The John Lennon Songwriting Contest

Its only fitting, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest is set up after one of the best songwriters to have walked on this planet. Every songwriting student needs to study his work. Interestingly his greatest works were co-writes with Paul McCartney. Check out the songwriting collaboration page on my website for more on this issue.

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international songwriting contest that began in 1997. The Contest is open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of 12 categories. The John Lennon Songwriting Competition is open year-round and features two Sessions -- with 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and 1 Maxell Song of the Year.

You don't need a professional recording. Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable). Your songs may be entered in any of the following categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Children's. Instrumental compositions are encouraged.

D12, Al Jarreau, Bob Weir, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, Jesse Harris, Teairra Mari, The Black Eyed Peas, The Bacon Brothers, Ken Komisar, The Veronicas and John Legend are some of the members on our Executive Committee of Judges.MEET THE JUDGES

Prize package to date, totals over $330,000 in cash and prizes!! There are a total of 72 Finalists, 24 Grand Prize Winners, 12 Lennon Award Winners and the “Maxell Song of the Year.”

inners, based on their level of achievement, will receive Studio Equipment from Godin Guitars, Roland/Edirol and Audio-Technica, 1,000 CDs in full color with premium 4-panel Digipaks courtesy of Disc Makers, and gift certificates from MusiciansFriend.com.

The writer(s) of the “Maxell Song of the Year,” the highest honor bestowed in the contest, will receive a $20,000 check courtesy of the Maxell Corporation, as well as an Apple Mac Pro, Cinema Display, a Mackie Mixer, a Pair of Mackie Studio Monitors, and Logic Pro Software.

In addition to the songwriting prizes, one band is selected annually to perform on the Warped Tour for one week and will receive a Crate Half Stack and Ampeg Head and Cabinet Set.

Click here for a complete list of John Lennon Songwriting Contest prizes.