It's about the words and the music.
The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards honors the best songwriters in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
The contest includes a live performance at Strathmore and will award one songwriter a grand prize of $10,000 plus $1,500 towards studio recording time at a DMV studio chosen by the winner.
One young songwriter under 17 will also be honored with an award of $2,500. All finalists in both categories will receive smaller cash prizes and will be featured on Strathmore’s social media platforms.
Now in its tenth year, the competition is presented by Strathmore, and the final performance will take place at the Music Center at Strathmore on April 24, 2026.
About the Competition
The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards are presented annually, honoring the best adult and youth songwriters in the region through a multi-level adjudication process, culminating in a live performance featuring the nominated songs.
The competition, founded by Cathy Bernard, is named in honor of her uncle Fred Ebb, a great American songwriter and creator of Broadway hits such as Cabaret and Chicago, as well as iconic songs including "New York, New York."
2024/25 Winners
Adult Category
Wordsmith
Baltimore-based songwriter, poet, and recording artist Wordsmith fuses hip-hop, jazz, pop, and rock. A five-time ASCAPLUS Award winner and Grammy Voting Member, his music has been featured on WWE, ESPN, and Russian Doll. He collaborates with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and is the founder of Rise with a Purpose, Inc.
Explore Past Winners (Adult Category)
Youth Category
Aaron Swibel
A high school sophomore from Rockville, Md., Aaron Swibel blends pop, ballads, country, and rock, writing lyrics that explore love, angst, and nostalgia. He made his live debut at Outta the Way Cafe in Derwood, Md., and performed in the Maryland High School Choir Invitational under conductor Jason Max Ferdinand.
Explore Past Winners (Youth Category)Strathmore extends its deepest gratitude to Cathy, Alex, and Amanda Bernard for their unwavering dedication to our region’s talented songwriters and for generously investing in this meaningful event.