NSAI created the Member Awards to highlight general members based on involvement and accolades given during a designated period.
2022 Award Winners

 

Graduate Awards

                                                              Presented to NSAI members who have signed publishing deals or had their first major cut, and moved into the professional songwriter category.

Explore Past Recipients

The NSAI New Member of the Year is chosen by the NSAI Member Representatives based on the person who has taken the most advantage of their first year of membership to grow as a songwriter.

2021 NSAI New Member of the Year: Brett Trout

2020 NSAI New Member of the Year: Michael Saleta

The Todd Givens Scholarship is chosen by NSAI's Executive Director based on recommendations from NSAI's Membership Team, the Todd Givens Scholarship is awarded to one songwriter each year who has shown a great passion, determination, and love for the craft of songwriting while pursuing a professional writing career.

2021 Todd Givens Scholarship Recipient: Jessie Labelle

2020 Todd Givens Scholarship Recipient: Lauren McLamb

2020 Todd Givens Scholarship Recipient: Chris Housman

 

The NSAI Graduate Award is presented to NSAI members who have signed publishing deals or had their first major cut, and moved into the professional songwriter category.

2021 NSAI Graduate Award Winners:

Emily Kroll

Kyle James

Sarah Jones

Kelly McKay

Megan Barker

2020 NSAI Graduate Award Winners:

Forrest Finn

Will Bundy

Lauren Weintraub

Johnny Simmen

The Friends of NSAI Award is chosen by NSAI from partner individuals or organizations who assist NSAI and its members to fulfill our mission to serve songwriters.

2021 Friends of NSAI Award Winner: n/a

2020 Friends of NSAI Award Winner: Smokin' On The Row

NSAI's Chapter Challenge Award is presented to NSAI members who have signed a single song contract through NSAI's Chapter Challenge event, or that have been recognized as the top song from the Chapter Challenge that year.

2020 NSAI Chapter Challenge:

Sal Cosentino

Linda Sclafani

2019 NSAI Chapter Challenge:

Nitanee Paris 

Ryan Brisotti

2018 NSAI Chapter Challenge:

Scott Forman

Selda Sahin

Aubrey Tune

Josh Cottrell

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Determined by the member with the highest number of “Ones to Watch” designations from NSAI Song Evaluators.

2021 NSAI Ones To Watch: Ben Johnson

2020 NSAI Ones To Watch: Steven Smentek

Determined by the NSAI Staff, the Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an NSAI Member that has made a significant contribution to the organization and their efforts throughout the year.

2021 NSAI Volunteer of the Year: Herb Chafin

2020 NSAI Volunteer of the Year: Rachel Seiler

Given to the outstanding NSAI Chapter from among the 75 across the world as determined by NSAI staff.

2021 NSAI Chapter of the Year: Oklahoma City, OK

2020 NSAI Chapter of the Year: Chicago, IL

Members vote on songs previously taken by Music Row publishers during NSAI’s 24 annual “Online Pitch” sessions. 12 Finalists in this category are determined by NSAI Member Representatives before members vote to determine the winner.

2021 NSAI Online Pitch Award: Sarah Jones - "Wyoming"

2020 NSAI Online Pitch Award: Greg Wilson - "When I'm A Memory"

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These selections begin with songs chosen by more than 14 professional songwriters who serve as NSAI Song Evaluators. These selections are narrowed by NSAI Member Representatives prior to final voting by NSAI Members.

2021 Song Evaluation Award: Nell Maynard - "Love Is Lightning"

2020 Song Evaluation Award: Bobby Evans - "Been"

Members vote on songs chosen by NSAI Mentors, a group of professional songwriters including R.C. Bannon, Mason Douglas, Jamie Floyd, Lacy Green and Benita Hill.

2020 Mentor Award: Greg Wilson

2020 Mentor Award: Kelly McKay

Members vote on songs that have been identified as a "favorite" from each Online Song Feedback session throughout the year. Songs are chosen by industry professionals (typically professional songwriters) before NSAI Members vote to determine the winner.

2021 NSAI Online Song Feedback Award Winner: Daniel Collins - "Postcard Memories"

2020 Song Feedback Award Winner: N/A (New to 2021 Awards)