Established in 2024, the Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project at Belmont University is a week-long intensive course for emerging songwriters and writing teams (ages 18-30) across all musical genres. Each summer, the chosen songwriters gather for instruction and mentorship under our accomplished faculty, as well as creative collaboration with each other. The program culminates in a concert featuring the participants’ new work.
The Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project was previously hosted at Northwestern University for 17 very successful years. The relocation and reimagining of the program in Nashville, the songwriting capital of the world, will allow participants to benefit from the expertise and experience that only that town can provide!
It is difficult to describe the positive, productive atmosphere created at this program, but we can show you instead! Please check out this highlight reel from our 2024 Songwriters Project:
Check back later for applications to the 2025 program!
When will the 2024 Songwriters Project be held?
This year’s program will be held from June 24th through June 29th.
How do I apply?
Applications to the Songwriters Project are done in the format of YouTube videos!
We ask you to introduce yourself, providing some basic information and answering a few questions provided as a guide. We also ask you to perform 2 original songs.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we ask applicants to keep these videos to a 7-minute maximum length. If your songs are longer than that, please perform a verse/chorus/bridge/chorus version (or something similar) and put the lyrics in their entirety in the video description.
You can find the submission form here or by clicking the “Apply Now!” button above.
When is the deadline for submitting applications?
The deadline for this program cycle is April 5th, 2024.
When are applicants notified of admission decisions?
All applicants will receive notice of admission decisions by May 13th, 2024.
What if I have more questions?
If you have additional questions or need more information, please feel free to contact Natalie Peterson at natalie.peterson@belmont.edu.
The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project will forever be part of our journey and partnership. Our week in the program gave us the space and time to create and push ourselves under the guidance of caring, inquisitive teachers. With the inspiring musical world of Nashville as a backdrop, we explored new styles and collaborations with fellow songwriters from across the country. An unforgettable and transformative experience!
Jimena Caballero & Emma Cordray
The JMF Songwriters Project was one of the best weeks of my life! Thank you, The Johnny Mercer Foundation, for the opportunity to grow as a solo composer-lyricist/songwriter; the incredible mentorship by Stephen Bray, Victoria Banks, and Craig Carnelia; the extraordinary collaborations with such a talented cohort of songwriters of all genres; and the encouragement and newly-acquired confidence to write my own lyrics. What I always had in me is now coming to light.
Ernie Bird
