ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The Vanda & Young Global Song Comp is an international songwriting competition that celebrates exceptional songwriting talent from anywhere in the world.
In 2009, Alberts collaborated with APRA AMCOS and Sony Music Publishing to establish the international competition to award great songwriting, while supporting and raising money for Noro Music Therapy.To date, the competition has raised $2 million to support this life-changing work.
The competition is fittingly named after iconic songwriting and producing duo Harry Vanda and the late George Young, who performed as members of 1960s Australian rock group The Easybeats, going on to write a string of hits performed by both local and international artists. Worldwide, their songs have been replicated by the likes of Grace Jones, Tom Jones, David Bowie, and Meatloaf.
Since its inception, Milly Petriella OAM has served as director of the competition. In 2024 Milly was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, for her service to music and the performing arts.
Now in its twelth iteration, the competition has unearthed and awarded songwriters at varying stages of their careers, from all around the world. Some of these are now the most celebrated names in contemporary music, including: King Stingray, Budjerah, Charley, Genesis Owusu, MAY-A, Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, Ruel, Matt Corby, Sarah Aarons, Amy Shark, Gang of Youths, Mallrat, Gretta Ray, and many more.
ABOUT NORO MUSIC THERAPY
Helping people reach their full potential is our reason for being.
Noro Music Therapy delivers life-transforming clinical music therapy and community music programs. Using music therapy to support people with a range of challenges including disabilities, developmental delays, behaviours, mental health, neurological impairments and dementia.
Noro are at the forefront of music therapy, widely regarded as exemplars in their field, and innovators in how they operate. Every week, over 2,500 people (from small children to adults over 100 years old) rely on the evidence-based therapies Noro Registered Music Therapists use to achieve clinical goals, improve daily living and increase social and community participation.
There is a growing need for the therapies Noro delivers. We continue to expand our short and long-term programs to provide quality outcomes and assist more clients.
Noro is continually growing our footprint, with outreach locations covering the Sydney Metro area and 4 clinic locations with more planned along with telehealth services reaching all States and Territories.
Noro Music Therapy is intent on changing lives through music.noro.org.au
Belinda Leonard, CEO of Noro Music Therapy, reflects, “Every song submitted to the Vanda & Young Competition becomes a lifeline for someone in need. When songwriters pour their hearts into their craft, they’re not just creating music – they’re creating healing. Thanks to this competition, we’re able to bring music therapy to 2,500 clients every week, from toddlers taking their first steps to centenarians sharing their final melodies.”