Welcome to SCALA: The Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association
Hi there and welcome to SCALA, the Songwriters, Composers and Lyricists Association.
If you’ve ever sat with a half-finished song in your notebook, a melody swimming around in your head, or some lyrics that just won’t leave you alone, then you already know that songwriting can be a lonely (but beautiful) journey.
That’s why SCALA exists.
We’re here to remind you that you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been writing for years, SCALA is a welcoming space where your creativity can grow alongside a community that gets what it means to make original music.
What you’re reading now is an introduction to SCALA, we’ll walk you through what SCALA is, what we offer, and why we’d love for you to be part of our community.
What is SCALA?
SCALA stands for the Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association. We’re a not-for-profit organisation based in Adelaide, South Australia, and we’ve been supporting original music since 1987.
We’re run entirely by volunteers. We are musicians, writers, creatives, and music lovers who care deeply about building a safe, encouraging, and inspiring space for original music to thrive.
There’s no genre limit, no age barrier, and no expectations about where you’re at in your music journey. Whether you write pop, folk, hip hop, instrumental, or experimental soundscapes…
If it’s original, then SCALA is for you.
Why SCALA Exists
Writing music can be one of the most powerful forms of expression but it can also feel really isolating. SCALA was built on the idea that creativity needs connection.
We know that when songwriters come together, something special happens. You learn from each other. You’re inspired by what others are doing. You get the nudge you need to finish that verse or share that song you’ve been sitting on.
SCALA is here to nurture that spark, to offer a stage, a community, and a platform for anyone brave enough to create something original.
What SCALA Offers
Live Showcases (SCALA Live @ Arthur Art Bar)
Each month, we host a night of original music at Arthur Art Bar (66 Currie Street) in Adelaide.
These SCALA Live showcases are open to members and feature a diverse lineup of performing songwriters and bands.
It’s a space where first-time performers share the stage with seasoned writers and every act gets the same respect, applause, and support from an extremely attentive and encouraging audience.
Workshops and Development
We run regular workshops designed to help you grow your craft, including our popular Write Club lyric-writing sessions. Whether you’re looking for feedback, collaboration, or just a creative kickstart, these sessions are for you.
FOOM – Festival of Original Music
Our annual FOOM songwriting competition is a celebration of original music in all forms. There are categories for:
- Live performance
- Recorded tracks
- Lyrics only
- Instrumentals
FOOM is open to anyone and offers a great opportunity to be heard, recognised, and inspired by other writers.
A Creative Community
At its heart, SCALA is a community. Whether it’s sharing ideas, swapping stories after a show, or finding a new collaborator, being part of SCALA means you’re not creating in a vacuum. You’ve got people around you who understand why this work matters.
Membership Perks
When you become a SCALA member, you get:
- Free or discounted entry to events
- Priority performance spots
- Access to workshops and special projects
- Opportunities to be featured in SCALA compilations and promotions
- The satisfaction of supporting original music in South Australia
Why Join SCALA?
Because being a songwriter isn’t just about the songs. It’s about staying inspired, being part of something, and knowing there’s a place where your music is welcome.
SCALA gives you:
- A stage to stand on
- A room to belong in
- A reason to keep going
And most importantly… a community that believes in original music as much as you do.
Who SCALA is For?
If any of the following sound like you, you’ll fit right in:
- A songwriter looking for a place to perform your originals
- A lyricist wanting feedback on your words
- A producer or composer seeking collaboration
- A music lover who wants to support and experience local talent
- A creative soul ready to take your next step in music
How to Get Involved
Getting started is easy:
- Become a member: Head to scala.org.au and sign up.
- Come to a SCALA Live event: Check our site or socials for upcoming dates.
- Submit to FOOM: Watch for competition details (usually mid-year).
- Join a workshop: Bring a notebook and your curiosity.
You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay in the loop.
SCALA is more than a music organisation. It’s a home base for creative people who believe in the power of original music.
We’re not here to tell you what to write or how to sound. We’re here to give you a stage, a space, and a supportive crowd so you can keep growing.
So if you’ve been looking for a sign to put your music out there, this is it. Join us.
Your songs belong here.
