Celebrating creativity in songwriting

UnCovereD

A black chalkboard with the words `` everyone can play '' written on it.

What is UnCOVERED?

Time to get your creative thoughts together, NT Music School's UnCovereD Songwriting Competition is now open! Calling all NT Government School students from upper primary to upper secondary to enter with over $8000 worth of prizes to be won.

 

UnCovereDis a Territory-wide songwriting program for students at NT Government Schools, culminating in a year-end competition.


To help you along the way NT Music School will be offering a series of workshops in the first half of the year.  These sessions will provide valuable insights into songwriting, copyright, work registration, and recording for both students and teachers and will be available in-person or online.

There will also be a series of all-ages gigs later in the year, offering students the chance to gain live performance experience and to showcase their musical talents to a wider audience.


Prizes have been generously sponsored by Focusrite Australia, Novation, Rock City Music Alice Springs, and Top End Music Centre, Darwin with over $8000 worth of prizes all up.


UnCovereD provides an opportunity to delve into the world of music, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and the discovery of new talent.

There are three categories:

Contemporary Melodic

This is any song (with Lyrics) that has a contemporary form, whether it be Metal, Country, Rock, Pop, R&B, etc.


Instrumental 

Can include minimal lyrics and/or vocal effects, but predominantly instrumental.  Think Game Music, Surf Guitar, Contemporary Classical, Electronic Dance Music, etc.


Rap and Rhyme 

Any music from Rap to Trap, Hip Hop to Drill, spitting rhymes to beats.

FAQ's

  • When does the competition close

    The competition closes at 4:00 pm on Friday September 19.

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  • Who can enter?

    NT Music Schools’ UnCovereD is open exclusively to upper primary (grades 5 and 6) and middle and senior years students in government schools in the Northern Territory.

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  • We would like to do this as a class project, can the whole class collaborate on writing and performing the song?

    Schools are encouraged to apply as groups if this suits your program.

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  • Can I enter more than one song?

    There is a limit of three compositions per student or performance group. The same composition cannot be entered in multiple categories.

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  • I am collaborating with students from different schools. Can we still enter?

    Yes, if all members are current NT Government upper primary, middle or senior school students.

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  • My music style is jazz/folk/country/funk/heavy metal/rap/instrumental etc, can I enter?

    There are no restrictions on the style of music that can be entered in NT Music Schools’ UnCovereD. However, you must choose from the categories of Contemporary Melodic, Rap and Rhyme or Instrumental when uploading your song.


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  • My lyrics may be offensive to some people, is that okay?

    NT Music Schools’ UnCovereD is a school-based program and all students participating will be subject to the normal school policies. Unacceptable themes include:


    • Swearing
    • Racist language
    • Adult themes – sex, violence, drug and alcohol abuse.

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  • Do I have to be the one to perform my song on the recording?

    That depends, if you are entering under Contemporary Melodic or Rap and Rhyme, you may use other musicians to perform for you. However, these musicians must be current NT Government school students and be listed in your application. If you are entering an instrumental, you and or your band must be the performer/s on the recording.

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  • I have a band, can we enter?

    Yes, you can enter as a band if all members are current NT Government school students.

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  • Can I/we sing to a backing track?

    Yes, if the backing track was created by an NT Government school student.

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  • Can I use samples of other songs?

    No, you must own the copyright to the songs that you write and any samples that you use.

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  • Is there a restriction on song length and file size?

    As a guide, recorded compositions should be submitted as an mp3, be no longer than 5 minutes in length and no larger than 5Mb..

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  • Are there any other eligibility requirements or restrictions?

    Please ensure that you read and understand the Terms and Conditions.

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  • Where do I send my entry?

    Uploading your entry is easy. Head to NT Music Schools’ website, click on the links to UnCovereD and follow the instructions.


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Interested?

To get started register now!


Why you should register?


  • You will have exclusive access to songwriting and recording workshops.
  • Access to the Peer Prize voting section.
  • Email support, updates and extra information about UnCovered.