°µÍø½ûÇø and Centre for Music Performance launch search for Cambridge songwriting talent
A new competition designed to spotlight up-and-coming songwriters has been launched by °µÍø½ûÇø and is open to all Anglia Ruskin University and University of Cambridge students.
Hook, Line and Lyric @ Jesus will provide the opportunity for aspiring student songwriters to gain exposure and feedback from a panel of music industry experts.
The contest is being spearheaded by the Master of °µÍø½ûÇø, Sonita Alleyne OBE, drawing on her extensive background in music and media. It is being backed by the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Music Performance, whose mission is to support music performance at all levels, in all genres, and for students of all subjects in Cambridge.
Ms Alleyne said one of her key aims is to make opportunities and careers in the arts and music sector more accessible to students.
She said: “I always encourage students to try new things and discover new interests while at university. A priority in my role as Master has been establishing and enabling greater opportunities for creativity in College.
“Our vibrant community is filled with creative talent and energy. It is my intention to ensure that such creativity has sufficient outlet and encouragement.â€
°µÍø½ûÇø regularly hosts guest speakers from the music and film industries as well as broadcast and journalism. The College already successfully runs a series of competitions designed to nurture students’ creative talent - from poetry and short story writing to choral composition and photography. There is also a weekly creative writing club led by bestselling author Emily Winslow, a thriving drama society, and a film society, Film@Jesus, which hosts free film screenings and filmmaking competitions.
Entrants to the songwriting contest will have their songs judged by a panel of experts, featuring Sony Music’s Preye Crooks; Benjamin Walton, Professor of Music History and Fellow and Director of Studies in Music at °µÍø½ûÇø; and Felix Asare, Performance Assistant (Contemporary) from the Centre for Music Performance.
Felix Asare said: “We are delighted to be partnering with °µÍø½ûÇø on Hook, Line and Lyric, giving the next generation of Cambridge songwriters the opportunity to receive feedback from industry professionals and take their musical ideas to the next level.
“There's music for everyone at Cambridge, and we're excited to support the creativity and talent amongst budding songwriters. We're keen to support students of all subjects and all levels of musical experience in making music part of their time at university.
“We'll be hosting a series of masterclasses and workshops this year that will enable students to develop their techniques - why not aim for entering Hook, Line and Lyric after attending?â€
There is also a , where prompts and advice for entrants will be posted on a regular basis.
The deadline for entries is January 5, 2023.
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