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Application Requirements

The Songbook Academy® selects 40 high school singers for an intensive week of coaching, workshops, and performances in Carmel, Indiana, July 17–24, 2027.

 

Every applicant receives written feedback from a national panel of music professionals and educators, whether or not they are accepted.

 

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in grades 9–12, including homeschooled students, as of October 28, 2026, and meet one of these requirements:

 

  • Live in the United States or its territories, including international students residing in the United States while attending school.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national living or studying abroad.

 

Students graduating in spring 2027 are eligible. Previous participants may reapply.

 

Application Deadline & Fees

  • Through December 31, 2026: $35 early bird application fee
  • Beginning January 1, 2027: $50 application fee
  • Priority deadline: March 21, 2027 — Submit a complete application to receive an admission decision by April 14
  • Final deadline: March 28, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET

 

Applications submitted after the priority deadline may receive an admission decision after April 14. Written feedback will be shared after admission notifications.

 

Application fees, if paid, are non-refundable. If you need an application fee waiver, contact SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org and receive approval before submitting.

 

The $1,250 program fee covers tuition, room, and board. Full and partial financial assistance is available.

 

Learn more about fees and financial assistance.

 

How to Apply
Apply through Acceptd. You can save your progress and return before submitting.

 

  1. Create an Acceptd account and open your application.
  2. Complete your student, school, and adult contact information. All applicants, including those who are 18 or older, must provide a parent, guardian, or trusted adult contact.
  3. Upload your application materials: two audition videos, the title of each song, and a recent photo.
  4. Complete the optional Financial Assistance section and provide the required supporting materials if requesting help with the program fee.
  5. Review and submit, paying the application fee unless you have an approved waiver.

 

Audition Requirements & Recording Tips

Choose Your Songs
Submit two contrasting songs, such as an up-tempo song and a ballad, that demonstrate the breadth of your vocal abilities and storytelling.

 

Great American Songbook repertoire from the 1920s–1960s is strongly encouraged. Repertoire outside this range will not automatically disqualify your application. If you’re new to the Songbook or have limited repertoire prepared, choose songs that best demonstrate your abilities and interpretation.

 

Explore the Great American Songbook or find song ideas and repertoire resources.

 

 

Prepare Your Recordings

Professional recordings are not required. Clear phone recordings are welcome.

Do not alter your voice with audio enhancement tools, including pitch correction, Auto-Tune, or added vocal effects.

Accordion File Start Tag.
Place this tag before the RTE which contains the Accordion File content.
All headers should use the "Accordion File" style while the rest of the content should use the normal paragraph style.
Be sure not to forget the Accordion File End Tag.

Recording tips & upload guidance

  • Perform complete songs when possible.
  • Live piano or recorded accompaniment is encouraged. Check the sound balance so your voice can be heard clearly. If accompaniment is unavailable, a cappella auditions are accepted.
  • Recordings of past performances are welcome if they meet the audition requirements and clearly represent your singing.
  • Keep your face well lit and clearly visible so screeners can see your facial and physical expression.
  • OPTIONAL: Introduce yourself and your song.

 

Follow Acceptd’s upload instructions and play back your uploaded videos to check the sound and picture before submitting.

Accordion File End Tag.
Place after the RTE with the Accordion File content.
Content after this tag will not be included in the Accordion File.

 

How Applications Are Reviewed

A national panel of music professionals and educators reviews audition videos using five equally weighted criteria: intonation, tone quality, rhythm, song interpretation, and presentation.

 

Financial assistance information and optional demographic responses are not considered in evaluating artistic qualifications or admission.

 

Need Help?

For questions about eligibility, song selection, financial assistance, accessibility accommodations, or preparing your materials, contact SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org or 317-844-2251.

 

If a requirement presents a barrier, please reach out before the deadline so we can help.

 

For technical help with Acceptd or uploads, visit the Acceptd Help Desk.