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I do not want the peace which passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace.
Helen Keller
First International Peace Song Writing Contest Print E-mail
By David Eaton   
Sunday, February 01, 2009
The Peace Music Foundation (PMF), in association with the New York City Symphony and Artists Association for World Peace, is presenting its First International Peace Song Writing Contest. PMF is seeking original songs based on the universal themes of world peace, living in harmony, removing boundaries, living for the sake of others, brother/sisterhood, solidarity of the human family, unity and true love as a way to promote the ideals of its annual competition.

The ten songwriters whose songs are judged to be the winning entries will receive cash awards in the amounts of $2,000 (1st place) $1,500 (2nd place) $1,000 (3rd place) $500 (4th and 5th places) and $200 (for places 6 through 10). The winning songs will also be included on a Commemorative CD to be produced at a future date.

  • Applicants must not be signed to a publishing entity.
  • Any style of song is eligible: Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Rap, Gospel, Blues, R and B, Jazz, Classical, Reggae, New Age, etc.
  • The level of production sophistication of the entries will not be a factor in assessing the songs, although it is very important to have the vocals clearly audible.
  • Applicants must also submit the lyrics in a printed or typed copy via E-mail or with the application form. (A lead sheet would be helpful, but it is not required.)
  • Songs should be no longer than five minutes in length and will be judged on the basis of lyrical content and musical craft.
  • Songs must be submitted no later than February 15, 2009.
  • Award winners will be notified by phone or email upon their selection by the judges.

Songs may be submitted on CD or electronically (mp3). MP3 files (under 16 MB) can be E-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Though the publishing rights for all entries submitted for the contest will remain the exclusive property of the individual authors/composers, PMF reserves the right to post them on its website, record the winning songs on a CD or DVD, and/or use the recordings of the winning songs for events connected to PMF projects. As part of the PMF’s inaugural competition a peace concert is being planned in New York at which several of the winning entries will be showcased. The tentative time for this concert will be this spring.

There is a $10 entry/processing fee for each song submitted. Checks or money orders are payable to Peace Music Foundation. PMF is a non-profit organization in the state of New York. Send your written application and your song to:

NYC Symphony

481 8th Avenue

New York, NY 10001

MP3 files are to be sent to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further information or to obtain an application form, please e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.peacemusiccommunity.ning.com/ Applications must be submitted in writing.