THE TUNE-UP
SONGWRITING LAB AND
STUDENT SONGWRITING CONTEST
Music has the power to inspire, heal, and strengthen our mental well-being. It can boost your confidence, help you express yourself, and build a sense of community.
THE TUNE UP SONGWRITING LAB
The Tune-Up Songwriting Lab is a 9-part video series created in partnership with Double Experience.
Designed for student songwriters, this program explores key elements of the songwriting process through engaging lessons, practical tips, and creative exercises led by professional musicians. It’s a great way to help students build confidence in their creative voice and develop their songwriting skills.
Register now for free access and share this opportunity with your students.
THE TUNE UP STUDENT SONGWRITING CONTEST
By sharing your voice through music, you can make a difference in your life and the lives of others. Your music matters – let it be heard!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED THIS YEARS CONTEST. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON.
DETAILS:
Three categories: Senior (grades 10-12), Intermediate (7-9), Junior (k-6)
A winning song will be chosen in each category. Songs are adjudicated by a committee of made up of a representative of the Coalition for Music Education, the Canadian Music Educators Association, and SoundsUnite. Your class may enter as individuals, small groups, or as a class.
Contest will run November 2025- March 31st 2026
PRIZING PROVIDED BY METALWORKS STUDIO, METALWORKS INSTITUTE, AND SOUNDSUNITE
SENIOR (Grades 10 – 12)
- Song mixed and mastered at Metalworks Studio
- Metalworks Institute Online Scholarship (Eligibility required by MWI)
- Creative Workshop at Metalworks Studios (Live or Virtual)
- Mentorship opportunities with Music Industry Professionals (Virtual on SoundsUnite)
- Winning song will be featured on our MUSIC MONDAY online broadcast
INTERMEDIATE (grades 7-9)
- Creative Workshop at Metalworks Studios (Live or Virtual/High School/Elementary)
- Mentorship opportunities with Music Industry Professionals (Virtual on SoundsUnite/High School/Elementary)
- Winning song will be featured on our MUSIC MONDAY online broadcast
JUNIOR (grades k-6)
- $200 gift certificate to Long & McQuade musical instruments
- Winning song will be featured on our MUSIC MONDAY online broadcast
*Prizes will be for the classroom
TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR SONG:
UPLOAD YOUR SONG TO SOUNDSUNITE AND GET ACCESS TO MUSIC EDUCATION AND WELLNESS TOOLS:
- Create an account on SoundsUnite
- Build your profile!
- Upload a track by selecting Create Post in the sidebar
- Click Upload A Song
- Add your audio, a cover image/headshot and title, along with any other information you want to share about your track.
- Make sure you select the Submit to THE TUNE-UP STUDENT SONGWRITING CONTEST 2026 option.
- Click Upload
UPLOAD YOUR SONG IN OUR CONTEST REGISTRATION FORM
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 SONGWRITING CONTEST WINNERS
Junior: “The Things You Love”, written and performed by the Grade 6 Students at The Carlyle School
Intermediate: “Hey Mama” written and performed by Elysha Morrison, Sierra Rodriguez, Laritza Alvarez of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School
Senior: “Spatula Tarantula” written and performed by Rowan Dixon-McCoy, David Cadogan-Blackwood, Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute
We can’t wait to hear your song!
The Tune-Up would not be possible without the support of the following:
