Melbourne Prize For Music Returns For 2025, With Entries Open Now

It’s the return of Australia’s most valuable music prize, with the Melbourne Prize For Music & Awards announcing its 2025 edition.

Now in its 21st year, the Melbourne Prize has been running since 2005 and operates on a three-year cycle. Establishing the Melbourne Prize Trust as a way to recognise and reward talent, excellence and inspire creative development, it’s funded by private and public sector partnerships and patrons, with a total prize pool valued at over $90,000 on offer.

The return of the Music prize arrives as part of the cycle which last year featured the Melbourne Prize For Literature in 2024, and which will be succeeded by the Melbourne Prize For Urban Sculpture next year.

This year’s edition of the Music prize is now open for entries, with Victorian musicians and groups – including composers and performers – invited to apply to share in the prize pool across four categories.

These include the $60,000 Melbourne Prize For Music which is awarded to a Victorian musician or group whose body of work has made an outstanding contribution to Australian music and to cultural life. Each finalist also receives $1,000.

Previous winners of the Melbourne Prize For Music have included Missy Higgins, Kutcha Edwwards, Deborah Cheetham Frailon AO, and Professor Paul Grabowsky AO.

The $20,000 Beleura John Tallis Award For Emerging Composers is awarded to an emerging Victorian composer to support their career development; the $10,000 Professional Development Award is awarded to a Victorian musician or group, including performers and composers, to fund project/s, travel or other proposals to assist with their music career; and the $2,000 Civic Choice Award is awarded to a finalist in the Melbourne Prize For Music with the highest umber of public votes.

An additional pair of Falls Creek Musicians’ Residences are also offered, providing two 14-day residencies in Victoria’s High Country to Victorian musicians alongside an additional $1,000 prize.

“We are in the 21st year of the annual Melbourne Prize and we’re delighted to provide opportunities to Victorian musicians,” said Melbourne Prize Trust Founder, Mr Simon Warrender.

“With the support of our very generous partners and patrons, we are thrilled to continue supporting Victoria’s vibrant music community and look forward to recognising and rewarding outstanding local talent across all genres.”

Entries for the 2025 edition of the Melbourne Prize For Music are open as of Monday, May 12th and will close on Monday, July 7th. Finalists will be announced on September 4th with the winners announced on November 13th. Full details are available via the Melbourne Prize website.