Apply Now for the 2024-25 Mentorship Program "Roadmap to Release"
Join us on our 4th season of Write On! Songwriting Mentorship 8-month program. This year the program is titled “Roadmap to Release” as we guide you through not only songwriting, but through a release journey. The course is all built on the foundation of community and songwriting, with the inclusion of business and marketing elements.
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Are you passionate about writing? Are you a lyricist, instrumentalist or a singer songwriter looking to hone your skills or catch some new inspiration? Are you embarking on your music journey and eager to make connections? Are you self-driven, dedicated, community-focused and have the availability to participate in this collaborative experience?
Steps to apply: Note: Applications for 2024-25 have now closed.
Send us a note if you're interested for the next season
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Step 1: Read over the program package at this link and take note of:
Step 2: Prepare Example - For the application form you will need to prepare and upload an original song (at least a verse and a chorus) and include the lyrics.
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NOTE: Don’t be shy with this, it is so we can see where you are at in your journey – no self-judgment!
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We are not looking for studio quality and this is not a competition.
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If you are unable to show us an original then we will accept a cover, but not preferred.
Step 3: Fill out the application form here * Now Closed and show us who you are.
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We want to get to know the authentic you.
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For your recording – this does not need to be of professional quality! But please don’t forget to send both lyrics and audio.
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Don't forget to hit submit! :)
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Notes:
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As noted in the material and information sessions, a stripped-down songwriting course will be extended to anyone not making the final 12. Please proceed with the same application even if you are only interested in basic songwriting – include this in your notes. If we feel you are ready for the next step we will discuss this with you and vice versa if we feel you’re not quite ready.
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Follow us on socials @writeon.songs on Instagram and @WriteOnSongwriting on facebook. We’ll post regular updates on these platforms and you can see what the past classes have been up to.
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Under 18 and applying: You will need to fill out parent contact information and they will be looped into all communications.
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If you have further questions or want to chat about the program with a facilitator, drop us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of songwriter is this course for? Songwriters of all abilities are welcome to apply. We are built on the philosphy that there is something to learn from everyone and we are driven by community and support. A beginner can gain the tools to start songwriting, an intermediate songwriter may hone some new skills or experience co-writing, an experienced songwriter may be looking for inspiration, refining their creative drive or being held accountable to create.
What level of performer do I need to be? This year the course is geared toward writing, recording, releasing, and performing. You do not need to be a seasoned performer - the course can help you build the confidence you need, we work on banter, stage presence and performance. You should have a desire to present your songs in some form. Performance opportunities at listening rooms will be based on readiness, and we can source an accompanying musician if needed.
Do i need to be a specific genre or is this open to all? This program is not genre-specific. Our listening rooms are currently primarily in the Folk Music world - Folk is a wide genre - songwriting belongs in all genres. Our listening room audiences are eager to hear what our Write On! participants have created and are supportive of the songwriting craft rather than the genre of music. We are looking to add further venues and listening rooms to our partner/support list.
Is there a cost to the program? This year there will be a cost to the program. This is to maintain a sustainable business model, so we can offer an honorarium to our guest presenters, bring in additional expertise at a higher level, cover program costs. Write On! is still a volunteer-driven organization and we are not making a profit - our mission is to offer accessible programing / low barrier access. Scholarships are now available through the program - details to be announced.
Is there a payment plan? This is something we are currently fine-tuning. To secure your place, we will require a non-refundable $500 deposit at the time of acceptance. As we are limited to 12 spots, we must have participants confirmed promptly so we can move down the list. If this is a barrier to participation please discuss with us and we will will try our best to work with you. Also we take credit card this season, however there is an additional % for credit card payments.
Do I need to attend all the classes? We expect attendance and participation as this is what the course is built on - the connection of people and support of each other as songwriters. If you are sick we can arrange a Zoom for you to listen in so you can keep up with the information - but the experience won’t be the same. You’ll miss out on the co-writing/interactive elements and you won’t have time for the casual conversations with guest speakers and peers where a lot of the “business” happens. If there is a legitimate conflict with a date - please explain in your application and we will discuss/work around if needed.
How can I enhance my application? Show us who you are. We want to discover the authentic you. We’ll ask you a series of questions about your background in music and community. We are approachable - so if you have a question during the application please reach out and ask questions! We can make accommodations in the application process if you have accessibility needs please contact us to discuss. NOTE: For the audio recording - do not spend money on this, a voice memo on your phone is fine! This part of the application is just to assess where you are at.
Do we get high school students? Our youngest participant has been 11 (but this would be an exception), we have had one or two confident youth participants each year. Additional sign-off is required for anyone under 18. We find those youth that are passionate about performing and creating can fit it into their lives naturally as it is what they enjoy doing recreationally. The majority of the class is 18+, so a confident communicator is also important - those who are already performing likely have this naturallyground in music and community. We are approachable - so if you have a question during the application please reach out and ask questions! We can make accommodations in the application process if you have accessibility needs please contact us to discuss. NOTE: For the audio recording - do not spend money on this, a voice memo on your phone is fine! This part of the application is just to assess where you are at.
If I have previously participated in the program am I eligible to re-apply? Historically we have only taken new participants each year. Some past participants have asked if they can take the course again. Reasons include craving community and accountability, need a boost in their creativity, are at a different direction career-wise wise and need a refresher. You are welcome to apply! You may find some parts of the course more useful than others, however, you are expected to still participate fully. Past participants will be limited at 2 per season maximum. This will ensure that the new group can bond as a new group without shifting the dynamic too much.
What is the basic songwriting-only course? This year we decided that as we only have 12 places on “Roadmap to Release” we would love to still be able to offer something to those not getting a place in the program. We are still developing this - however, it will be offered if you have applied for the full program and not secured a place. It will cover elements of songwriting and songwriting practice, assignments and accountability. Dates, times, cost are all in the works.