JBL Music Academy Contest 2026: 30 artist places in Amsterdam

Entry checklist

• Be 18 or older and legally resident in a participating country.
• Speak English at an intermediate level.
• Submit up to three original demos and a motivation video no longer than two minutes.

How to enter

1. Register with accurate contact and residence details.
2. Add social-media links, up to three original demos and the motivation video.
3. Submit one complete entry before August 14 at 23:59 CET.

The application combines music and a personal explanation

Applicants register with their identity, date of birth, country, phone number and social links. The creative part permits up to three demos of the entrant’s own original music and requires a motivation video lasting no more than two minutes.

The rules exclude content that improperly identifies other people, includes minors or relies on material the entrant does not have permission to use. Keeping the submission focused on original work reduces the risk of disqualification.

Thirty artists receive travel and an academy place

Each selected artist receives round-trip economy transport, transfers between the airport and hotel, four hotel nights for one person in Amsterdam, transport connected with the academy, access to masterclasses, studio time, performance and networking sessions, plus food and drink provided during the three-day event.

The prize is for the selected artist only. Personal spending, insurance, visas, passports and costs not specifically listed remain the artist’s responsibility.

Entries are judged against stated creative criteria

The official terms identify artistic quality, originality and creativity as central criteria. This is not a random giveaway: the submitted work and motivation materials are reviewed by the sponsor, Martin Garrix and his team.

Applicants should ensure every demo link works without special access and that the motivation video directly explains their musical direction. A technically inaccessible link can prevent the judges from evaluating the work.

Selected artists have a short confirmation window

JBL says selected artists will be notified by email no later than September 24. They have 48 hours to confirm availability and respond. Failure to reply, return documents or meet travel requirements can lead to an alternate being selected.

Important limits and checks

• Only one entry is permitted per person.
• Thirty artists are selected on artistic quality, originality and creativity.
• Selected artists must respond to the notification within 48 hours.

Official source and verification

The information above was checked against the organizer’s official rules or campaign page on June 25, 2026. The official source remains controlling if the organizer publishes a correction.