About The Contest

When can I submit a song?

• We will start accepting submissions on Thursday, April 11th.

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When is the last day to submit a song?

• All tracks need to be submitted by midnight on Tuesday, April 23rd.

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What are the categories?

• Best Original Rap/R&B Song - All components (the vocal and the beat) must be original

• Best Original Electronic Song (Any sub-genre: instrumental hip hop, dubstep, house, EDM, etc…)

• Best Original Song, Any Other Genre (i.e. not rap, not electronic)

• People's Choice - This award is determined by a public vote and all submissions are automatically eligible for this category in addition to the category in which they were entered.

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What are the prizes?

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Who can enter?

• The DYMAs are open to anyone who is currently enrolled in a DPS high school audio production program. Anyone wishing to enter who is not enrolled in one of these programs must apply for special permission by using the contact information at the bottom of the page.

 

How do I submit a song?

• On April 12th, an entry form will appear on the front page of this website. You will need to have your song uploaded to SoundCloud, and you will supply the link to your song on the entry form.

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When will the winners be announced?

• The winners will be announced on Friday, April 26th at the awards ceremony.

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Do I have to be at the awards ceremony to win?

• No. We want everyone to come, but we realize not everyone that wants to will be able to. If you win and you are not present, we will contact you the next day and figure out how to get you your prize.

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Can I collaborate with someone?

• Yes, you may collaborate with up to four other eligible people, but if you win you will have to work out how to split the prizes on your own.

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How are the winners decided?

• For the original categories, the winners will be determined by a panel made up of individuals involved in music education and the music industry. The committee will be considering the following criteria for each submission: composition, performance, production, innovativeness, and overall impact on the listener. The people's choice awards will be determined by a public vote.

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How do I vote?

• When voting is opened there will be a form on the front page of this website.

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How many categories can I enter?

• You may enter any one of the three categories. Each entry is also automatically eligible for the People's Choice award. 

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Do my songs have to be school-appropriate/what does school-appropriate mean?

• School-appropriate content is required – no guns, no drugs, no foul language, etc… - whether a song meets this requirement is at the discretion of the panel.

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There is a member of my group who is not eligible because they are older; can I still submit a song?

• No. Sorry, this contest is for youth only.

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