M-Audio Announces Sponsorship of International Songwriting Competition

Company contributes support and gear to help further the next generation of songwriters.

Los Angeles, — M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), and a leading provider of creative tools for musicians, is proud to sponsor the 2008 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Judged by a host of A-list artists and producers, the ISC is the premiere contest for aspiring songwriters across the world.

ISC contestants compete in 20 different categories to win a variety of gear, scholarship and cash prizes. M-Audio is pleased to provide a host of professional solutions designed to make it easier for aspiring songwriters to compose and record their own music. Featured products include the Studiophile® BX5a Deluxe studio reference monitors, Studiophile® Q40 reference headphones, ProKeys™ Sono 88 portable digital piano with USB audio interface, and KeyRig 49 USB keyboard controller.

The ISC has assembled a panel of 46 high-profile judges from across the music industry. The panel includes artists Rob Thomas, Tom Waits, Chaka Khan, KT Tunstall, Ray Davies and Paul Van Dyk; music industry executives Monte Lipman (president, Universal Records), Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK) and Amy Doyle (Senior VP, MTV Artist and Talent); acclaimed producer Steve Lillywhite, and many more.

“The ISC provides a great opportunity for up-and-coming songwriters to get feedback from renowned industry veterans who know what it takes to succeed in this business,” says Adam Castillo, director of marketing for M-Audio. “M-Audio is proud to contribute to the success of those who will be writing the hits of tomorrow and helping shape the future of the music industry.”

Category prizes include a $3,000 equipment package for first place, $2,000 package for second place, and a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music’s five-week Summer Performance Program for the winner of the Teen category. The Overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a generous package of $20,000 in prizes and $25,000 in cash. Each entrant’s submission is judged on a variety of criteria (partially dependant on category), including creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and arrangement.

Entries must be postmarked on or before October 15, 2008. ISC 2008 finalists will be announced in February 2009 and winners in April 2009. For more information on the International Songwriting Competition, visit www.songwritingcompetition.com, or call (615) 251-4441.

© 2008 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements and availability are subject to change without notice. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, ProKeys, Sibelius, Softimage, Studiophile and Sundance are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.