PENDLETON — Many young people love to sing and play instruments, and some even dream of getting paid to do it.

Performers between the ages of 9 and 19 who live in Madison County have a chance to pursue that goal; they can submit a video of themselves singing or playing an instrument to the Madison County Music Contest.

The top musical act will receive a cash prize of $300.

The contest is sponsored by DG Voice Studio, 7450 S. County Road 300W, Pendleton, and is open to any young singer, group or musician in the county.

Pendleton Heights Middle School choir teacher Daniel Gallion owns of the business and said he’s hoping young performers will take part.

He’s particularly looking forward to hearing younger performers, whom he likes to see take a chance and showcase their talents.

“I am always trying to find or create new performing opportunities for my students and our community,” Gallion said.

Participants pay $20 to submit their information and video via the website, dgvoicestudio.com.

The top 20 vote recipients will be chosen by public voting, and anyone can vote, which creates a level playing field for all ages and levels of ability, Gallion said.

The deadline for entering is Sunday, April 30. However, the online voting has already started and is open to all through mid-May.

The top 20 solo and group singing or playing acts will then compete in a final round of live performances on Saturday, May 20, at Pendleton Heights Middle School. That’s where they’ll have a chance to win the cash prize.

Katie Martin, a Pendleton Heights Middle School student, takes singing lessons from Gallion and hopes to do well in the contest.

“I’m entering the contest because I feel it’s a good experience and it will help me grow as a singer,” she said.

During the final round, the singers, groups and instrument players will perform in front of a panel of judges who will select the first-, second- and third-place winners who will be awarded $300, $150 and $100, respectively.

A musical contest is a fun way to get the younger generation involved and to share their musical talents, Gallion said.

He said he hopes the use of social media and technology to enter videos and vote will attract younger people.

Anyone interest in taking part can also visit dgvoicestudio.com and click the contest banner on the home page to be directed to the contest information.