Songwriting Intensive

Students who attended Songwriting Intensive in 2025 do not have to re-audition to attend in 2026. 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.

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
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 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will continue to be accepted after that date until the program is full.

Students who are new to songwriting should submit 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.

For students with more experience, the audition video should include 1-2 complete original songs demonstrating instrumental, vocal, and lyric writing skills, including original song lyrics (enter into the Audition Details section on the Music Audition Form).

All applicants should include a brief description of your musical and performance experience. and letter of recommendation from a private teacher or mentor who has personal knowledge of your musical abilities.

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 using your email address. This account can be used for any future applications at Idyllwild Arts and beyond!

-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 audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

-Laptop (optional) or phone (voice memo capable recommended)
-Several pens/pencils
-Notebook or journal
-Portable instruments (guitar or smaller)
-Instrument Tuner (labeled 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.

Songwriting Intensive 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 lives in Los Angeles, CA where he co-writes for other artists and is currently producing up and coming bands.

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 has played thousands of songs on stage with hundreds of bands. He has international touring experience, ranging from rock/pop/soul bands in nightclubs to classical and jazz sets of solo guitar at upscale restaurants and banjo breakdowns on major bluegrass festival stages. Few guitarists come with the skill set that includes college training in jazz, classical, and Afro-Latin music, national competitions for bluegrass banjo, touring with the most popular cover band in the world, a decade plus in rock/funk/soul bands, and an ability to learn, write and improvise everyday. He performs regularly in Palm Springs and Coachella CA and fills in on tour with several Los Angeles based bands.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about summer programs