ISMEMontréal 2026 Songwriting Award
Aboutthe ISME Montréal 2026 Songwriting Award
Sponsored by J.W. Pepper & Son
Purpose of the Award
The International Society for Music Education invites songwriters to submit an original work to serve as a unifying song for the 37th ISME World Conference in Montréal (July 26–31, 2026). The selected song may be featured during the Opening Ceremony and at various events throughout the conference.
ISME is a global network of educators, musicians, researchers, and students committed to advancing music education worldwide. The selected song should capture the spirit of this international gathering and celebrate the power of music to connect people across cultures.
Artistic Direction
The song should reflect themes such as:
- The importance and impact of music education
- Global collaboration and cultural exchange
- Creativity, hope, and inspiration
- Welcoming the international music education community to Montréal
- The conference theme: “Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All.”
The overall tone should feel uplifting, inclusive, and accessible to an international audience.
Musical Guidelines
Because the song may be featured during the conference, submissions should be simple, memorable, and performable.
- Length: 2–3 minutes
- Style: Open genre
- Must work with voice and simple accompaniment (piano or guitar)
- Should be memorable and singable
Songs that can be easily performed by a small group or ensemble are encouraged.
Submission Requirements
Submissions must include:
- Musical score or written representation of the music (e.g., lead sheet, staff notation, chord chart, tablature, sargam/swara notation, jianpu or other Chinese systems, Arabic notation, or another standardized written form) – PDF
- Demo recording (a simple demo is acceptable)
- Composer/songwriter name and contact information
Lyrics must be in English, French, or a combination of both. Collaborative submissions are permitted.
Eligibility
- Open only to Canadian residents
- One submission per songwriter or songwriting team
- All works must be original
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:- Musical quality and originality
- Lyrical and thematic connection to music education and global community
- Suitability as a welcoming theme for the ISME World Conference
Award Value
The selected songwriter will receive:
- $500 Theme Song Award sponsored by J.W. Pepper
- Recognition during the ISME World Conference in Montréal
- The song featured during the 37th ISME World Conference in Montréal (2026)
ISMESponsors
