Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions we receive from prospective Songbook Academy students and families. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please reach out to our staff at SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org.

Application Process

Is this program only for jazz, theater, and cabaret singers?

No, the Great American Songbook covers a wide range of musical styles and can be interpreted in many ways, making it suitable for singers who excel in various genres. Participants are selected based on their individual talents and strengths, regardless of genre.

Can rising high school freshmen or recently graduated seniors participate?

The program is open to high school students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 on September 22, 2025. Students in an earlier grade will need to wait until they are enrolled in ninth grade to apply. Individuals who graduated high school before the cutoff are ineligible. All are welcome to watch the public performances. 

Join our mailing list to learn when applications open for the next year or follow our socials for public announcements.

As an alum, can I reapply?

Yes! Many students return for two and three years as each summer’s mentors and workshops offer new opportunities for growth. A reminder that being an alum does not guarantee acceptance to the program when reapplying. Alumni status is not considered in adjudication.

What is the application process and when will I hear if I am accepted?

All applicants must submit an application form and audition videos on Acceptd. All applications are due by March 29, 2026. Acceptance notifications are delivered by April 19, 2026. We are unable to share an applicant's acceptance status before the screening period has ended.

All applicants will receive screening feedback after acceptance notifications are distributed. Learn more.

What are the costs and financial aid options? 

2026 Application Fees:
$50 application fee through February 28, 2026
$80 application fee March 1 - 29, 2026

2026 Program Fee:
$1,000 (includes room & board; does not include travel)

Financial aid options, including fee waivers and full program scholarships, are available.

Check out the Fees & Scholarships page

Where can I find appropriate songs or sheet music?

Visit the Songbook Selections page for a song ideas organized by theme and discover inspiration from recordings by popular artists curated on our Spotify.

Find sheet music by checking with your local library or by sending an inquiry to our staff in the Songbook Library & Archives for access to our collection of digitized sheet music. Generally, songs from the Great American Songbook published before the 1930s are also in the public domain, available online, and free to use. Many online music distribution sites provide sheet music for a small fee.

Program Details

Where does Songbook Academy take place?

The program is hosted at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, about thirty minutes from downtown Indianapolis and the Indianapolis International Airport.

Preview the concert venue!

Is attendance for the entire week required?

Yes, students must participate in all events during Songbook Academy Week, including workshops, classes, rehearsals, and performances. Mid-week arrivals are not permitted.

Where do participants stay during the week?

Students stay in dormitory housing on the Butler University campus, which offers accessible accommodations. Staying in the dorms is mandatory for all students.

Can my family come with me?

Families are invited to experience all that Central Indiana has to offer during Songbook Academy week! Check out Visit Hamilton County to plan your visit.

Workshops and classes are closed to the public, but family members can attend the Public Masterclass, Songbook Showcase, and Songbook Academy in Concert. Families unable to attend the public events in person are welcome to tune into the shows by national livestream.

Join our mailing list or follow our socials to learn more about public events.

Who are the mentors?

Join our mailing list or follow our socials to be the first to receive announcements of faculty & Guest Mentor, or check out the Faculty & Mentors page.

What kinds of workshops are held during Songbook Academy Week?

Workshops cover various topics: vocal technique, song interpretation, stage presence, wellness, and more. Students also have one-on-one coaching sessions and group rehearsals with their vocal coaches and music directors.

See a sample schedule.

What are the performance opportunities during the week?

Each student works hard throughout the week to develop their vocal technique and storytelling skills, performing a solo number of their choice and group numbers on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage in front of live public audiences.

For a behind-the-scenes look at the high quality mentorship that is provided by Songbook Academy, the public has privilege to sit in during the Public Masterclass and experience select students craft their solo number alongside celebrity guest mentors. Students are selected earlier in the week by random from a pool of eager candidates.

Every student has the opportunity to voice their story through their solo number in the Songbook Showcase, hosted on the Thursday of Songbook Academy week.

The students' effort culminates during the Songbook Academy in Concert, a Center Presents show, on the final Saturday of the week. Each student performs in team medleys and large group numbers, in addition to select solo performances by students who demonstrate personal growth, eagerness to learn, and dedication to collaboration and integrity throughout the week. This selection process takes place midweek.

Check out past performances!

Ready to apply?

Start your application now at songbookacademy.getacceptd.com.