Resources for Young Artists
Competitions and Opportunities:
Cordero Music is dedicated to showing other outlets for young musicians to perform and create. This includes other Battle of the Bands not related to Cordero Music, music networking opportunities, showcases, and competitions. Check out some of the resources below!
Songwriting Competitions:
ASCAP List of Songwriting Competitions:
Not all of these are youth oriented, but there are separate divisions for youth as well and young adults (18 and older). These are national and international competitions with cash prizes, recording opportunities, and merch prizes.
This is a competition dedicated to youth artists and songwriters. They have divisions in Classical and Jazz. If you are interested in enterting as a singer-songwriter, click on the voice link, then the singer-songwriter link. Cash prizes for the initial competition are $250. If you move onto the next round, prizes can go up to $10,000.
The Young Songwriters competition is open to youth artists aged 8 - 18. Applications open in July the year prior to the competition (ie, 2025 applications opened in July 2024, 2026 applications open in July 2025). This is an international competition and prizes include merch, mentoring memberships, radio spots, and recording time in a studio.
This is an all ages songwriting competition. Those under 18 need parental permission to enter the contest. This competition is band oriented with a performance opportunity for the finalists. There is a fee to enter the competition. The prize is a cash prize.
Band Competitions
Spring Break Battle of the Bands:
This is in its third year running. This takes place as part of the greater overall Rotary Club Fair in Madeira Beach. The performance helps to “kick off” the festival. There are two divisions in this Battle of the Bands based on age: 8 yo - Middle School students (Rising Star) and High School - Young Adult (under 25) (Legends in the Making). Prizes are merch based and bands can choose to enjoy the fair after their performance.
This is held in Alachua Public Library and is a smaller scale competition. Not only do they host this competition, but they also offer educational sessions on various music topics including recording, producing, and song distribution. Prize for this competition is free studio time.
Boca Raton Battle of the Bands:
This is held in Boca Raton, Florida and has two divsions: under 20 and 20+. They offer two cash prizes for the top band in each category as well as a People’s Choice award. Cash prizes for 2024 were $2500 to the top two bands. Bands of more than 3 people are invited to participate.
Cassleberry Battle of the Bands 5K:
Held in Cassleberry, this is a 5k run, craft beer festival, and Battle of the Bands competition. This is open to all ages and is based on popular vote for the winners of the band competition.