19^TH ANNUAL
SONGWRITER SERENADE

Contest rules

1. The Songwriter Serenade contest opens for entry on January 4, 2026, and will close at midnight (CST) on March 22, 2026.
2. There is no fee to enter the contest.
3. Each entrant must submit lyrics and MP3s for 4 songs through the Songwriter Serenade website. This is important because only songs submitted with the entry can be performed in the contest. A song is defined as a melody with lyrics. Songs may be no longer than five minutes in length and 10MB in file size. Also, please include a link to a live performance, preferably of one or more of the songs submitted to the contest.
4. Room & board provided for semifinalists Friday–Sunday, at the TR Ranch at no cost to the participants.
5. By April 3, 2026, the 15 semifinalists will be notified of being selected for the Songwriter Serenade via phone and/or email.
6. The 15 semifinalists must commit to being present for the entire weekend’s events to include: Friday, May 1st, 6pm ‘Introductory evening BBQ’, Saturday, May 2nd, ‘Competition’ 11am-5pm and Saturday, 8pm Concert performance by the four Judges and winner of the Competition and Sunday, May 3rd, ‘Songwriting Workshop’ with the 4 Judges from 10am – 3pm.
7. The semifinals will be held at the St. John’s Outdoor Performance Hall in Schulenburg, Texas on Saturday May 2, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM. The 15 songwriters selected for the semifinals will perform two songs from the songs submitted before a panel of four judges and the audience. At the conclusion of the semifinal round, 7 songwriters will be selected by the judges to advance to the Finals at 3:00 PM. The finalists will perform one different song from those submitted for the Finals. Only songs submitted as part of the songwriter’s original entry can be performed in the contest.
8. Prize money will be awarded to all participants immediately after the Finals round.
9. Each entrant retains all rights to his or her submitted songs.
10. Contestants may not have an accompanist and must perform as individuals (all instruments are, however, allowed).
11. Co-written songs may be submitted; however, only one of the writers may apply and perform the song on the day of contest.
12. Songs submitted must have been written or copyrighted within the past 3 years.
13. All entries will be considered. Submissions which have lyrics deemed inappropriate for family listening by the event organizers shall be disqualified. The Songwriter Serenade is a family-friendly event.
14. Participants in the Songwriter Serenade agree that the Songwriter Serenade will have the right to publicize the names and likenesses of the participants.
15. Any contest entrant under the age of 18 years must provide express written consent to enter, from a parent or legal guardian.
16. Prior Songwriter Serenade first place winners cannot re-enter the contest.

Questions? Please reach out via the contact form.

Judging criteria

Each song/performance is scored 0–10 in four areas; totals determine advancement and placement.

• Lyrics (imagery, story, creativity, originality)
• Melody (structure, phrasing, rhythm)
• Performing ability (vocal, musicianship)
• Stage presence / audience rapport