Representing the future of music
The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music.
From artists and entrepreneurs to grassroots projects and young leaders, the event recognises an exciting range of trailblazers from across the scene.
The awards are open to anyone who has been directly funded via the NextGen Fund, or has taken part in a Youth Music funded project since January 2017.
Not sure if you're eligible? You can check which music projects we've funded since January 2017 here.
Find out more and make a nomination below.
Music awards are judged by a panel of music industry figures (to be announced), and we have some serious money-can't-buy prizes for winners.
All shortlisted nominees will be invited to the event where the winners will be announced live, on Wednesday 19 October 2022 at Troxy, London.
The Awards are presented in association with Hal Leonard Europe, which is part of Hal Leonard, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of printed music and educational resources.
Please note if you are nominating someone else, or a project, for an award you must be 16 years old or over. Please read all the terms and conditions carefully before entering the Youth Music Awards.
Nominations for 2022 are now closed.
Award categories
Original Track Award (Solo)
For a track written and recorded by a solo artist.
Original Track Award (Group)
For a track written and recorded by a group (two or more people).
Rising Star Award (Artist)
For a rising musical group or solo artist that is making waves in the music industry.
Rising Star Award (Industry)
For a young person who is making waves in a behind-the-scenes role within the music industry.
Inspirational Music Leader Award
For a music leader who inspires project participants through their actions, creativity, determination, positivity, energy, selflessness or ability to overcome challenges.
Young Leader Award
For a young person who has demonstrated great leadership skills as a project participant.
Outstanding Project Award
For a Youth Music funded project that pushes the boundaries to promote inclusive music-making.
Social Action Award
For an individual, collective or project that has made an outstanding commitment to local community and/or social justice issues.
Live Performance Award
For an outstanding live performance by an artist or group. This can either be from an in-person or virtual gig.
Music Producer Award
For outstanding technical skills in music production, engineering, mixing and/or mastering.
Lyricist Award
For outstanding lyrics in an original track by an artist or group.
Music Video Award
For an outstanding music video by an artist or group involved in a Youth Music-funded project.
Judges
Entrants to the music categories will have their tracks heard by a judging panel of music industry figures, including Bicep, Mahalia, and many more.
Check out the first-wave of judges, with more to be announced later in the year.
"At Hal Leonard Europe we believe that every young person should have access to life-changing music making opportunities.
"We are very excited to support the Youth Music Awards, which will showcase the vital work that Youth Music does to make such opportunities happen, and celebrate excellence by young music-makers."
Tom Farncombe, Business Development Director, Hal Leonard Europe
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