Songwriting Camp at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Camp includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, instrument instruction, performance coaching, demo recording experiences, workshops led by special guests, and much more. A showcase on the final day presents a culminating performance featuring new works created during the week. Throughout camp, students will also enjoy unlimited access to the museum galleries, participate in a group recording session at Historic RCA Studio B; and be treated to special art and design activities. ​

The June 12-17, 2017, camp is for the beginner-to-intermediate level songwriters, ages 11 to 18. Owning an instrument or having musical proficiency is not required.

• Beginner: Participants have not written a song before or have dabbled with writing. Should be eager and excited to learn and make new friends who share this interest.
• Intermediate: Patricipants have some understanding of how songs are put together and have written a few songs. Eager to add knowledge and build confidence alongside new friends.

REGISTER

WHAT TO EXPECT AT SONGWRITING CAMP

Songwriting camp is a six-day songwriting- and music-intensive experience that will boost skills and build confidence. Led by museum educators, professional songwriters, and touring musicians, camp is centered around step-by-step songwriting instruction and daily, individual mentoring by experts in the music business. Camp concludes with a Saturday morning performance in the museum’s Ford Theater in which students showcase their songs for friends, family, and museum visitors. All students will record a demo of their song in our education studio and receive a recording of the Saturday performance. Songwriting camp instruction takes place in the Taylor Swift Education Center, located inside the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Daily sessions start promptly at 9:00 a.m. and end promptly at 3:00 p.m.
• Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended for walking and exploring the museum galleries.
• Snack breaks will be provided each day but lunch is not provided. Please pack a lunch. Box lunches will be available for pre-purchase.
• Paper and pencils will be provided, but campers are encouraged to bring their own notebook, journal, sketchbook, iPad, etc.
• Previous songwriting or performance experience, or musical proficiency, is not required for the beginner – intermediate camp. We ask all campers to arrive excited to learn, eager to meet and work with new people,

and open to collaboration with fellow campers throughout the week. We also ask all campers to participate in the Saturday showcase.

• 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, mandolin, and ukulele. A keyboard is also available.
• Once the application has been submitted, a confirmation email will be sent within seventy-two hours.
• Fees must be paid in full by May 19.
• Cancellations with a full refund will be accepted up to May 29. Registration is non-refundable past May 29.
• The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Arts Access fund will provide a limited number of scholarships for campers who express a strong interest in songwriting and demonstrate financial need

Scholarships reduce the camp fee to $25. Scholarships will be given on a first come, first served basis. Completed scholarship applications must be received by May 12.

• Friends and family are invited to a performance showcase on June 17. Space may be limited.
• Schedule and teaching artists subject to change. Songwriting camp must have a minimum number of registrants to take place.
• Questions are welcome. Please contact camp@countrymusichalloffame.org or 615-577-7757.