The very first SongU Top Composers Search (November–December 2025) was a wonderful success. Thank you to everyone in the SongU community who participated. We were truly impressed by the quality and range of submissions.
Rather than naming winning songs, we set out to recognize overall strength in composition. Specifically, the musical components themselves – melody, chord structure, musicianship, and how the music supported the mood, theme, title, and genre. While it wasn’t easy to narrow things down, a group of composers rose to the top for their strength in overall craftsmanship.
Congratulations to all!
Below you’ll find a list of all winners in each of the recognition categories.
Sarah Motes Ashley
Janet Devers
Priscilla Connolly
De’Leah Shane
Izzy Malek
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TOP COMPOSERS
- Sarah Motes Ashley
- Priscilla Connolly
- Janet Devers
- Izzy Malek
- De’Leah Shane
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FIRST RUNNERS UP
- Eric Blossman
- Germain Brunet
- Maria Elaina Difalco
- Robert Marino
- David Pellegrini
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FINALISTS
- Hayley Chewins
- Doron Ferdman
- Jorgen Hansen
- Kevin Kenney
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- Carli Lessing
- Tony Lanni
- Mac Millen
- Steve Matthews
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🥈
SEMI-FINALISTS
- Erin Gaetz
- Julian Harvey
- Alex Houston
- Lee Kennedy
- Jeffrey Leavitt
- John Melusky
- David Paramore
- Ewa Ryks
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- Tim Gibson
- Betty Holt
- Mr. Larry Jay
- Robert Quigley
- Timo Tolvanen
- Kenneth Wolfe
- Cari Lynn York
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🥉
HONORABLE MENTION
- Kristin Ambuhl
- Andy Bolan
- John Christopher
- Eliane Delage
- Jon Gillette
- Wayne Gamache
- Michael Hahn
- Brian Hanson
- Jane Hasler
- Heidi Huettner
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- John Jenkins
- Carol Lester
- Grahame Menage
- Philip Niverson
- Roy O’Neil
- Daniel O’Brien
- Robert Marshall
- John Smith
- Sarah Kuchta-Humphrey
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Well done, everyone! Your submissions reflect a clear commitment to your craft. We’re grateful for the talent and creativity you bring to the SongU community.
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Sara Light has been writing professionally in Nashville since 1996. Her credits include the John Michael Montgomery title track and the hit single "Home To You" which received an ASCAP airplay award in addition to being named SESAC song of the year for having garnered 2 million spins on radio. She also composed songs for the musical "Urban Cowboy, The Musical" which opened on Broadway in March 2003 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Original Score." Sara has always combined her love of teaching with her love of songwriting and has given countless songwriting seminars throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2001 she co-founded, along with her husband Danny Arena, the online educational website www.SongU.com. Besides being one of the main administrators (and now bloggers) Sara teaches Song Feedback and Lyric Writing at SongU.com.
