(RESTON, VA) -- National Association for Music Education (NAfME) held its second Student Songwriters Competition for K–12 students. This competition provided students the opportunity to submit original songs. Cash prizes are awarded to winners and honorable mentions. All entrants receive written evaluations of their compositions. Sanjna Rajagopalan from Ridgewood High School was the winner in the High School category.
NAfME member adjudicators selected winners from two categories: grades K–8 and grades 9–12. Each entrant must be sponsored by a NAfME member. Submitted compositions needed to be 5 minutes or less and include an audio recording and lyric sheet (lead sheet optional). The following students were recognized for their submissions:
K-8 Winner: “In the Night” by Benjamin Harrison; Gordon School, East Providence, Rhode Island; Teacher: Susan Hodgin
K-8 Honorable Mentions: “Charades” by Evelyn Goldin; T. W. Pyle Middle School, Bethesda, Maryland; Teacher: Michelle Kim
“Unify” by Mila Misk; Glen Head Elementary School, Glen Head, New York; Teacher: Whitney Hackman
High School Winner: “Changes” by Sanjna Rajagopalan; Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood, New Jersey; Teacher: Susan McBrayer
High School Honorable Mentions: “Robots” by Kiera McInally; Huntington Beach High School, Huntington Beach, California; Teacher: Danielle Collins
“Place Called Home” by Izzy Potter; Northport High School, Northport, New York; Teacher: Frank Doyle
Listen to winning and honorable mention student compositions here.
National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 60,000 members teaching millions of students nationwide, the organization is the national voice for music education in the United States.
