Instructions for applying to July (Intermediate-to-Advanced Camp) only:

* Previous Songwriting Camp and Songwriting Tune-Up participants may register without submitting application materials.

1. Please provide lyrics and a recording of one song you have written or co-written, and which you feel demonstrates your solid understanding of the basics of lyric writing: title, theme, verse, chorus, bridge (optional) and rhyme-scheme. We will not judge the quality of your performance or of the recording, and you may submit a simple phone memo. If you do not play an instrument, please feel free to sing a cappella or to enlist the help of guest musicians. Similarly, if you prefer not to sing, you may enlist the help of guest vocalists. Do your best and remember that this application needs only show your songwriting know-how, and not any performance or recording skills.
2. In a brief personal statement (500 words or fewer), please tell us about yourself. We’d like to know about the song you submitted – how, when, and why you wrote it. What have you learned about songwriting, how, and from whom? Have you had experience co-writing songs, recording music, or with music production? What apps or software have you used, if any? Also, please tell us why you think you would do well in our intermediate-to-advanced camp (as opposed to the beginner to intermediate camp), and what you hope to gain.
3. Please email all supporting materials (song lyrics, recording, and personal statement) to camp@countrymusichalloffame.org WITHIN ONE WEEK of registering for intermediate-to-advanced camp. Materials will be evaluated to determine the songwriter’s understanding of lyric writing basics (title, theme, verse, chorus, and rhyme scheme) and interest in growing their skills. Songwriters unable to submit their materials WITHIN ONE WEEK of registering – or whose materials do not demonstrate an understanding of songwriting appropriate for the intermediate-to-advanced camp session – will receive a refund or may choose to enroll in the beginner-to-intermediate camp session, space permitting. We will evaluate and respond to supporting materials within one week of submission.

June Camp is for beginner-to-intermediate level songwriters, ages 11 to 18. Previous songwriting experience, owning an instrument or having musical proficiency are not required. 

July Camp, with added emphasis on recording techniques and co-writing, is for intermediate-to-advanced [+bold] level songwriters, ages 11 to 18. Previous songwriting experience is required. All applicants to July Camp must submit lyrics and a recording of one song they have written or co-written. A statement about the song and previous songwriting instruction is also required. See additional details below. 

Songwriters who have participated in a previous Museum Songwriting Camp, Songwriting Tune-Up, or Words & Music Program through their school may register for July Camp without submitting application materials.

• Beginner: A beginner songwriter has little to no experience writing songs but is eager and excited to learn and make new friends who share this interest.
• Intermediate: An intermediate songwriter has some understanding of how songs are put together and has written a few songs but is eager to add knowledge and build confidence alongside new friends.
• Advanced: An advanced songwriter has solid understanding of the fundamentals of lyric writing, including title, theme, verse, chorus, bridge, and rhyme scheme, and is ready to take their songwriting to the next level.

Previous songwriting or performance experience or music proficiency are not required for June Camp.Please see the “How do I know which camp to register for” section for more information.

Campers who play an instrument are encouraged to bring it with them each day. Instruments available for use through the museum’s education collection include acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, electric bass, lap steel guitar, mandolin, and ukulele. A keyboard is also available.

We offer a limited number of needs-based financial assistance packages that reduce the camp fee to $25 or $275 for qualifying families.   Financial assistance applications must be submitted prior to registering for camp.

A limited number of snacks will be provided each day, but lunch is not provided. Please pack a lunch and any additional snacks you may want. Box lunches will be available for pre-purchase at the time of registration.

• Security: The museum has full-time security contracted who are on-site 24/7.
• Background Checks: All camp staff and mentors must pass a background check prior to camp.
• Supervision: Campers will be supervised at all times. Doors to practice rooms/ breakout rooms will always be left open. Individual campers will never be left alone with one adult.
• At the conclusion of each day, minor campers will only be released to pre-authorized parent/guardian. Please contact camp@countrymusichalloffame.org with any questions.
• Policies and procedures will be updated as needed.

• Yes, with prior arrangements made with camp staff. Parking is available at the Museum for any local students over age 16 with a valid driver’s license who will be driving themselves. Please contact us at camp@countrymusichalloffame.org to discuss parking options for campers who drive themselves.

• Yes, based on availability of staff to walk students to and from bus and/or train stops. Prior arrangements must be made. Please contact us at camp@countrymusichalloffame.org to arrange alternate transportation options.

• For information regarding the Museum’s Accessibility and how we abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please visit countrymusichalloffame.org/accessibility.
• A calm room is available at all times in the Taylor Swift Education Center for visitors who need a quiet space.
• Sensory kits are available at all times in the Taylor Swift Education Center.
• If your camper needs a specific accommodation, please contact camp@countrymusichalloffame.org to request accommodation before registering for camp.