When is the deadline for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?

The current deadline is October 13, 2026.

Who offers IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?

It is offered by International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA), based in Toronto,ON (IMSTA FESTA attendees), USA.

What funding or support does IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional) offer?

Software bundle $5,000+ (global grand prize)

Who can apply for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?

We list it for songwriters and composers.

How do I apply for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?

Create a free GrantGigs account to view the official application link and full details. If funding applications are new to you, our guide on how to apply for music grants walks through the whole process.

CompetitionUSAOpen

IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)

Offered by International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA)

Checked by a person on September 14, 2026

Deadline: October 13, 2026
Award / support: Software bundle $5,000+ (global grand prize)
Who it's for: Songwriters and composers
Location: Toronto,ON (IMSTA FESTA attendees), USA
Organizer: International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA)
Runs again: Yes — this one comes back

See all 9 open music competitions in the USA →

About this opportunity

This is the Toronto leg of a songwriting contest that runs city by city through the year and ends in one global final. You submit a finished song; if it makes the shortlist you perform or present it at IMSTA FESTA Toronto, and the Toronto winner goes forward to compete against the winners from New York, Beijing and the other host cities, plus one winner drawn from the open online round.

It is open to songwriters at any stage and in any genre, but entry is limited to people attending the Toronto FESTA event, and you must be at least 16. The song has to be entirely your own work — co-writes are fine, but one name goes on the entry and that person receives any prize. Maximum length is five minutes, uploaded as an MP3. Entry is not free: $20 USD per song, and entries cannot be withdrawn or changed once submitted.

The prize at Toronto level is not published; the global grand prize is a bundle of music software worth more than $5,000, and the winner has to be able to travel to collect it. Unusually, IMSTA may ask winners to show the music was made with legally purchased software — the organisation is an anti-piracy trade body, and that condition is real.

Judging is on melody, composition, originality and lyrics where there are any. Decisions are final.

How to apply

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Frequently asked questions

When is the deadline for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?: The current deadline is October 13, 2026.
Who offers IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?: It is offered by International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA), based in Toronto,ON (IMSTA FESTA attendees), USA.
What funding or support does IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional) offer?: Software bundle $5,000+ (global grand prize)
Who can apply for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?: We list it for songwriters and composers.
How do I apply for IMSTA — IMSTA Song Competition Toronto 2026 (Regional)?: Create a free GrantGigs account to view the official application link and full details. If funding applications are new to you, our guide on how to apply for music grants walks through the whole process. Read the guide →