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

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

All applicants may submit a video or audio file explaining why they would like to attend July (Intermediate-to-Advanced) Camp and perform one original song. The video/audio file should be no longer than five (5) minutes.

Acceptable talking points include:

• Introduce yourself
• Tell us about your song—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?
• Tell us why you think you would do well in July (Intermediate-to-Advanced) Camp (as opposed to Beginner-to-Intermediate Camp), and what you hope to gain from your camp experience.

The song performance must include 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. (If you make a mistake, just keep going!) 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.

Submission Instructions:

Applicants may share a URL to a video (lyrics must be included) in the application. (If uploading to YouTube, please mark your video as “unlisted” and type the song lyrics in the description. Video and lyric files may also be uploaded and shared via a cloud service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.) Applicants may also email an audio file and lyrics to camp@countrymusichalloffame.org.

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.  Families may apply for financial aid in the camp registration.

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.