville Songwriting Scholarship entrants who are also applying to the John Lennon Scholarships must submit different songs for each contest. Dual applicants may NOT submit the same original work to both competitions.