CCSW Seasonal Songwriting Contests: Rules + Guide
Updated: 2 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.
