ROSE GARDEN COFFEEHOUSE
PERFORMING SONGWRITER COMPETITION OFFICIAL RULES

The goal of the competition is to encourage emerging singer/songwriters to seek recognition for their work and to offer them the chance to further their careers.

Contest winners receive:

A $100 prize
A featured gig at the Rose Garden

1. Competition is open to all singer/songwriters interested in receiving wider recognition for their performance and writing talents, with the exception of Rule #2 below.

2. The following are not eligible: Rose Garden featured or co-billed performers from the past or current seasons; members of the Rose Garden Committee or volunteer staff, or members of their immediate families; and performers who have released an album containing original songs on a bona fide “record label.” Duos or groups should not enter; this competition is for individual singer/songwriters. Release of a self-produced CD which is not affiliated with an outside record label will not exclude you.

3. We highly encourage you to enter using our online submission form. To enter, please provide two original songs and lyric sheets. You may also submit via CD or thumb drive if necessary. Don’t worry about professional studio quality. We want to hear you. Focus on a clear recording where your voice and melody shine. We ask that you avoid over-produced tracks with heavy backing music, as this helps our judges focus purely on your unique songwriting and performance.

4. Entrant must be the person performing “lead” vocals on each submitted song. Co-written songs are acceptable as long as you are singing and one of the co-writers. Full credit must be given to co-writers.

5. The contest is held every year. All entries must be received by March 21, 2026.  One entry (2 songs) per performer, please.

6. Three finalists will be chosen and must be prepared to perform the two entered songs live at the Rose Garden at the MAY SHOW (dates vary each year; please check the schedule to make sure you can attend before entering the contest). The finals competition will precede the featured performance of an artist to be announced. A panel of judges will select the winning performer that night based on songwriting ability, stage presence and performance skills.  There is no fee for entering the Performing Songwriter Competition. All entries must be mailed to:

Rose Garden Coffeehouse
10 Toad Island Road
Norton, MA, 02766

CDs/thumbdrives will not be returned.