LIVERPOOL, UK, /UCWE/ - Call for young songwriters to enter the 2006 MIBI Awards for outstanding young songwriters. The annual awards organised by Yamaha Music (UK)and held at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) are judged by the likes of Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Live 8 promoter Harvey Goldsmith.

"When I was invited to perform at Earls Court and rehearse with a group of top session musicians in 1995 for the then Yamaha Rock and Pop awards it was the biggest thing in my life and it convinced me that my music mattered and that's why the MIBI awards are so important" - so says MIBI judge, Coldplay founder and frontman Chris Martin. Other judges including broadcaster Mark Radcliffe, Ms Dynamite , Live8 organizer and promoter Harvey Goldsmith Steve Levine are equally passionate.

To listen to the judges talk about Make it Break It and hear invaluable advice, hints and tips please visit www.makeitbreakit.org

Organizers Yamaha and The Liverpool Institute for the performing Arts (LIPA) are now calling for entries for the 2006 awards which are aimed at inspiring and showcasing young original songwriting talent across all popular musical genres. There are thousands of pounds worth of Yamaha gear up for grabs, the chance to perform with a top session band with plenty of rehearsal time for the winners. The winners then get to perform live at what has typically been a capacity audience at LIPA in front of supporters, and equally important - top record and A&R execs.

Since it's inception in 2003 MAKE IT BREAK IT (MIBI) has attracted over 1,000 entries from young songwriters. Winners, finalists and schools have found the competition a boost. Working with professional session musicians, performing at LIPA with a professional band in front of an invited audience, participating in seminars and an Open Forum with music professionals has proved both energising and inspiring. Schools nominated by the winners also receive substantial Yamaha equipment to enhance their music department's capabilities.

There are three categories; rock, pop and urban/dance and two age groups 14 - 16 and 17 - 19 yr olds. The scheme has been praised by the Times Educational Supplement who sent a team to last years awards .

The Times Educational Supplement said of the awards "It's what you learn from taking part that counts , it's the real deal- it's about people that are passionate about making music and learning about each stage involved in making a record."

Broadcaster Mark Radcliffe, himself a gigging musician said "I've been involved with MIBI from the very beginning. One of the main reasons I'm committed to it is because all the songs are taken very seriously and listened to very carefully, it's not about fashion or the band , or the production, it's about the song. New songwriters are vital to the music industry. I play records and without great new songs I'd have to talk more and no-one wants that!, I remember when I started out , I didn't know whether I was any good. Obviously I was very arrogant and a rampant egomaniac and any good friend is going to slag you off anyway so , the MIBI's take your music to independent people who know about the business and care very much about helping real talent - that's the great thing ."

One of last year's winning bands was Alice's Garden from Blatchingdon Mill school in Hove who were encouraged by teacher Craig Sullivan to get involved. He explained, " Alice's     Garden have gone on to receive considerable exposure since last years event. Yamaha have obviously looked at the curriculum , which is why teachers should definitely buy into it. There is a strong creative writing element, PSE, Business and ICT are also involved ."

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - 20TH DECEMBER 2005

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