IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition New York 2026 (Regional)
Offered by International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA)
This round has closed
The deadline was September 22, 2026. It has run before and is expected to return. Leave your email and we'll send you one message when it reopens.
Good news: International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA) currently has an open competition, IMSTA — IMSTA Online Song Competition 2026 (deadline: November 26, 2026). This may be the next round.
See all 22 open music competitions in the USA →
About this opportunity
The New York leg of IMSTA's year-round songwriting competition. Each IMSTA FESTA event carries its own regional round, and this one is tied to the New York FESTA on 26 September 2026, with entry limited to people attending that event.
Songs in any genre are welcome, from writers at any stage of their career. Entry costs 20 dollars per song. The song must be entirely your own original work, no longer than five minutes, and uploaded as an MP3. Co-writes are allowed but one name is designated as the entrant, and any prize goes to that person to divide as they see fit. Entrants must be at least 16. The condition that catches people out: finalists are required to be present at IMSTA FESTA for the judging, so this only works if you are actually going.
Judging is on melody, composition, originality and lyrics where they apply. The regional winner goes through to the Global IMSTA Songwriting Competition at the end of the year, against the winners of the other city rounds and the online round, submitting an additional song for that final stage. The global grand prize is a bundle of music software worth over 5,000 dollars; regional prizes are not itemised.
Given what IMSTA campaigns about, one rule stands out: winners may be asked to prove the track was made with legally purchased software.
Gatekeepers · Past editions
Know who's reviewing — and what has won before.
Our researched briefing for this opportunity is ready. Pro members see it in full.
0
decision-makers profiled — their backgrounds, interests, and what they look for
1
past edition analyzed — winners, themes, and what successful projects share
Researched , from public sources.
Sign in to go ProIncluded with Pro, alongside apply links for every upcoming date, unlimited saves, calendar sync and reminders from a month out.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the deadline for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition New York 2026 (Regional)?
- The last deadline was September 22, 2026 and applications are currently closed. It has run before and is expected to return.
- Who offers IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition New York 2026 (Regional)?
- International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA) runs it, from New York,NY (IMSTA FESTA attendees), USA.
- What funding or support does IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition New York 2026 (Regional) offer?
- No cash prize — regional winners are showcased at IMSTA FESTA New York and advance toward the IMSTA Global Grand Prize (music-software bundle).
- Who can apply for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition New York 2026 (Regional)?
- From the funder's description, it's aimed at songwriters and composers.
- How do I apply for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition New York 2026 (Regional)?
- This round is closed. Leave your email on this page and we'll send you one message when it reopens, or look at similar opportunities that are open now.