FAQ: The Songs of a Young Nation Competition

Got questions about the contest? Find answers here!

Discover how to get involved, find resources and understand the judging process for the Songs of a Young Nation Competition. Dive in to learn everything you need to make your submission stand out! This contest is co-sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation.

Where can I learn more about the contest?

Visit our Songs of a Young Nation Competition hub for everything you need to know: contest themes, judging criteria, prize details, and tips for submitting your best work. You’ll also find our Artist Resources & Inspiration page, Official Rules, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

When does the window for entries open?

What is the deadline for entries?

  • The contest closes at midnight PST on December 31, 2025.

Who can enter the contest?

  • The competition is open to musicians ages 15 to 30 — including high school and college students, as well as young independent, unsigned artists. Our goal is to bring fresh voices into the commemorations that will shape how the nation remembers and engages with the first one hundred years of American history.

Is there a cost to enter?

  • No. The contest is FREE to enter.

How do I enter?

Should the music be arranged in a particular style or genre?

  • Submissions can be tradition or modern arrangements in ANY musical genre—whether folk, traditional American, classical, country, hip-hop, electronic, rock, solo vocal performance — even mashups that fuse past and present.

How will the entries be judged?

  • Entries will be judged on their success in making a connection across time and how well they connect the past and present. In addition, our distinguished judges will be listening for high quality production quality and musical polish. See our official competition rules for details.

When will the judges announce their decision?

  • A public announcement will be made on February 22, 2026 – George Washington’s Birthday.

Who will judge the entries?

  • A panel of professional musicians from various genres, music industry leaders, musicologists, assisted by at least one historian of American music. Learn more about our judges here.

What is the prize for the winning entry?

  • Each category's winner will receive one $3,500 cash prize. This award is not only a recognition of the artist's talent and creativity but also an encouragement to continue exploring the rich connections between music and history.

How do I find past examples of how artists have re-interpreted historic music?

Who owns the copyright to the music create for the contest?

  • All copyrights remain with the creators of the music. Ensure that your work does not infringe on any existing copyrights. By submitting your work, you agree that it is considered "Work for Hire," meaning the Sponsors will have rights to use and showcase your submission.

Is music created by an AI music generator program acceptable?

  • No, all submissions must be entirely original and created without the assistance of AI technology. If you submit a musical piece and our detection tools suggest that it may have been generated by AI, you may be asked to provide proof of authenticity. This could include behind-the-scenes footage, live performance recordings, or other evidence demonstrating that the composition is genuinely your own work.

Who co-sponsors the contest?

  • This contest is co-sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust and the Ray and Vera Conniff Foundation.

Suppose I have questions about how to access music in manuscript form:

Who is the contact person for questions regarding submissions and how do I contact them?

For general competition inquiries, please contact us at education@battlefields.org. Good luck!

Explore the Competition