What is the Songbook Academy?

The Songbook Academy is a summer music intensive for high school singers who want to strengthen their vocal and performance skills and develop their individual artistry through the Great American Songbook. Forty students participate in individual coaching, workshops, and solo and ensemble performances with music professionals and educators.

The Songbook Academy emphasizes learning, storytelling, and collaboration - it is not a competition.

When and where is the program?

The 2027 Songbook Academy takes place July 17–24 in Carmel, Indiana, at the Great American Songbook Foundation’s headquarters at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.

Who may apply?

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

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

Students graduating in spring 2027 are eligible if they meet these requirements. Students in grade 8 on the eligibility date are not eligible for the 2027 program.

As a previous participant, can I reapply?

Yes! Previous participants may reapply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Each summer’s mentors and workshops offer new opportunities for growth.

Previous participation does not guarantee admission.

Is the Songbook Academy only for jazz and cabaret singers?

No. Singers from a wide range of musical backgrounds are welcome. The Songbook Academy focuses on vocal development, interpretation, and storytelling through the Great American Songbook, with room for students to explore their own style and artistic identity.

Do I need experience with the Great American Songbook?

No extensive experience with this repertoire is required. Curiosity and a willingness to explore the music are welcome! Visit Explore the Songbook for an introduction and repertoire resources.

Who will I work with?

Students work with vocal coaches, music directors, guest artists, and educators who offer individual guidance throughout the week. Visit our Faculty & Mentors page for information about our team. The 2027 faculty and guest mentors will be announced as they are confirmed.

How do I apply?

Apply through Acceptd. Complete the application form and upload videos of two contrasting songs and a recent photo. A casual photo is welcome; a professional headshot is not required.

You can save your progress and return before submitting. Review the Application Requirements for preparation guidance and submission instructions.

What are the deadlines, and when will I hear back?

• December 31, 2026: Last day to submit at the $35 early bird application fee.
• March 21, 2027: Priority deadline. Submit a complete application by this date to receive an admission decision by April 14.
• March 28, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time: Final application deadline.

Applications submitted after the priority deadline may receive an admission decision after April 14.

How should I prepare my audition videos?

Choose two contrasting songs that demonstrate your vocal abilities and storytelling. We recommend Great American Songbook repertoire from the 1920s–1960s; repertoire outside that range does not automatically disqualify an application.

Professional recordings are not required. Clear phone recordings and recordings of previous performances are welcome if they meet the audition requirements. Complete songs and accompaniment are encouraged, but unaccompanied auditions are accepted if accompaniment is unavailable.

Do not use audio enhancement tools that alter your vocal performance. See the Application Requirements for complete recording guidance.

Where can I find songs or sheet music?

Visit Songbook Selections for song ideas organized by theme or explore recordings on our Spotify page.

For sheet music, check with your school or local library, explore sheet music retailers, or contact SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org for help finding resources.

How are applications reviewed?

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

Will I receive feedback if I am not accepted?

Yes. Every applicant receives written feedback from the screening panel, whether or not they are accepted. Feedback is shared after admission notifications.

Does a parent or guardian need to complete my application?

Students may complete the application themselves, with help from a parent, guardian, or trusted adult if needed. All applicants, including those who are 18 or older, must provide an adult contact who has agreed to receive routine application and program communications.

If you do not have an available adult contact, reach out to staff for guidance on how to meet this requirement.

How much does it cost?

The $1,250 program fee covers tuition, room, and board. Travel to and from the program is not included in the program fee.

The non-refundable application fee is $35 through December 31, 2026, and $50 beginning January 1, 2027. Full and partial program fee assistance and application fee waivers are available.

How do I request an application fee waiver?

Email SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org before submitting your application for instructions and approval. Reach out early enough to complete the process before the deadline.

Application fee waivers and program fee assistance are separate requests.

How do I request program fee assistance?

Complete the optional Financial Assistance section within your application. Accepted students with verified documentation of household eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, household SNAP benefits, or an ACT or SAT fee waiver qualify for full program fee assistance.

If you do not qualify for those programs, you may still be considered for full or partial assistance based on your household’s financial circumstances. Follow the application instructions to upload qualifying documentation or a brief supporting statement from a trusted adult. A tax return is not required.

Financial assistance information is reviewed by authorized staff and financial assistance reviewers to evaluate your request. Requesting assistance does not affect your admission decision.

Visit Fees & Financial Assistance for details. Contact staff before the deadline if you cannot obtain the required supporting materials.

Is travel assistance available?

Travel assistance is not available at this time. If travel costs would remain a barrier even with full program fee assistance, indicate that in your application and contact staff before making travel arrangements.

Reporting a travel barrier will not reduce your eligibility for program fee assistance.

Is attendance for the entire week required?

Yes. Students must attend the full program, July 17–24, 2027, including workshops, classes, rehearsals, and performances. Late arrivals are not permitted.

Contact staff before applying if you anticipate a scheduling conflict.

Where do students stay?

Students stay together in supervised dormitory housing at Butler University in Indianapolis. All students are required to stay in program housing, and transportation between housing and program activities is arranged by the Songbook Academy.

Accepted students and their adult contacts receive housing, packing, and arrival information before the program. Contact staff to discuss accessibility or housing needs.

What kinds of workshops are held during the week?

Workshops explore vocal technique, song interpretation, stage presence, wellness, and other topics supporting students’ artistic growth. Students also participate in individual coaching and group rehearsals with their vocal coaches and music directors.

See a sample schedule for a sense of the experience. Activities vary from year to year.

Will I have opportunities to perform?

Yes. Every student performs a solo in the Songbook Showcase and participates in small group and ensemble performances in Songbook Academy in Concert. Some students also have a solo opportunity in the concert.

Every student has an opportunity to sing for a guest mentor and receive feedback and coaching. Some students perform in the Public Masterclass, a coaching session open to an audience, while others work with mentors in sessions closed to the public. Public Masterclass performers are selected at random.

Watch past performances to see students sharing their artistry onstage.

Can families attend or watch online?

Yes! Families and friends are encouraged to join us for public performances and celebrate the students’ work. Attendance is optional, and parents or guardians do not need to stay in Carmel during the program. Information about available special hotel rates will be shared with accepted students and their families.

Workshops and classes are closed to visitors. Families are welcome at the Public Masterclass, Songbook Showcase, and Songbook Academy in Concert.

For those who cannot attend in person, livestreams offer another way to join us for events with online viewing. Public event dates, ticket information, and livestream details will be shared closer to the summer program.

How should I plan travel?

Students and families are required to arrange travel to and from the program. Accepted students will receive arrival and departure instructions before the Songbook Academy. Please review those instructions before booking transportation.

The Songbook Academy arranges transportation between student housing and program activities during the week.

What if I need an accommodation or help applying?

Contact SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org if you need an accessibility accommodation, help preparing materials, or support with a requirement that does not fit your situation. We welcome conversations about application access and participation needs.

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