Bernard Ebb Songwriting Competition

The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards honors the best songwriters in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. The contest includes a live performance at Strathmore and will award one songwriter a grand prize of $10,000 plus $1,500 towards studio recording time at a DMV studio chosen by the winner.

One young songwriter under 17 will also be honored with an award of $2,500. All finalists in both categories receive smaller cash prizes and are featured on Strathmore’s social media platforms. 

The competition is presented by Strathmore, and the final performance will take place at the Music Center at Strathmore on April 24, 2026.

Priority application deadline:
October 1, 2025 at 11:59pm ET

Deadline for application: 
October 17, 2025  at 11:59pm ET

• Adult Applicants (18 years of age or older): Applicants must submit three (3) original songs
• Youth Applicants (17 years of age or younger) Applicants must submit two (2) original songs

• Adult Applicants: Songwriters who are 18 years of age or older and are permanent, full-time residents of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC are invited to apply. Undergraduate students who are from the DMV but are currently attending college out of state may apply using a family address and a photo/scan of a current student ID.  
• Youth Applicants: Songwriters who are 17-years-old or younger and are permanent, full-time residents of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC are eligible to enter under the Young Songwriter category (Young Songwriter entrants must be born on or after October 17, 2007. Please see separate application.).   
• Applicants must be available in person to perform their original songs for a live audience at Strathmore on Friday, April 24, 2026