he Australian Gospel Music Association and the Australian Performing Right Association joined and held an annual Australian Gospel Songwriting Competition to recognize the importance for Australian musicians and composers.
The Gospel music genres include Australian, Country, Southern, Blues, Jazz fusion, Folk, Bluegrass, Hymm/Sacred, Children’s, Pop, Rock, Praise/Worship, Foreign language and Urban (includes Rap). The prizes are provided by many competition sponsors including Yamaha Music Australia and include the Yamaha Music Perpetual Gospel Song Writing Shield for Best Gospel Music Composition.
This year awards are for the following levels including Best Gospel Song Gold, Best Gospel Song Silver, Outstanding Gospel Lyrics, Outstanding Gospel Music, Judges’ Commendation, Gospel Composition Youth Award (under 18 years old). There will be the Best Song by specific genre based on the styles above.
The key entry condition is open to all Australian citizens and permanent Australian residents. The entry must be in the name of an individual and must be the writer or co-writer of the song entered. The entry song must be original and unpublished. The entry fee for entry is $10. The competition entries close 31st July 2005.