Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition
The Stefan George Memorial Songwriting Competition is a cherished tradition of the Tucson Folk Festival — celebrating both emerging and established songwriters.
This is a unique opportunity to share fresh, original songs that reflect the spirit of the times, performed for an audience that truly listens.
Each year, over 90 songwriters submit their work, competing for a spot in the finalist showcase during the Tucson Folk Festival.
The winner and runner-up earn a coveted Saturday evening performance slot at the Festival.
Each year, a 1st Place, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place winner are decided by a panel of judges considering the performers’ originality and uniqueness, song structures and arrangement, talent, and general stage presence.
Important Dates
| October 1 | Application period opens. Includes a $30 Application Fee (Non-refundable) |
| December 1 | Songwriter application period closes at 11:59 PM. No applications will be considered after this date. |
| February 5 | Songwriting Finalist selections announced |
| Friday April 10 | Songwriting Finals Concert on Plaza Stage |
| Saturday April 11 | Songwriting Winner and Runner-Up Perform on the Plaza Stage at the Festival |
Contact: Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition Coordinator – Jonathan Frahm,
jfrahmwriter@gmail.com, (520) 256-9162
Hello Songwriters!
Thanks for your interest in entering the annual Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition, named in honor of long-time festival contributor and performer Stefan George.
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Grow as a songwriter
- Sharpen your craft
- And be recognized for your work in a supportive, music-loving community.
Below is a quick breakdown of everything you need to know to enter. We can’t wait to hear your songs!
Competition Guidelines & Eligibility
The Songwriting Competition is part of the acoustic-focused Tucson Folk Festival and is open to the public. We welcome all ages and a wide range of folk music styles.
Who Can’t Apply:
To keep the competition fair, the following are not eligible to apply:
- Paid performers at this year’s Tucson Folk Festival
- Artists under contract with a major record label
- Past first-place winners of the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition
- Current competition judges or selection committee members
How It Works
- A panel of music professionals will review all submissions.
- 8 finalists and 6 alternates will be selected.
- Finalists will perform live at the Festival as part of the showcase.
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced and awarded prizes during the Festival.
Song Requirements
- Only original songs are allowed — no covers.
- If your song has co-writers who won’t perform with you, you’ll need to submit a letter of permission from them. This letter must allow you to:
- Perform the song without them
- Accept any prizes on their behalf
- Songs must be family-friendly and suitable for a public folk festival setting.
Submission Requirements
To enter the competition, you’ll need to provide:
- Two original songs in either .mp3 or .wav format
(Simple phone or home recordings are perfectly acceptable!) - Be sure to review the Sound Recording Rules below for complete details.
Live Performance Expectations
If selected as a finalist, you must be available to perform both songs live in front of:
- A live audience, and
- A panel of music performance judges
This year’s Songwriting Competition Showcase will be held as the kick-off concert of the Tucson Folk Festival on:
Friday, April 10, 2026 – 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Jacome Plaza, Downtown Tucson
Free & Open to the Public
Performance Format
- You may perform solo or with one accompanist
- Accompanists must not be paid performers at this year’s Festival
- All finalists must perform the same songs submitted with their application
Awards Performance
The First Place and Second Place winners will also perform on the Jacome Plaza Stage on Saturday evening of the Festival:
- Second Place Winner – 15-minute set at 6:00 PM
- First Place Winner – 30-minute set immediately following
Other Important Info
- Judging decisions are final
- If a finalist is unable to participate in the live performance, an alternate will take their place
Prizes
- 1st PLACE | $300 Cash Award, Free Registration to Folk Alliance International Conference, TKMA T-Shirt, Bookmans Gift Card, 25 minute set on the Jacome Plaza Stage on Saturday at 6:15 pm
- RUNNER-UP | $150 Cash Award, Bookmans Gift Card, TKMA T-Shirt, 10 minute set on the Jacome Plaza Stage on Saturday at 6 PM
- 3rd PLACE | $50 Cash Award, TKMA T-Shirt, Bookmans Gift Card
Application
All applications must be submitted online, using the form provided. There is a $30.00 nonrefundable application fee for all submissions.
Note: To begin your application, you’ll first be asked to enter and confirm your email address. Once confirmed, you’ll receive access to the full application form.
There are 3 steps to complete your application:
- Fill out your contact information
- Pay the application fee
- Upload two original song demos (in .mp3 or .wav format)
As you complete each step, the form will update and let you know your progress — and will confirm when your application is complete.
Songwriting Demo Submission & Recording Guidelines
To complete your application, you’ll need to upload two original songs and accompanying materials. Please read the following carefully:
Audio File Requirements
- Upload 2 original songs
- Files must be in .mp3 format
- CDs, tapes, and other physical media are not accepted
- Songs must not have been previously released by a major label
Lyrics
- Upload a PDF or Word document with the lyrics for each song
Optional: Video Links
- You’re encouraged to include video links (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
- Videos are considered as part of the selection process
- Do not upload video files directly — share a URL link only
Learn more about the competition’s history and watch videos of past winners:
Frequently Asked Questions
What live performance musical instruments are allowed?
All “hand-carry sized” acoustic musical instruments are allowed in the competition. In addition to handcarry sized instruments, electric basses, electronic pianos, pre-assembled pedal
boards, pedal steel guitars small harmonica amps, percussion instruments of all kinds, including small drum kits are also allowed. If your instrument isn’t on this list or the “not allowed” list, email the Tucson Folk Festival Performer Coordinator listed at the beginning of this document.
What live performance musical instruments are not allowed?
Large drum kits, drum machines, backing tracks, vocal harmonizers, and multiple guitar pedal set-ups. If your instrument isn’t on this list or the “allowed” list, email the Tucson Folk Festival Performer Coordinator listed at the beginning of this document.
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What counts as folk music?
We define folk music as music rooted in acoustic traditions, played on hand-held or hand-carried acoustic instruments such as: guitars, vihuelas, banjos, mandolins, jarana, guitarrón, brass instruments, upright bass, fiddles, flutes, accordions, bongos, djembes, congas, and the list goes on.
If your instrument and sound draw from either Old World or New World folk traditions, you’re a folk arist in our eyes. We welcome songs in or influenced by styles like:
- European Ballads
- American folk & blues
- Indie folk, bluegrass, newgrass, Cajun
- Mexican folk music: Mariachi, Son Jarocho (Veracruzano), Corridos, Boleros
- Waila, chicken scratch
- South American folk
- Celtic folk, flamenco
- Native American flute music
- Cowboy songs and ballads
If your original sonwriting is influenced by any of these musical traditions — or blends them in new and creative ways — you’re encouraged to apply.
What are the live performance guidelines?
Finalists will receive full performance details well in advance. Here’s what to expect:
- The finals take place Friday, April 10, 2026 on the Jacome Plaza Stage, with a covered setup, professional sound system, and an audience of about 400 people.
- You’ll have access to DI boxes, vocal and instrument mics, and stage monitors, with support from pro sound engineers.
- Instruments, music stands, and special gear are not provided.
- You’ll have 5 minutes for setup, followed by a 10–15 minute set (performing 2 original songs).
- A professional video crew will record the performances, and all sets will be uploaded to the Tucson Folk Festival YouTube channel for free public viewing after the event.
If I’m a finalist, may I sell CDs or other merch at the event?
Yes! Songwriting Competition Finalists may sell CDs and download cards at the Festival in two ways:
- On Consignment at the TKMA Kitchen Store (Jacome Plaza):
- CDs are typically priced at $15, but you may set your own price.
- TKMA commission:
– $2 per CD (any price)
– $1 per $5 download card
– $2 per $10+ download card - Full consignment details will be provided after finalists are selected.
- At the TKMA Table Near the Stage (Immediately After Your Set):
- You or a designated helper may sell CDs directly after your performance.
- Please note: TKMA volunteers will not handle money at this location — only at the Kitchen Store.
Additional Festival Opportunities
Festival Performer
If you’d like to perform at the Tucson Folk Festival as a juried Festival Performer (separate from the Songwriting Competition), you’re welcome to apply.
- You’ll need to submit three song demos in .mp3 format
- These can be the same or different from your Songwriting Competition submissions
- Be sure to review the full Juried Performer Application before applying.
TKMA Membership
You are not required to be a TKMA Member to apply for the Songwriting Competition
or to be a Festival Performer, but we encourage you to become a Member! Annual memberships are the best way to keep our festival going and stay free to the public.
We’re proud to be one of the oldest FREE folk music festivals in the country!
Ballad Tree
The Ballad Tree is a beloved festival tradition — an informal song circle where musicians, singers, poets, and storytellers gather to share songs and stories in a round-robin format.
- Play a tune you just wrote or one passed down through generations
- Open to all skill levels — from beginners to seasoned performers
- Acoustic instruments only
- No signups needed — just bring your instrument and join the circle!
Everyone is welcome — performers and listeners alike.
Workshops
Sharing your skills and knowledge is a great way to contribute to the Festival community.
If you have a topic you’d like to teach in a 45–60 minute workshop, simply enter your idea in the “Other Opportunities” field when applying — and we’ll follow up with you.
Workshops are open to all attendees who want to get involved.
You don’t need to be a Festival Performer or Songwriting Competition finalist to apply.
Volunteering
The Tucson Folk Festival relies on over 200 volunteers each year to make the event happen.
Whether you want to help during the festival or support pre-festival activities like fundraisers, publicity, sponsorship outreach, and more, we’d love to have you involved.