The 2023 NZ Ukulele Trust Uke-Can-Do-It songwriting competition is now open for entries from students in years 5-13 in New Zealand.   

​The closing date for entries is Friday 3rd November 2023 (we are unable to accept late entries).
Please note, you do not have to be part of the Kiwileles programme to enter this competition.
 
The winning song will be recorded and published in the Kiwileles Songbank resource, to be shared with thousands of tamariki across Aotearoa in 2024. 
 
 Songwriting Guidelines (pdf):
  • The work must be an original song, featuring the ukulele. It cannot be an arrangement or adaptation of another song.
  • The vocal line should not fall below A4 (A below middle C) or above D5 (D above ‘high C’).
  • The winning song will be sung and played by students in both primary and secondary schools and should be easy to play on the ukulele. 
  • It should be the length of an average pop song with lyrics suitable for primary-age children - upbeat and positive, with a theme that will inspire!
  • We strongly recommend you view the previous winners (linked below) for inspiration and suggested chords.

Terms and Conditions:
  • Entry is open to all students resident in New Zealand, in years 5 - 13 in 2023.
  • The closing date for entries is 5pm Friday 3 November 2023. Please note we are unable to accept late entries.
  • Only one song per student/group can be entered. Songs may be collaborative but all writers must be acknowledged (and will share their prize if selected as a winner).
  • Compositions must be the entrants’ original work, this includes lyrics.
  • We require a song sheet showing the lyrics and chords, accompanied by an mp3 recording (performed by the songwriter or by someone else if preferred). No videos please.   (If you'd prefer someone else to sing or play in the recording, that is okay)
  • The winning songwriter/s will be consulted during the process of producing the final appropriate and school-friendly resource that will be released for use in NZ schools in 2024.
  • By entering, you grant the New Zealand Ukulele Trust the licence to use your song for promotional purposes.
  • The judges’ decisions will be final.​​
​Click on the song title below to view a video of the song 

​2022
Aria Clarke is our current winner: Butterfly
This song is included in the 2023 Kiwileles Songbank

Past winners 
2021
Anna Feillet's winning entry: My Imagination
2020
Tomuri-te-awa Spicer’s winning entry: Different
2019
Hannah Milo's winning entry: Smile
Picture
Aria Clarke Uke-Can-Do-It Winner 2022 with song Butterfly

Special thanks to our generous prize sponsors