MP3 Song submission recording must be a SOLO performance with only VOICE and ONE accompanying INSTRUMENT.

• A simple voice recording/memo from a phone is acceptable.
• Please ensure that lyrics can be heard on recording.
• Song Submission Judging Criteria (1-100 pts)
  • COMPOSITION (1 - 50 pts): Lyrics, theme, emotional impact, hook, originality, melody, appeal, phrasing, cadence, form, and structure.
  • VOCAL QUALITY (1 - 25 pts): Pitch, resonance, range, and natural inflection.
  • DELIVERY QUALITY (1 - 25 pts): Expression, instrumental skill, impact, pace, dynamics, balance, rhythm, and color.
• Contestants may submit up to (2) original songs.
• No co-writes. Songwriting entries must be entirely written by the entering songwriter.
• We encourage songwriters to submit new / different songs for the Telluride Troubadour and Folks Songwriting Showcase contests.
• Contestants cannot be signed to a third-party record label or publishing deal. This competition is meant for emerging and independent performing songwriters.
• Sorry, contestants will not receive feedback from Judges.

The top (10) songwriters will be selected to attend the Troubadour Contest Finals held live in Telluride, CO during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival

• Top (10) Finalists will receive the following:
  • 4-day pass (w/camping) to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival
  • Live radio interview and performance with KOTO radio in Telluride
  • In-the-round performance slot at the Elks Park Workshop Stage in addition to contest performances
• Contest Format
  • Preliminary Round - Elks Park - All 10 Finalists perform (2) original songs, top 5 selected to move to Final Round
  • Final Round - Elks Park - The top 5 finalists perform (2) original Songs, winner selected
  • Winner - Saturday Main Stage Performance
• Rules for Live Performances
  • No backup musicians allowed. This is a solo competition.
  • Finalists may not repeat songs from preliminaries in the finals. (But they may perform any of their originally submitted songs.)
  • Recommended time limit: 5 minutes per song. Points will be deducted for significantly exceeding this limit.
  • Acoustic instruments with pickups are permitted. The only permitted effect is an EQ device. No looping or other effects.
  • Instruments allowed are those that can be carried out to the mics with the performer. A keyboard will be provided if necessary.

• 50% Song Composition
• 25% Vocal quality
• 25% Stage Presence

December 11, 2026 @ 10am MST: Submissions are open for the 2026 Telluride Troubadour contest.

March 25, 2026 @ 11:59pm MDT: Online Song Submission Deadline. All songs must be submitted by this time. Sorry, no exceptions.

June 18-21, 2026: Troubadour Contest Finals (Live Performances) - Telluride, CO

• Thursday June 18: Preliminary Round (All 10 Finalists) - Elks Park Stage
• Friday June 19: Final Round (Top 5 Finalists) - Elks Park Stage
• Saturday June 20: Winner Performance - Festival Main Stage!