Songwriters and composers at pivotal career stages are invited to apply for the 2026 APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards (PDAs).<\/p>\n
The awards, now in their 15th year, aim to create serious career-boosting opportunities for songwriters and composers, with 13 individual winners each taking home a game-changing $10,000 cash.\u00a0The funds are designed to help recipients with their professional development through attending workshops, music education courses, composer seminars, co-writing sessions and other relevant activities, either locally or internationally.<\/p>\n
Previous notable winners have included Angie McMahon, Baker Boy, BARKAA, Elsy Wameyo, Gotye, Jem Cassar-Daley, Melanie Dyer, Ngaiire, Rebecca Bracewell, Samuel Marks and Yirrmal.<\/p>\n
Three of the 13 awards will be presented to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APRA AMCOS members supporting music creators at different life stages, with two general awards and one for senior members, 50 years and older.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s award categories are:
\nAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander General (two awards)\/ \u00a0Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior – all genres. Entrants must be over the age of 50\/ \u00a0CountryAmericana \/ Classical & Experimental\/ \u00a0DanceElectronic\/ \u00a0Hip Hop Rap\/ \u00a0Jazz and Improvised Music\/ \u00a0Music Theatre\/Stage – workshop funding only\/ \u00a0Popular Contemporary (two awards) – includes Pop, Rock, Alternative, Blues, Roots, Folk, Metal, Christian and Children’s\/ \u00a0R&B\/Soul\/ \u00a0Screen Composition (Film, TV, Games)<\/p>\n
Applications for the 2026 awards are open now and close at 5pm (AEST) on Tuesday 23 September. The recipients will be announced on Thursday 12 February 2026.<\/p>\n