The Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) has increased its financial commitment for young songwriters and composers.
Eleven scholarships have been announced.Eight Profession Development Awards will be handed out in Australia and a further three in New Zealand under the plan.
Two new awards have been included for popular contemporary songwriters in Australia. An Indigenous songwriter or composer award has also been included.
Each prize is worth more than $16000. It includes $12000 in cash plus a Gibson guitar, studio time at Trackdown Recording Studio and access to an online course at the Berklee College of Music in the USA.
Applications for the 2009 Australian PDAs open on September 1.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.apra.com.au
