About this program
The Youth Intern Program gives young people (aged 15-18*), the opportunity to take part in the NUMAs behind the scenes and learn how a national music awards event is created, communicated, promoted, and delivered.
This program is for young people interested in music, events, media, marketing, content, communications, production, artist liaison, partnerships, operations, digital, administration, or other parts of the creative industries.
Applicants do not need to be performers, songwriters, producers, or award entrants to apply. The program is designed for young people who are curious about the music industry and want to build practical experience, confidence, networks, and skills in a supportive professional environment.
*Students must be 15 years of age on or before 1 December 2026.
Criteria
Applications will be considered against:
- Interest and motivation – why the applicant wants to be involved in the Youth Intern Program and what they hope to learn.
- Relevant skills or potential – including school, community, creative, music, media, digital, event, leadership, volunteer, work experience, or personal projects. Formal industry experience is not required.
- Communication – how clearly the applicant explains their interests, strengths, availability, and relevant experience.
- Teamwork and reliability – the applicant’s ability to work respectfully with others, follow instructions, meet commitments, and contribute to a professional event environment.
- Initiative and curiosity – examples of taking part, helping out, organising, creating, volunteering, leading, communicating, supporting others, or trying something new.
- Role fit – how well the applicant’s interests, availability, skills, experience, and support needs align with available Youth Intern roles.
- Program needs – including the number and type of roles available, supervision requirements, location, timing, team balance, diversity of representation, access, inclusion, and pathway impact.
Entry notes / T&Cs
Applicants must be aged 16–18 at the time of the internship (starting 1 December 2026) and must meet the location, availability, consent, safety, and role-specific requirements published for the relevant Youth Intern opportunity.
The Youth Intern Program is not an award category. Applications are assessed separately from award entries and nominations.
Applicants under 18 must have parent/guardian consent to apply and participate. NUMAs may request evidence of parent/guardian consent and may require additional consent before an applicant can be shortlisted, interviewed, offered a role, attend an event, travel, be photographed or filmed, participate in media, or commence a Youth Intern role.
Where a Youth Intern role is paid, payment, hours, duties, location, supervision, employment status, and other role-specific terms will be set out separately in the relevant offer, agreement, or engagement documentation.
Applicants should ensure they have permission before submitting names, photos, videos, links, references, school details, project information, supporting material, or other information relating to another person, school, group, project, organisation, or third party.
Personal information submitted as part of a Youth Intern application will be handled in accordance with the NUMAs Privacy Policy and Collection Notice.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Successful applicants may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming, travel, participation, or related purposes.
About this category
Music Teacher of the Year (Secondary) celebrates outstanding secondary school music teachers.
This award recognises teachers who help secondary students develop as performers, creators, collaborators, producers, composers, songwriters, leaders, and music-makers. It may recognise classroom teaching, ensembles, contemporary music programs, songwriting, production, performance opportunities, student mentoring, music leadership, or other ways a teacher supports young people through music.
This category is for music teachers working within a formal secondary school context.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Teaching impact – how the teacher supports student learning, confidence, creativity, and participation.
- Student engagement – how the teacher inspires students to take part, create, perform, produce, compose, collaborate, or lead.
- Creative development – how the teacher supports students’ musical identity, skills, ideas, and pathways.
- Access and inclusion – how the teacher supports broad participation, belonging, and different student needs.
- Creativity and initiative – the teacher’s approach to lessons, programs, performances, projects, or opportunities.
- Contribution to school culture – how the teacher strengthens music within the school community.
- Student outcomes – how the teacher helps students build skills, confidence, connection, ambition, and future pathways through music.
- Evidence of impact – including classes taught, programs, performances, student outcomes, testimonials, links, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, or supporter/reference details.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to music teachers working within a formal secondary school context in Australia.
Eligible nominees may include teachers employed by a secondary school and teaching music in a classroom, ensemble, program, group, or school-based setting.
One-on-one music teaching may be eligible where it takes place within the school context and the teacher is employed by the school.
Private tutors, private music schools, studios, academies, after-school lesson businesses, and standalone teaching businesses are not eligible to enter this category.
Nominations must include the teacher’s name, school details, classes taught, and reason for nomination.
A teacher photo may be submitted where available and appropriate.
Supporting material is encouraged. This may include program examples, performance examples, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, testimonials, student outcome examples, or other relevant material.
Supporter or referee details may be requested or encouraged to help verify the nomination and provide additional context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Music Teacher of the Year (Primary) celebrates outstanding primary school music teachers.
This award recognises teachers who create meaningful, inspiring, inclusive, and engaging music experiences for primary students. It may recognise classroom teaching, ensembles, school performances, songwriting activities, student leadership, creative projects, access initiatives, or other ways a teacher helps students participate in and connect with music.
This category is for music teachers, and generalist teachers leading music lessons, working within a formal primary school context.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Teaching impact – how the teacher supports student learning, confidence, creativity, and participation.
- Student engagement – how the teacher inspires students to take part, create, perform, listen, collaborate, or lead.
- Access and inclusion – how the teacher supports broad participation, belonging, and different student needs.
- Creativity and initiative – the teacher’s approach to lessons, programs, performances, projects, or opportunities.
- Contribution to school culture – how the teacher strengthens music within the school community.
- Student development – how the teacher helps students build skills, confidence, connection, and enjoyment through music.
- Evidence of impact – including classes taught, programs, performances, student outcomes, testimonials, links, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, or supporter/reference details.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to music teachers, and generalist teachers leading music lessons, working within a formal primary school context in Australia.
Eligible nominees may include teachers employed by a primary school and teaching music in a classroom, ensemble, program, group, or school-based setting.
One-on-one music teaching may be eligible where it takes place within the school context and the teacher is employed by the school.
Private tutors, private music studios, after-school lesson businesses, and standalone teaching businesses are not eligible to enter this category.
Nominations must include the teacher’s name, school details, classes taught, and reason for nomination.
A teacher photo may be submitted where available and appropriate.
Supporting material is encouraged. This may include program examples, performance examples, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, testimonials, student outcome examples, or other relevant material.
Supporter or referee details may be requested or encouraged to help verify the nomination and provide additional context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
School of the Year (Secondary) celebrates secondary schools that create outstanding music opportunities for students.
This award recognises schools that support students to learn, perform, create, collaborate, record, produce, lead, and develop through music. It may recognise classroom music, ensembles, contemporary music programs, songwriting, production, performance opportunities, music leadership, community connection, or other initiatives that help secondary students grow as music-makers.
This category is for formal secondary school settings that show a strong commitment to music education, student opportunity, and creative development.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Music opportunity – the quality and range of music experiences available to students.
- Student participation and engagement – how students are encouraged to take part, create, perform, collaborate, and lead.
- Teaching and program quality – the strength of the school’s music learning, programs, activities, or initiatives.
- Creative pathways – how the school supports students interested in performance, songwriting, production, composition, music technology, leadership, or other music pathways.
- Access and inclusion – how the school supports broad participation, belonging, and different student needs.
- Student development – how music helps students build confidence, creativity, skills, identity, and connection.
- School culture and community – how music contributes to the life of the school and its wider community.
- Evidence of impact – including programs, performances, participation, student outcomes, links, photos, videos, media, newsletters, testimonials, or supporter/reference details.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to formal secondary schools in Australia.
Eligible schools may include government, independent, Catholic, specialist, distance education, home-school networks, or other formal secondary school settings.
Private music schools, studios, academies, after-school lesson businesses, and similar businesses are not eligible to enter this category.
Entrants must provide the school name, short description of the school, principal details, school website, location details, and reason for nomination.
Supporting material is encouraged. This may include performance examples, program information, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, testimonials, participation data, student outcome examples, or other relevant material.
Supporter or referee details are encouraged to help verify the nomination and provide additional context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
School of the Year (Primary) celebrates primary schools that create outstanding music opportunities for students.
This award recognises schools where music is part of a vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful student experience. It may recognise classroom music, ensembles, performances, songwriting, production, school concerts, student leadership, community connection, or other music activities that help primary students participate, learn, create, and grow.
This category is for formal primary school settings that show a strong commitment to music education, student opportunity, and creative development.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Music opportunity – the quality and range of music experiences available to students.
- Student participation – how students are encouraged to take part, create, perform, listen, collaborate, and learn.
- Teaching and program quality – the strength of the school’s music learning, programs, activities, or initiatives.
- Access and inclusion – how the school supports broad participation, belonging, and different student needs.
- Student development – how music helps students build confidence, creativity, skills, and connection.
- School culture and community – how music contributes to the life of the school and its wider community.
- Evidence of impact – including programs, performances, participation, student outcomes, links, photos, videos, media, newsletters, testimonials, or supporter/reference details
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to formal primary schools in Australia.
Eligible schools may include government, independent, Catholic, specialist, distance education, home-school networks, or other formal primary school settings.
Private music schools, studios, academies, after-school lesson businesses, and similar businesses are not eligible to enter this category.
Entrants must provide the school name, short description of the school, principal details, school website, location details, and reason for nomination.
Supporting material is encouraged. This may include performance examples, program information, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, testimonials, participation data, student outcome examples, or other relevant material.
Supporter or referee details are encouraged to help verify the nomination and provide additional context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Performing Arts School of the Year celebrates formal schools where performing arts are central to the school’s identity, curriculum, and student experience.
This category is for schools that place music, performance, creativity, and the performing arts at the heart of what they do. The school does not need to have “Performing Arts” in its name, but performing arts should be a defining part of its point of difference, curriculum, culture, and student opportunities.
This award recognises schools that help young people develop as performers, creators, collaborators, and creative thinkers through strong performing arts education and pathways.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Performing arts focus – how central performing arts are to the school’s curriculum, identity, and point of difference.
- Music and creative opportunity – the quality and range of opportunities available to students.
- Student participation and development – how students are encouraged to learn, perform, create, collaborate, and grow.
- Excellence and ambition – the school’s commitment to high-quality performing arts education and student outcomes.
- Access and inclusion – how the school supports broad participation, belonging, and diverse student pathways.
- Community and culture – how performing arts contribute to the life of the school and its wider community.
- Evidence of impact – including programs, performances, student outcomes, participation, links, media, photos, videos, testimonials, school newsletters, or supporter/reference details.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to formal K–12 schools in Australia where performing arts are central to the school’s curriculum, identity, and student experience.
Eligible schools may include government, independent, Catholic, specialist, selective, distance education, or other formal school settings.
The school does not need to have “Performing Arts” in its name, but performing arts must be a defining part of the school’s point of difference and curriculum.
Private performing arts studios, after-school lesson businesses, and similar businesses are not eligible to enter this category.
Entrants must provide the school name, short description of the school, principal details, school website, location details, and reason for nomination.
Supporting material is encouraged. This may include performance examples, program information, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, testimonials, participation data, student outcome examples, or other relevant material.
Supporter or referee details are encouraged to help verify the nomination and provide additional context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
The Community Award celebrates people, groups, schools, projects, programs, and initiatives using music to create a positive impact for young people and their communities.
This category is intentionally broad. It may recognise a student-led initiative, a teacher or school program, a youth music group, a community project, an adult-led initiative involving students, or a program that helps young people access, create, perform, learn, or connect through music.
Entries might include a songwriting club, peer mentoring program, student-led gig series, school music leadership initiative, community performance project, inclusion or wellbeing program, First Nations-led music project, regional or remote music access initiative, youth justice or youth support program, or another music-based contribution with clear community benefit.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Community impact – the positive difference the activity, project, program, or contribution has made.
- Student benefit – how young people have participated, benefited, learned, connected, or grown through the activity.
- Access and inclusion – how the nomination supports participation, belonging, representation, wellbeing, or access to music.
- Leadership and initiative – the role played by students, teachers, schools, groups, adults, or community members in making the contribution happen.
- Creativity and relevance – how music has been used in a meaningful, engaging, or effective way.
- Sustainability or legacy – whether the contribution has ongoing value, influence, or potential to grow.
- Evidence of impact – including examples, stories, outcomes, feedback, participation, links, media, photos, videos, testimonials, or supporter/reference details.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to students, teachers, schools, groups, projects, programs, and community initiatives.
The nominated activity must have a clear connection to music and young people.
The nominated activity must take place in Australia, or have a clear Australian participant, entrant, school, group, or community connection.
This category may recognise student-led, school-led, teacher-led, adult-led, or community-led activity, provided there is clear student benefit, student participation, youth music impact, or community music impact.
Nominations may be submitted by the person or group being nominated, or by someone nominating another person, group, school, project, program, or initiative.
Entrants must provide a short summary of the nomination, describe the nominated activity, project, program, or contribution, and explain who has benefited or what positive impact has been made.
Supporting material is encouraged. This may include links, photos, videos, media, school newsletters, testimonials, participation data, program information, or other examples that help show the impact of the nomination.
Supporter or referee details are encouraged to help verify the nomination and provide additional context.
Private music tuition studios, after-school lesson businesses, and similar commercial businesses are not eligible to enter themselves as a business, school, organisation, or community project.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Future Outlook celebrates an individual student with exceptional promise in any part of music or the creative industries – on stage, behind the scenes, in the studio, in the community, or in a leadership capacity.
This award is open to students with potential as artists, songwriters, producers, managers, content creators, music business thinkers, organisers, advocates, community leaders, or other emerging roles. It is not only about what a student has already achieved – it recognises where they could go next.
This category is for students who show drive, originality, commitment, and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to music and the creative industries.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Potential – evidence that the entrant shows strong future promise in music or the creative industries.
- Creativity – the entrant’s ideas, originality, curiosity, and creative thinking.
- Commitment – evidence that the entrant is actively developing their skills, practice, or contribution.
- Direction – whether the entrant shows a clear or emerging sense of where they want to go.
- Initiative – examples of projects, performances, songs, productions, leadership, organising, advocacy, or other contributions.
- Impact – how the entrant has contributed to their school, peers, community, or creative environment.
- Growth – evidence of learning, development, resilience, or progress.
- Relevance to selected area/s – including songwriting, production/engineering, artist development, musical theatre, business, community, leadership, or another relevant pathway.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual student nominations only.
Entrants must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories where appropriate.
Entrants must select the area or areas most relevant to their nomination. These may include Songwriter, Producer/Engineer, Artist, Musical Theatre, Business, Community, Leadership, or Other.
Entrants must provide a reason for nomination explaining why the student should be considered for Future Outlook.
Supporting information may include examples of creative work, leadership, community contribution, school activity, performances, recordings, projects, music business activity, or other relevant achievements.
Adult support, mentoring, teaching, collaboration, or guidance may be included in the nomination where relevant.
The nomination should clearly identify the student’s own contribution, promise, commitment, or potential.
Entrants should ensure they have permission from all relevant contributors before submitting names, photos, recordings, links, credits, or supporting material.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Artist of the Year (Secondary) celebrates outstanding secondary school-aged artists and groups.
This award recognises the entrant as an artist – their performance, musical identity, creative direction, expression, and potential. While entrants will submit a song or recording for judging, this category is not only about the song itself. Judges will consider the entrant’s overall artistry and how they present themselves through music.
This category is for emerging artists who show creative promise, individuality, and a strong sense of musical direction.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Performance – including vocal, instrumental, musical, or creative delivery.
- Musicality – how well the entrant understands, feels, and communicates the music.
- Artist identity – the entrant’s sense of style, perspective, and creative direction.
- Originality and expression – how distinctive, authentic, or memorable the entrant feels as an artist.
- Connection and impact – how strongly the entrant connects with the song, performance, or audience.
- Creative development – evidence of growth, ambition, and commitment to their music.
- Potential – evidence that the entrant has strong future promise as an artist or group.
- Student contribution – the extent and significance of the student/s’ role in the submitted work and performance.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual secondary students and secondary student groups.
Entrants must be based in Australia. For group entries, at least one participating student/entrant must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories. The same song may be submitted across more than one category where appropriate.
Entrants must upload an audio recording for judging.
Entrants may submit one or more songs or recordings for consideration. Both original songs and cover songs are accepted.
Entrants must provide the song title, lyrics where applicable, names of all songwriters, names of all producers where known, and a short reason for nomination.
Adult involvement must be disclosed. Adult support may include teaching, mentoring, songwriting support, production, arrangement, recording, performance coaching, or other creative input.
Adult involvement does not automatically make an entry ineligible, as each entry will be assessed according to their individual context.
The student/s being entered must be the featured artist/s or performers and should be the central focus of the submitted work.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Artist of the Year (Primary) celebrates outstanding primary school-aged artists and groups.
This award recognises the entrant as an artist – their performance, creativity, musical identity, confidence, expression, and potential. While entrants will submit a song or recording for judging, this category is not only about the song itself. Judges will consider how the entrant performs, presents, interprets, and connects with the music.
This category is for young emerging artists who show creativity, promise, and a strong sense of who they are becoming as performers and music-makers.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Performance – including vocal, instrumental, musical, or creative delivery.
- Musicality – how well the entrant understands, feels, and communicates the music.
- Creativity – the entrant’s ideas, choices, expression, and individuality.
- Artist identity – whether the entrant shows a clear or emerging sense of who they are as an artist.
- Confidence and connection – how strongly the entrant connects with the song, performance, or audience.
- Potential – evidence that the entrant shows promise for future creative development.
- Age-appropriate development – recognising the entrant’s stage of learning, experience, and growth.
- Student contribution – the extent and significance of the student/s’ role in the submitted work and performance.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual primary students and primary student groups.
Entrants must be based in Australia. For group entries, at least one participating student/entrant must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories. The same song may be submitted across more than one category where appropriate.
Entrants must upload an audio recording for judging.
Entrants may submit one or more songs or recordings for consideration. Both original songs and cover songs are accepted.
Entrants must provide the song title, lyrics where applicable, names of all songwriters, names of all producers where known, and a short reason for nomination.
Adult involvement must be disclosed. Adult support may include teaching, mentoring, songwriting support, production, arrangement, recording, performance coaching, or other creative input.
Adult involvement does not automatically make an entry ineligible, as each entry will be assessed according to their individual context.
The student/s being entered must be the featured artist/s or performers and should be the central focus of the submitted work.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Music Theatre – Composition & Lyrics celebrates original songs written for a theatrical context by a school-aged student, group of students, or class.
This category is for music and/or lyrics created to help tell a story. Entries may come from an original musical, a school production, a play with songs, a devised theatre work, a class project, or a standalone musical theatre scene.
Judges will consider how the composition and/or lyrics work together to support character, story, emotion, and dramatic impact.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Originality – the freshness and distinctiveness of the musical and lyrical ideas.
- Composition – including melody, harmony, structure, musical development, and theatrical shape.
- Lyrics – including storytelling, character voice, clarity, emotional expression, and dramatic purpose.
- Theatricality – how well the song serves a scene, character, story, or production.
- Emotional and dramatic impact – how effectively the song moves the story or audience.
- Suitability for music theatre – including whether the work feels connected to character, narrative, or performance context.
- Student contribution – the extent and significance of the student/s’ role as composer/s and/or lyricist/s.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual students, groups of students, and class entries.
Entrants must be based in Australia. For group or class entries, at least one participating student/entrant must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Class entries must come from an eligible school or home-school learning context. Private music schools, studios, academies, and after-school lesson businesses are not eligible to submit class entries in this category.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories. The same work may be submitted across more than one category where appropriate.
Submitted work must be original. Existing songs from published musicals, plays, films, television programs, or other works are not eligible.
Entrants must upload an audio recording of the composition for judging.
Entrants must provide the composition title, name of the production or project, lyrics, names of all composers and lyricists, names of producers where known, and a short reason for nomination.
Entrants should ensure they have permission from all relevant contributors before submitting compositions, recordings, lyrics, photos, names, credits, or supporting material.
The production or project may be fully staged, workshopped, performed in class, recorded as a demo, or created as a standalone music theatre piece.
Adult involvement must be disclosed. Adult support may include teaching, direction, dramaturgy, accompaniment, orchestration, arrangement, production, recording, or mentoring.
The student/s being entered should be the principal composer/s and/or lyricist/s, or have made a meaningful contribution to the composition and lyrics.
Adult involvement does not automatically make an entry ineligible, as each entry will be assessed according to their individual context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Producer/Engineer of the Year celebrates school-aged students who shape the sound of recorded music.
This category recognises producers, engineers, beatmakers, mixers, self-producing artists, and production teams. It focuses on the creative and technical decisions that bring a recording to life – from arrangement, recording, and programming to sound design, mixing, and overall sonic direction.
Entrants do not need to be the songwriter or performer, but they must have made a meaningful production or engineering contribution to the submitted work.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Creative production – the ideas, choices, and sound world created by the producer or production team.
- Technical skill – including recording, engineering, programming, mixing, editing, and overall audio clarity.
- Arrangement and structure – how well the production supports the song or artist.
- Sound design and sonic identity – the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the sounds used.
- Musical judgement – how the production enhances the emotional, rhythmic, or musical impact of the work.
- Resourcefulness – especially where students have created strong work using limited school, home, or bedroom-studio resources.
- Student contribution – the extent and significance of the student/s’ production or engineering role.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual students and groups of students.
Entrants must be based in Australia. For group entries, at least one participating student/entrant must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories. The same song may be submitted across more than one category where appropriate.
Entrants must upload an audio recording for judging.
Entrants must provide the song title, lyrics where applicable, names of all songwriters, names of all producers, and a short reason for nomination.
Entrants should ensure they have permission from all relevant contributors before submitting songs, recordings, lyrics, photos, names, credits, or supporting material.
Submitted work may be unreleased, self-released, professionally released, a demo, or a school/home recording.
The entrant does not need to be the songwriter or performer, provided they made a meaningful production, engineering, beatmaking, recording, mixing, or sound-shaping contribution.
Adult involvement must be disclosed. Adult support may include teaching, mentoring, studio supervision, mastering, technical setup, or co-production.
The student/s being entered must have made a meaningful production or engineering contribution. An entry cannot be submitted for a student producer/engineer if the production or engineering work was completed entirely by an adult.
Adult involvement does not automatically make an entry ineligible, as each entry will be assessed according to their individual context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Songwriter of the Year celebrates outstanding original songwriting by a school-aged student or group of students.
This award recognises the songwriter’s craft, creative voice, and ability to create strong original songs. Unlike Song of the Year, which focuses on one song as a complete work, this category looks more closely at the songwriter or songwriting team behind the music.
Entrants may submit one or more original songs for consideration.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Originality – the distinctiveness of the songwriter’s ideas, voice, and perspective.
- Lyrics – including storytelling, imagery, emotional clarity, theme, and expression.
- Melody and composition – including hooks, phrasing, structure, and musical shape.
- Consistency – the strength of the songwriting across one or more submitted works.
- Creative identity – whether the songwriter or songwriting team shows a clear point of view.
- Potential – evidence that the songwriter or team has strong future creative promise.
- Student contribution – the extent and significance of the student/s’ role in writing the submitted work.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual students and groups of students.
Entrants must be based in Australia. For group entries, at least one participating student/entrant must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories. The same song may be submitted across more than one category where appropriate.
Submitted songs must be original. Covers are not eligible.
Entrants may submit one or more songs for consideration.
Songs may be unreleased, self-released, professionally released, demos, or school/home recordings.
Entrants must upload an audio recording for each song submitted.
Entrants must provide the song title, lyrics, names of all songwriters, names of all producers where known, and a short reason for nomination.
Entrants should ensure they have permission from all relevant contributors before submitting songs, recordings, lyrics, photos, names, credits, or supporting material.
Adult involvement must be disclosed. Adult support may include teaching, mentoring, production, arrangement, recording, or performance.
The student/s being entered should be the principal songwriter/s or have made a meaningful songwriting contribution to the submitted work.
Adult involvement does not automatically make an entry ineligible, as each entry will be assessed according to their individual context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
About this category
Song of the Year celebrates the strongest original contemporary song created by a school-aged student, group of students, or class.
This award recognises the song itself – the writing, melody, lyrics, ideas, and overall impact. The song does not need to be professionally recorded, released, or distributed. A demo, home recording, school recording, or finished release can all be entered.
This category is for original songs only. Covers are not eligible.
Criteria
Judges will consider:
- Originality – how fresh, distinctive, or memorable the song feels.
- Songwriting craft – including melody, lyrics, structure, theme, and musical ideas.
- Emotional or creative impact – how strongly the song connects with the listener.
- Contemporary relevance – how well the song fits within contemporary music styles such as pop, rock, R&B, hip hop, rap, electronic, country, children’s music, or other current styles.
- Strength of the song itself – not just the vocal performance, production quality, or recording polish.
- Student contribution – the extent and significance of the student/s’ role in creating the song.
Entry notes / T&Cs
This category is open to individual students, groups of students, and class entries.
Entrants must be based in Australia. For group or class entries, at least one participating student/entrant must be based in Australia.
Home-schooled students are eligible to enter.
Class entries must come from an eligible school or home-school learning context. Private music schools, studios, academies, and after-school lesson businesses are not eligible to submit class entries in this category.
Entrants are encouraged to submit to multiple relevant categories. The same song may be submitted across more than one category where appropriate.
The submitted song must be original. Covers are not eligible.
The song may be unreleased, self-released, professionally released, a demo, or a school/home recording.
Entrants must upload an audio recording for judging.
Entrants must provide the song title, lyrics, names of all songwriters, names of all producers where known, and a short reason for nomination.
Entrants should ensure they have permission from all relevant contributors before submitting songs, recordings, lyrics, photos, names, credits, or supporting material.
Adult involvement must be disclosed. Adult support may include teaching, mentoring, production, arrangement, recording, or performance, provided the student/s made a meaningful creative contribution to the song.
A song cannot be entered as a student work if it was fully written and produced by adults and only performed by a student.
Adult involvement does not automatically make an entry ineligible, as each entry will be assessed according to their individual context.
Use of submitted material is subject to the Master Entry, Nomination and Youth Intern Application Terms & Conditions, the Parent/Guardian Consent Terms and our Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Finalists and winners may also be asked to provide additional permissions for awards, media, promotional, event, filming, broadcast, livestreaming or related purposes.
