The Songbook Academy Public Masterclass

Join us for a free public masterclass during The Songbook Academy® 2025 program week, featuring Great American Songbook Foundation founder and five-time GRAMMY Award nominee Michael Feinstein and Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning actress Jessie Mueller. In this dynamic session, Feinstein and Mueller will offer insightful critiques and real-time guidance to ten talented vocalists randomly selected from this year’s Songbook Academy singers.

 

Presented before a live audience and streamed for viewers nationwide, the 2025 Public Masterclass offers a rare opportunity to witness the artistry and educational mission of the Songbook Foundation in action. Whether you're a singer, music educator, or fan of the Great American Songbook, this engaging event promises inspiration, performance excellence, and behind-the-scenes insight into the Songbook Academy experience.

 

 

 

About the Mentors

Michael Feinstein is a multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated entertainer known for his dedication to preserving the Great American Songbook. He has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Buckingham Palace, and the Sydney Opera House. His most recent album, Gershwin Country, features collaborations with Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, and other country legends.

 

In addition to founding the Great American Songbook Foundation, Feinstein serves as Artistic Director of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, Principal Pops Conductor for the Pasadena Symphony, and is a member of the Library of Congress’ National Recording Preservation Board. He’s also the author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller The Gershwins and Me.

 

Jessie Mueller originated the role of Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, earning a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and GRAMMY Award for her performance. She went on to originate the role of Jenna in Waitress (Tony, Drama Desk, and GRAMMY nominations) and starred as Julie Jordan in Carousel, winning the Drama Desk Award and receiving Tony and GRAMMY nominations. Most recently, she appeared on Broadway in Tracy Letts’ The Minutes.

 

Other Broadway credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. After starring in The Music Man at the Kennedy Center, she returned for Guys and Dolls. TV/film: Patsy & Loretta, Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, Evil, Candy, Chicago Voices (Chicago Emmy nomination), Steven Spielberg’s The Post, A Good Person and Secret Headquarters. She can be heard in Netflix’s animated musical series Centaurworld and many cast recordings, including the newly released Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical.

 

About The Songbook Academy

Now in its 16th year, The Songbook Academy is a transformative summer intensive for high school vocalists, presented by the Great American Songbook Foundation and its founder, Michael Feinstein. Forty of the nation’s most talented young singers are selected from hundreds of applicants to spend a week working with Broadway stars, professional vocal coaches, and music educators to develop their artistry with a focus on song interpretation and performance of timeless American popular music.

   

 

Our Partners

We are grateful to the partners whose support makes The Songbook Academy possible. Their investment helps nurture the next generation of musical storytellers and preserve America's timeless musical legacy.

 

 

Songbook Summer Match Sponsor

Dr. Larry Weeda Jr. and Sharon Polk

 

Guest Mentor Impact Supporters

Libby and Randy Brown
Tim and Karyl McGeath

Bob and Rose Popovich
The Tobin Family