Plug Into Songwriting

Students who attended Plug Into Songwriting in 2023 do not have to re-audition to attend in 2024. You will be automatically accepted and will be contacted to confirm your attendance through CampInTouch after you complete your application. All other applicants should submit an audition following the guidelines below.

Audition video must include 1-2 original song ideas, even if incomplete. The goal is to demonstrate current instrumental, vocal, and lyric writing skills. Submitting a few phrases of something you’ve written is fine! We can help develop ideas that you have begun.

Please include original song lyrics if you have some written (enter in Audition Details section on the Music Audition Form); a brief description of your musical and performance experience; and a letter of recommendation from a private teacher or mentor who has personal knowledge of your musical abilities.

Audition Instructions:
Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.
Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition.
Complete the Submittable application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the Summer Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at Idyllwild Arts and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 1, 2024
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 1. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation.

Secondary Audition Deadline: April 15, 2024
The Honor Music Discount is reduced from $1200 to $800 for a two-week program after April 15.

Honors Music Discounts
Music students who participate in regional, state and national honor groups qualify for a discount of $1,200 for a two-week program and $600 for a one-week music program. After April 15, the Honor Discount is reduced to $800 for a two-week program and $400 for a one-week program so get your auditions in early! Additional financial aid based on financial need is available.

Enrollment Process for Honor Discount:
Fill out the online application using the Register Now button on our website.
In the application, we ask if your child is in an honor group or band.
Please fill in the Honor band questions when prompted in the application.
You will not see the deduction for the Honor Music discount when you get to the payment page – as this is a discount, it must be manually applied by a member of the registration team.

When you submit your application, your card will not be charged immediately, as music students’ applications need to be reviewed for:
Instrument availability
Audition requirements (if applicable for the program)
Honor Music Group verification – we ask that you provide verification that your child is part of the Honor group you listed in the application.
Once we receive the application, we will review it within a week and:
Send you email instructions for verifying Honor group participation
Send you email instructions for completing the audition
After the audition is reviewed and your child is accepted, we will manually enroll your child and apply the Honor Discount.

To verify your child’s participation in an Honor Ensemble:
Log on to your CampInTouch account (parent’s account*).
Click on the yellow pencil icon to go to the Forms & Documents page.
You will then need to complete the following forms:
Honor Music Group Verification Form**:
Upload a document in PDF format verifying your membership in an All-State or Honor ensemble using the Upload Honor Music Group Verification by clicking in the arrow on the right-hand side of the form. (Examples of verification include a concert program, acceptance letter, or participation certificate.)

*Forms & Documents are only available on the parent’s CampInTouch account, not the camper’s account.
** Detailed instructions for uploading PDF documents are available on your CampInTouch account.

If you have any questions, we would be happy to help! Contact the Summer Registration Office by email at summer@idyllwildarts.org or by phone at (951) 468-7265.

Laptop (optional) or phone (voice memo capable recommended)
Several pens/pencils
Notebook or journal
Portable instruments (guitar or smaller)
Instrument Tuner (labeled with with your name)
Capos, extra strings, guitar picks, or other accessories necessary for your instrument
Optional – Midi Keyboard
Optional – music recording software (Garage Band, Logic, etc.)

Concert attire:
Black clothing is preferred, but anything tasteful will be fine.

Plug Into Songwriting begins each day with vocal warm ups and writing warmups for the day. The morning session includes presentations on songwriting techniques followed by breakout sessions with expert mentors to focus on musicianship, lyrics, melody, chording, live performance, vocals, music production, and other special topics. After lunch, students work on assignment prompts alone and in groups to create one original song per day. The day ends with students presenting their new songs for group feedback. Each week ends with a showcase performance of new songs from that week.

Don Reed, an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, has been performing, composing, teaching and recording music for over 40 years. Don’s playing and compositions have been featured on hundreds of recording projects, television and film soundtracks and more. Don has performed with, produced and managed numerous bands and solo artists throughout his career. He excels in diverse genres, including punk, bluegrass, hard rock, classic rock, jazz, folk, blues and more. Don currently heads up Pop Music & Songwriting at Idyllwild Arts Academy and chairs Songwriting for Idyllwild Arts Summer & Auxiliary Programs.
Donreedmusician.com

Josh Hogan has been songwriting and playing guitar for over 20 years. He has played lead guitar, sang, and wrote songs for The Mowgli’s since their inception in 2012. His newest project, ‘Modern Original’, has been releasing new songs since 2021 to rave reviews. He has spent much of 2022 playing bass on tour with the new artist, Windser. He lives in Los Angeles, CA where he co-writes for other artists and is currently producing up and coming bands.

Katie Jayne Earl has been singing and writing in The Mowgli’s since their inception in 2012. She has studied creative writing, comedic writing and songwriting. Katie has co written with many other artists over the past decade but has shifted her focus to drumming and writing for her newest project, a doo-wop punk band called ‘The Blushes’.
IMDB: Katie Jayne Earl

Bob Hamilton is a freelance musician and teacher living in Palm Springs, California. He is a master of the 6 string guitar and 5 string banjo, a patient and engaging teacher, and an adept improviser, writer, and arranger. Bob currently teaches private guitar lessons and is a Summer Songwriting faculty for Idyllwild Arts Academy.