13 songwriters and composers each take $ 10,000 home, including in screen composition.
APRA AMCOS has opened applications for its 2026 APRA Professional Development Awardswhich contains a category screen composition.
The prizes, now in their 15th year, are aimed at creating serious career-enhancing opportunities for songwriters and composers, with 13 individual winners, each taking $ 10,000 in cash.
The funds are designed to help recipients with their professional development by following workshops, courses for music education, seminars of composers, co-writing sessions and other relevant activities, local or international.
Winner 2025 screen composition, Samuel Marks, said: “This fantastic prize has opened the door for so many exciting opportunities and pushes me ahead with Momentum and renewed enthusiasm.
“Being supported to develop myself and my profession is a wonderful and surrealistic experience, and I would encourage someone to apply, even if they didn’t think they have a chance. I didn’t think I would be a finalist, let alone the recipient.”
Karen Don, head of membership of APRA Amcos, said: “The PDAs are a fantastic opportunity for songwriters and composers of all genres to get support to develop their skills and bring their profession to a higher level.
“The prizes are part of our continuous dedication to support members in every phase of their career, and they have helped to give a leg to the next generation of Australian artists for more than 15 years.”
Three of the 13 prizes will be awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Apra Amcos members who support music makers in different phases of life, with two general prizes and one for senior members, 50 years and older.
Winner of the Natimo youth category 2024, Amelia Thompson (Aka Thom), adds: “The prize enabled me to open doors for my music that I would otherwise have not had and offer me a multitude of other opportunities. Recognized as a musician was so happy and humiliated.”
This year’s award categories are:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander General (two prizes)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior – all genres. Participants must be older than 50
Land/Americana
Classic and experimental
Dance/electronic
Hip hop/rap
Jazz and improvised music
Music Theater/Stage – Only workshop financing
Popular contemporary (two prizes) – includes pop, rock, alternative, blues, carrots, folk, metal, Christian and children
R&B/soul
Screen composition (film, TV, games)
Applications close at 5 p.m. (AEST) on Tuesday 23 September.
The recipients will be announced on Thursday 12 February 2026.
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