News & Updates

Enter the CCSW Fall Songwriting Contest!

Submissions for the Corpus Christi Songwriters Fall Songwriting Contest are officially open! Whether you're a seasoned writer or submitting your first original track, we want to hear your music.

All original songs receive a double-blind review from our board and industry final panel, constructive feedback, and an automatic entry into calculations for our annual Festival Awards (Lyricist, Melody, and Songwriter of the Year).

Before submitting, please make sure you’ve read our Contest Rules & Judging Guide for full details on eligibility, file requirements, and our 50-point rubric.

Choose Your Entry Option Below to Get Started

Select how many songs you'd like to submit. Each link takes you directly to the appropriate submission form:

Submit 1 Song ($20 Entry Fee)

Submit 1 original song & lyric sheet
Direct PayPal link provided upon form submission

Submit 3-Song Bundle ($50 Entry Fee — Best Value!)

Submit up to 3 original songs & lyric sheets (Save $10!)
Direct PayPal link provided upon form submission

What to Have Ready Before You Click:

Audio Files: High-quality MP3 (direct upload, link, or email).
Lyrics: Text/PDF copy of your lyrics.
Co-writers: Names of any co-writers or collaborators (if applicable).

Need help or have questions about submitting? Reach out to Abby at abby@ccsongwriters.com

CCSW Seasonal Songwriting Contests: Rules + Guide

Updated: 4 days ago

At Corpus Christi Songwriters (CCSW), we believe in celebrating the craft of songwriting regardless of genre. Whether you write country, indie rock, hip-hop, folk, or pop, this contest is a judgment-free space designed to get fresh ears on your original music and help you grow as an artist.

How Your Song Is Evaluated (No Random Picks)

We pride ourselves on a rigorous, two-tier review process designed to eliminate bias and ensure every single track gets fair, focused attention.

Round 1: Preliminary Board Review (Double-Blind)

To keep judging completely objective, all submissions are converted into an anonymous format. Judges do not see your name, location, or background—only your song title and lyric sheet.
Every song is scored by our board members using our official 50-point rubric. The top-scoring tracks advance to the Final Panel.

Round 2: The Industry & Advisory Final Panel

Finalists are passed to an elite 5-judge panel. We intentionally curate a diverse mix of voices: music industry professionals, seasoned performers, and passionate, music-adjacent fans.
Finalists receive anonymous, constructive feedback and notes directly from the panel to help refine their craft.

Direct Pipeline to Annual Festival Awards

Your contest entry doesn't end here! Scores earned in this contest automatically count toward calculations for our annual Festival Awards: Lyricist of the Year, Melody of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.

Judging Rubric (50 Points Total)

Every song is scored on a 1–10 scale (using 0.25 increments) across five criteria:

Lyrics (10 pts): Storytelling, original imagery, emotional impact, and how well words pair with the rhythm. (Feeds Lyricist of the Year)
Melody (10 pts): Memorable hooks, earworm potential, chord integration, and harmonic flow. (Feeds Melody of the Year)
Structure & Arrangement (10 pts): Clean execution, clear verse/chorus/bridge definition, and pacing.
Commercial & Lasting Appeal (10 pts): Broad listener connection, playlist fit, and timelessness.
Overall Impression (10 pts): Standout artistic impact and overall listener experience. (Note: This is an independent holistic score, NOT an average).

Submission Guidelines & FAQs

Is this "Pay-to-Play"? No. CCSW is a non-profit organization, and entry fees serve as a critical fundraiser supporting year-round songwriter resources, showcases, and community events. In exchange, you get guaranteed listens from industry judges and constructive feedback on your work.

What are the submission fees?

Single Song Entry: $20
3-Song Bundle: $50 (Max limit of 3 songs per entrant)

Can I submit an instrumental track? No. Because lyrics account for a significant portion of our official scoring rubric, all submissions must include lyrics.

What file formats are required?

Audio: High-quality MP3 audio link/upload.
Lyric Sheet: A text/PDF document containing full lyrics. If your song is non-English or features complex vocals, a lyric sheet is required for clarity.

Do I retain the rights to my music?

Yes, 100%. You retain full ownership and copyright of your work. By entering, you grant CCSW non-exclusive rights to stream winning tracks for promotional purposes related to the contest.

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners

Updated: Feb 7

Original songs don’t happen in a vacuum--they happen because people show up and support them. Our sponsors and partners help create the space where songwriters can share their stories and audiences can experience live music at its most honest.

Thank you for being part of what makes this festival possible. ♫

Texas Music Office (TMO) Afternoon Song Swap Sponsor

The Texas Music Office (TMO), part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, is the nation’s first and longest-running state music office. Since 1990, TMO has championed Texas musicians, music businesses, and the communities that support them—helping sustain and grow the state’s vibrant music ecosystem.

Thanks to TMO’s support, our Saturday and Sunday Afternoon Song Swaps are free and open to the public, creating welcoming spaces for songwriters to share their work and for audiences to experience original music up close. Their commitment helps ensure that live, original music remains accessible and thriving across Texas.

One way you can support Texas music is by purchasing a Texas Music Specialty License Plate, with proceeds helping fund grants for music events and musicians throughout the state. 🎵 Drive the beat forward—Click here to order your Texas Music license plate today! 🚗🎶

Corpus Christi Film & Music Commission Friday Night VIP + Songwriters Dinner Sponsor

The Corpus Christi Film & Music Commission works to nurture a vibrant creative community in the Coastal Bend and to promote Corpus Christi as a destination for film and music. As part of Visit Corpus Christi’s strategic plan, the Commission supports local artists, creative businesses, and initiatives that strengthen the region’s cultural and economic landscape.

Their sponsorship of the Friday Night VIP + Songwriters Dinner helps create a welcoming space for connection at the heart of the festival—bringing artists, supporters, and partners together to share a meal, build relationships, and kick off the weekend in community.

Corpus Christi Downtown Management District (DMD) Sunday VIP + Songwriters Brunch & Awards Sponsor

The Corpus Christi Downtown Management District (DMD) supports a vibrant and welcoming downtown by investing in placemaking, local businesses, and cultural programming that brings the community together. Through initiatives like Music Walk and Art Walk, DMD helps create meaningful opportunities for artists and musicians to share their work in the heart of the city.

Their sponsorship of the Sunday VIP + Songwriters Brunch & Awards helps close out the festival in community—celebrating songwriters, honoring their work, and bringing artists and supporters together in a shared space. We’re grateful for the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District's continued commitment to downtown Corpus Christi and to the creative culture that makes it thrive.

Freddie Records Songwriter Sponsor

Founded in 1969 by six-time Grammy Award winner Freddie Martinez Sr., Freddie Records is a Corpus Christi–based label that has played a vital role in shaping Tejano and regional Mexican music. What began as a small, independent operation has grown into a respected institution, known for producing influential recordings and supporting generations of artists.

Their support as a Songwriter-level sponsor helps ensure that festival performers are valued, supported, and welcomed throughout the weekend. We’re grateful to Freddie Records for their continued commitment to original music and for their lasting impact on the cultural fabric of South Texas.

Rockport Songwriters Sponsorship Supported by Rockport Songwriter Association, Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant & Coastal Bend Music

This shared sponsorship helps ensure that festival performers are welcomed, supported, and fairly compensated—covering essential artist hospitality and lodging so songwriters can focus on what they do best. Support like this is a quiet but critical part of making a festival that values artists and treats them well.

We’re grateful to these Rockport-based organizations for coming together in support of the songwriting community.

Rockport Songwriter Association A community-driven organization dedicated to supporting songwriters through education, connection, and live music opportunities in Rockport and the surrounding area.

Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant A longtime Rockport landmark known for great food, local hospitality, and its deep ties to the community.

Coastal Bend Music A full-service music production company located in Rockport/Fulton, Texas, specializing in Recording Studios, Record Label and Event Production.

Workshop Sponsors Thanks to the support of our Workshop Sponsors, both of our festival workshops are free and open to the public—giving songwriters and music lovers alike a chance to learn, connect, and grow.

Pecan Grove Store – Fredericksburg, TX A Fredericksburg staple, Pecan Grove Store brings charm, local flavor, and community spirit to everything they do.

Rockport Center for the Arts A hub for creativity in Rockport, RCA supports artists of all kinds and fosters connections between local and visiting creators.

BMI One of the leading organizations supporting songwriters and composers worldwide, BMI helps make sure music creators are recognized and compensated for their work.

The Atiee Family

A local family dedicated to supporting original music and songwriters, helping ensure that artists have the space and resources to thrive.

AYS Live Sound

In-Kind Sound & Production Sponsor

AYS Live Sound provides professional sound, lighting, and production support for touring artists and events across the Gulf Coast and Central Texas. Known for their attention to detail, professionalism, and consistently high-quality sound, AYS works behind the scenes to ensure performances run smoothly and artists are heard at their best.

Their generous in-kind support makes our Friday Night Showcase and Saturday’s Song Swaps and Evening Showcase possible—helping create an exceptional live music experience for both performers and audiences. We are deeply grateful to AYS Live Sound for sharing their expertise and for playing such a vital role in bringing this year’s festival to life.

Thank You