School of Jazz & Contemporary Music Summer Intensive Studies: Singer-Songwriter
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About This Program
The School of Jazz & Contemporary Music Summer Intensive Studies: Singer-Songwriter offers an immersive experience for aspiring singer-songwriters seeking to elevate their skills, develop their unique artistic voice, and gain real-world music-industry experience. Students experience intensive study of lyric writing, vocal technique, music theory, music history, and digital audio production.
Participants engage in songwriting sessions individually and in group settings and have the opportunity to work and learn at Invite Only Studios, a state-of-the-art professional recording facility used by many renowned artists. Students complete this program with a fully produced demo of an original song recorded at Invite Only Studios.
The Singer-Songwriter Intensive is open to all students ages 16 to 18 who complete the application and demonstrate interest and proficiency in songwriting. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged, as space is limited.
Admission to the program is selective. After acceptance, students secure seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Students interested in for-credit courses in fashion, art, and design should visit Parsons New York Summer Intensive Studies (Ages 16-18).
Program Dates
- July 6 - 24, 2026
Application Information
Applicants must complete the application and audition requirements.
Audition Requirement: Submit a link to an audio or video recording of up to two original songs no longer than three minutes long and a link to a live performance that is no longer than two minutes. The live video does not need to be of professional quality and can be recorded on a phone.
What You'll Gain
- A deeper understanding of songwriting fundamentals, including lyric writing, melodic development, harmony, and structure
- The technical and creative skills necessary for success in higher-level contemporary music or singer-songwriter programs
- Opportunities to engage with fellow students who share a passion for songwriting
- Three college credits
- Access to master classes and guest artists throughout the three-week residency
How You'll Learn
- Training with the leading experts in the field of songwriting, voice, and audio production
- Study in a small cohort (maximum 18), which allows for personalized attention and fosters growth
Application Requirements
The program is open to all students who meet the age requirements, complete the application, and demonstrate interest and proficiency in songwriting.
Audition Requirement: Submit a link to either an audio or video of up to two original songs no longer than three minutes and a link to a live performance that is no longer than two minutes. (The live video does not have to be professional quality and can be recorded on a phone.)
Essay Requirement (350 words maximum): Write about your creative approach to songwriting. What are you looking to gain or improve during the program?
Application Overview
All interested students must submit an application and pay a $50 non-refundable application fee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The summer program team will share application statuses within 7-10 business days of submission. Registration opens on January 5, 2026. Early applications are encouraged as capacity is limited. Students who apply early and are approved in November and December will be able to log in and register on January 5, 2026 and secure their seat.
Application Deadlines:
- May 1, 2026
- April 1, 2026 for international students (apply early to allow ample time for visa processing)
Age Requirement
This program is for students ages 16-18. We require that students be 16 by the start date of the program. Students who will turn 16 during or after the program will not be permitted to participate in the program, without exception. New York Summer Intensives is a credit-bearing college experience—not a summer camp—taught by School of Jazz and Contemporary Music faculty. All classes in the program challenge students to expand their skills in songwriting.
Language Requirement
International Students for whom English is not the primary language of instruction at their home institution must demonstrate English language proficiency, as Summer Intensive Studies classes are taught in English. A TOEFL score of 92 or higher on the Internet-based course (or 4.5 or higher for tests taken after January 21, 2026), an IELTS score of 7 or higher, a PTE score of 63 or higher, a DET score of 115 or higher, or a Cambridge English score of 185 or higher in C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency is required. Visit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, DET, or Cambridge English for more information.
International Students: Visa Requirement
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents ("Green Card holders") must enter the U.S. to study in this program on a student visa under the appropriate student immigration status. A student visa is required when a student is enrolled in a full-time, credited program, such as Summer Intensive Studies. Please review the International Students & Scholars Services page for details.
Program Requirements
Attendance and Workload
Students attend classes Monday through Friday for six hours a day, with a one-hour break for lunch. Attendance is mandatory. Students who miss more than two (2) class sessions will fail the course, subject to faculty and administrative review. Out-of-class work, which is assigned daily, is a substantial part of the program. Students who do not meet course expectations may be asked to leave the program.
Materials
Your own microphone and your own harmonic instrument (if you play guitar, your own guitar etc.) There will be pianos/keyboards, drums, amps etc. available for use. Optional: Submit up to three lead sheets of any original songs that you have composed.Registration
All interested students must submit an application and pay a $50 non-refundable application fee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The summer program team will share application statuses within 7-10 business days of submission. Once approved, applicants will be invited to enroll in a course.
Tuition
$5,610 plus $265 university fee
Registration Deadlines:
- April 1, 2026 for international students
- May 8, 2026 for students wishing to apply for university housing (housing deadline: May 15)
- June 1, 2026 for commuter students
College Credit
Students enrolled in the pre-college and college/adult-level programs in New York earn grades and three college credits upon successful completion of the program. We strongly recommend that participants consult an academic advisor at their home institution for further details of approval, transfer, and fulfillment of graduation requirements.
Academic Transcript Request
The New School has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering via the Web.
This summer program offers the option of on-campus housing. Following confirmation of your registration, an additional letter is sent by email with instructions on how to apply for housing. Access to on-campus student housing is in high demand and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require on-campus housing, we strongly recommend applying as soon as the application process opens.
Housing Fees
Information and rates for Summer 2026 will be available in January 2026.
Summer Program Refund Policy
Please note: All refund schedules are effective until 11:59pm ET on a specified date.| Course Drop or Withdrawal Date | Percentage of Tuition Refunded |
|---|---|
| On or before June 1 | 100% minus $200 cancellation fee |
| June 2 through June 15 | 50% minus $200 cancellation fee |
| June 16 and later | 0% |
The New School reserves the right to cancel courses. If a course in which you are enrolled is canceled, you will be notified and asked whether you wish to transfer to a different course or receive a full refund.
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