Event Name: Songwriter Solo
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Primary – Recording Studio, Secondary Auditorium
Section Number: 36
General Category Guidelines:
1 piece only to be performed.
Lyrics must be appropriate for a school context. Explicit language, swearing, or overly adult themes are not permitted.
All lyrics should be memorised including for self accompaniment. While some flexibility may be given for younger performers, memorisation is strongly encouraged for the best presentation.
Performances may be with or without accompaniment (a cappella permitted). Performers must provide their own piano/instrumental accompanist.
Accompaniment may be provided by a backing track, self-accompaniment by the songwriter/performer, or a solo pianist/guitarist/instrumentalist. Backing tracks must be instrumental tracks only, with no vocal lines. See General Participation Guidelines for backing track submission requirements. Backing Tracks will be played by the onsite technician on the day.
Performances may be with or without microphone(s).
Entrants must be students from the same school.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Performer Limit:
1-3 Performers
Up to 3 performers allowed (e.g., singer, instrumentalist, accompanist). This is not a band section – entries must remain focused on showcasing the song and its singer-oriented performance.
Time stipulations – Performances must not exceed:
Year 7-10 (ages 12-16): 2-4 minutes
Year 11-12 (ages 16-18): 2-5 minutes
Timing applies to the song performance only. Spoken introductions or outros are not permitted.
The piece being performed must be wholly original. Songs must be original compositions by the student(s). Covers or arrangements are not permitted. Participants of the SCS Songwriters program may not use any work that has been created within the program.
Songs may be performed by the songwriter(s) and/or by another student performer, but the songwriter(s) must be credited in the entry.
Songs must be original works written (in whole or part) by the student(s). Up to 2 songwriters may collaborate on a single entry.
Songs must be singer-oriented, with a clear vocal melody and lyrics.
Creative freedom is encouraged in style and form. Songs do not need to follow traditional structures, provided they are clear and performable.
If an entry contains more than one entrant, each student participant must be entered in separate registration forms by a parent or guardian to ensure consent.
Provided Equipment:
Music Stands & Chairs
Up to 4 microphones and stands
1 Guitar amp | 1 Bass amp | Direct Input for acoustic guitars
1 Standard Drum Kit
Grand Piano or Weighted Keys (subject to availability)
Performers/schools WILL supply any further amplification or effects required i.e. distortion pedal, and must advise of any additional amplification/effects to be used in their performance as part of their registration.
***Headset microphones are not available for this section.***
Judging Criteria:
- Songwriting Craft – 40%
- Melody: memorability, singability, contour.
- Harmony/chords: effective and appropriate to style.
- Structure: balance and flow.
- Lyrics – 25%
- Originality of ideas, clarity of message.
- Suitability for performer’s age/ability.
- Connection between lyrics and music.
- Creativity & Artistic Choices – 25%
- Unique perspective or point of view.
- Inventive use of style, genre, or techniques.
- Distinct artistic identity.
- Performance – 10%
- Vocal delivery: intonation, tone, phrasing.
- Expression, confidence, communication.
- Ensemble awareness if accompanied.
- Backing track quality: Only backing vocals (BVs) permitted. Use of lead vocals in a track will result in deductions.
Some Very Helpful Hints:
As this is a brand new section and we want to encourage any budding Songwriters out there to participate, here is some handy advice that might help you get involved…
Student-Friendly Tips
🎶 Tips to Shine in the Songwriting Section 🎶
- Make it memorable – write a chorus people can hum after hearing it once.
- Tell a story – make your lyrics mean something, even if it’s simple.
- Match music and words – sad lyrics often sound better with slower melodies, happy ones with brighter ones.
- Keep it clear – short and strong is better than long and confusing.
- Perform with confidence – even if you’re nervous, look up and connect with your audience.
- Choose accompaniment wisely – guitar, piano, or a backing track should support the song, not take over.
- Be original – show your voice, your story.
- Memorise your lyrics – it helps you tell your story with more impact.
Formal Checklist
- Select an original song that is singer-oriented, with a clear vocal melody and lyrics.
- Ensure the performance stays within the required time limit.
- Aim for memorisation of lyrics to enhance communication and performance.
- Ensure accompaniment supports the song without overshadowing the vocal line.
- Backing tracks may contain backing vocals but no lead vocals.
- Encourage confident, expressive performance and audience engagement.
- Ensure lyrical content is appropriate for a school context.
- Focus on clarity, originality, and creativity in both lyrics and music.
- Rehearse thoroughly so transitions, cues, and accompaniment are smooth on stage.
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 2 point deduction per 20 seconds over time.
- 2 point deduction for inappropriate content or themes
- 2 point deduction for lyrics and themes that are not G-rated
- 100% points deduction for any explicit language sung or on a backing track, and no places will be awarded, only written feedback given by the adjudicator.
