The workshop is an intensive two-week seminar dedicated to the art and craft of creating words and music and the ideal marriage of both. Spearheaded by GRAMMY®-nominated songwriter Phil Galdston (Workshop Artistic Director and Director of NYU Songwriting) and featuring a faculty of acclaimed songwriters expert in a wide variety of musical genres, the workshop will provide in-depth presentations and hands-on exploration of a wide variety of skills, tools, and strategies essential for working songwriters. It features extensive collaboration, peer review, and crucial information about the rights of songwriters.
Program Dates
June 19 – June 30, 2023
Application Deadline
April 3, 2023
Costs and Fees
$55 (Non-Refundable Application Fee)
$1,678 (Participant Tuition)
$510 (Auditor Tuition)
$1,214 (On-Campus Housing $844, Required Meal Plan $370)
Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
Intended For
High School
Undergraduate
Post-College and Graduate Students
Continuing Professionals
A maximum of 42 participating songwriters will be accepted into two groups of the NYU Steinhardt Songwriters Workshop. During the eight days of sessions, they will hone their craft through:
- targeted songwriting assignments
- collaborations
- detailed analysis of the tools used by the great songwriters
- daily professional and peer-to-peer critiques of their work in-progress.
Integral aspects of the music business will be highlighted through discussions and panels from the perspective of the music creator. Major industry organizations, such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, will be represented.
The Workshop concludes with our SongShare, a live performance of work created during our intense and intensive two weeks.
Details
We welcome participants of ANY age 15 and above from anywhere in the world.
The Workshop is also open to auditors, and while their work is not critiqued, they are able to attend all sessions, performances, events, and gatherings.
Please note that many participants do a good deal of their collaborating and writing outside the formal Workshop hours.
This is a not-for-credit Workshop.
Limited financial aid is available.
They made me feel for the first time that I truly am a songwriter and that a life in the music industry is possible.
I learned more about songwriting in two weeks than I would've ever imagined learning in a lifetime.
I learned so many new techniques and ways to approach writing songs. My time management skills definitely improved and I can't wait to use all of these new tools for my future career in songwriting!
The faculty was very helpful and honest. The music industry is risky as it is and it was useful to get true feedback from professionals to prepare us for the real world.
I only wish it was longer.
A great environment encouraging creativity… made everyone feel free to express themselves and go out of their comfort zone.
The faculty knew the perfect balance of praise and criticism. They also understood and accommodated everyone’s different styles of music.
I’ve learned so many helpful things that I will carry into my writing forever. I feel very grateful to have had his opportunity… I’ve learned so much about myself as a writer, collaborator, and person.
The workshop was definitely the best experience I’ve had at a songwriting intensive; I learned a lot about the craft and the business, and the community is amazing.
The faculty members are phenomenal teachers. The exercises were extremely valuable and the songwriting tool kit they taught us will aid me every time I come up with material. Extremely warm and welcoming, very professional and talented. I wrote down every single word. They found a great way to highlight the strengths of the group.
Audition Requirements
Applicants should submit:
- recordings of 3 songs to which you have significantly contributed;
- lyrics to the 3 songs you submit;
- a detailed description of your contribution to each song submitted;
- a summary of your songwriting experience and goals.
The format of audio recordings should be: .mp3, .mp4A, or .AAC A song entitled "My Song" that is submitted should be labeled YOURNAME_My_Song.mp3 (or mp4A or AAC). The format of all the additional documents should be: .pdf, .doc, or .docx
PLEASE NOTE: The quality of the recording and/or performance is irrelevant. This is a songwriting workshop, not a performance workshop.
Faculty
MAIA SHARP: songwriter, recording artist, and producer; songs recorded by Paul Carrack, Cher, The Dixie Chicks, Art Garfunkel, Lisa Loeb, Edwin McCain, Keb' Mo', Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, and on her own solo albums.
PHIL GALDSTON: GRAMMY®-nominated, award-winning songwriter/producer with work on nearly 80,000,000 recordings and in countless film and television projects. Currently Director of Songwriting, he was the first member of its songwriting faculty and the first Faculty Songwriter-in-Residence in NYU's history.
BARRY EASTMOND: one of the most prolific R&B/Pop songwriter/producers, with songs and production on over 60 gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums and sales of over 80,000,000 records.
DANA CALITRI: singer, multi-platinum songwriter, and teacher. Songs recorded by Chris Daughtry, Halestorm, Dream, Jessica Andrews, Donna Summer, and many others. As a singer, Dana has worked with artists like Celine Dion, Fergie, Marc Anthony, Elton John, and Cher.
REBECCA JORDAN SMITH: songwriter, recording artist signed to Elektra and J Records, indie music publisher creative manager, and commercial music producer. Songs recorded by Prince, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Alice Smith, Adrian Younge, and others.
DAVID WOLFERT: GRAMMY and EMMY-nominated composer, arranger, songwriter, orchestrator, producer and instrumentalist. Songs recorded by Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Dolly Parton, Dusty Springfield, the Four Tops, Cher, and Julio Iglesias Jr.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement & Safety Measures
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NYU has in place ongoing public health measures and requirements to ensure the safety of all University community members.
Costs and Fees
Costs, payment procedures, scholarships, cancellation/refund policy, and financial aid details for our summer programs.
Housing Information
All you need to know about NYU summer program housing including rates, meal plans, services, and check-in/out.
International Student Information
An application checklist and information on English proficiency testing, visas, and health insurance for students from outside the United States.
Contact Us
Program Administration
Summer Programs
212 998 5438
mpap.summer@nyu.edu
Academic Content
Phil Galdston
Director of Songwriting
nyusongwriting@nyu.edu