The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate. ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.

ISC is a great opportunity for songwriters, musicians, and performers to win cash and prizes, further their music careers, and gain recognition and exposure in the music industry.

2009 prizes:

• Overall Grand Prize Winner - $25,000 cash (U.S.) and $20,000 in prizes

• First Place Winners in each category - $3,000 in prizes

The First Place winner in the Teen category will also receive a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music's 5-week Summer Performance Program in Boston, MA, USA (tuition, room and board included)

• Second Place Winners in each category - $2,000 in prizes

• Third Place winners in each category– $1,000 in prizes

• Peoples' Voice Online Voting - the public will pick its favorite song from all the finalists – $1,500 in prizes

Depending on the category, submissions are judged on the basis of the following criteria: Creativity, Originality, Lyrics, Melody, and Arrangement

Production/Recording quality and vocal ability are not criteria.

In addition to cash and merchandise prizes, winners benefit from a multilateral promotional campaign designed to give international exposure and attention to their songwriting achievements. The Grand Prize winner and First Place winners (except for Lyrics Only and Music Video) will also be included on the ISC Compilation CD distributed to music industry professionals including publishers, record label executives, film and tv music supervisors, and media.

AAA
Adult Contemporary (AC)
Americana
Blues
Children's Music
Comedy/Novelty
Country
Dance/Electronica
Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Gospel/Christian
Instrumental
Jazz
Latin

Lyrics Only (no music required, just lyrics)
Performance *
Pop/Top 40
R&B/Hip-Hop
Rock
Teen **
World
Music Video

* The Performance category is judged on songwriting and the overall performance of the song. All genres of music are accepted.

** Entrants in the Teen category must be 18 yrs. old or younger on or before 12/31/09.