The Music Will Songwriting Exhibition is a national celebration of original music created by students, young adults, and music educators. Participants create and submit original songs, receive personalized feedback from music industry partners, and come together each spring to celebrate the creativity happening in classrooms and communities across the country.
About the Exhibition
The Songwriting Exhibition celebrates songwriting as both a student learning experience and an opportunity for educator creative practice. Teachers can model creative risk-taking by writing and sharing their own work while helping students develop and share theirs.
For schools and music programs, the Songwriting Exhibition can provide a meaningful culminating creative experience while celebrating student voice on a national stage.
Who can participate?
PK-12th Grade Students
Young Adults Pursuing Music
(Ages 18-25)
Music Educators
Important Dates
Submission Window Opens
December 9, 2026
→
Submission Window Closes
March 24, 2027
National Songwriting Exhibition & Listening Party
April 21, 2026
Submission Requirements
▸ Original Works Only
Only original work created by the participant is eligible. Entries must not include any uncleared samples, unauthorized use of copyrighted recordings, or be a cover or remix of an existing commercial song.
▸ Length & Format
Submissions can be in either audio or video format. Your submission must be a minimum for 45 seconds long.
▸ Collaboration & Multiple Entries
Students can be featured in multiple songs, but there is one prize entry per student participant. Collaboration with your friends is encouraged!
▸ Adult Support
Adults may accompany students on recordings, but this must be noted on the entry form.
▸ Consent & Media Release
Participants under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian consent, and the submission must be made by their teacher or parent/legal guardian. Every participant, regardless of age, must complete the Media Release form.
Participant Perks
Every voice matters. All eligible submissions will receive:
- Personalized Certificate
- Written Music-Industry Feedback
- Inclusion in National Interactive Exhibition
- Digital Social Assets to Share Your Song
- Invitation to Virtual Listening Party
- A chance to be selected for prizes or special opportunities, which may include gift cards, music-making resources, live virtual feedback or conversations with music industry professionals, and other creative experiences.
Music Will Songwriting Resources
These lessons for songwriters of all ages and skill levels make songwriting easy.
Songwriting with Mary
Hip Hop Songwriting
Making Music with Soundtrap
Composing with LEGO Bricks
Resources for Educators
The Songwriting Exhibition Readiness Pack
Don't wait until December to start planning! Our comprehensive Readiness Pack mirrors the submission process so you know exactly what is required to participate. This all-in-one packet contains:
- Checklist of Requirements: Including accepted formats, group sizes, and production levels
- Official Rules for the Exhibition
- Print Media Releases: Available in both English & Spanish
- Teacher Spreadsheet: A helpful tracking tool to gather all the required student information before you submit.
✶ NEW ✶ Songwriting Cohort Series
Build your own songwriting skills while gaining practical tools you can use to guide students through the creative process. Led by award-winning educator Bob Habersat, co-founder of Shedthemusic, this two-part virtual learning experience gets you creating right away.
- Live Virtual Sessions: Join us on Zoom on November 17, 2026, and January 19, 2027 (6:30–7:30 PM CST).
- Flexible PD: Complete roughly 18 hours of asynchronous activities at your own pace.
- Exclusive Perks: Participants receive a free 6-month Soundtrap for Education license and full access to Shed Studio lessons.
Curated Songwriting Learning Packs
Lessons & printable resources to assist your songwriting lessons.
From Covers to Creation Training
Recording of "From Covers to Creation," a songwriting training run by Director of Teaching & Learning, Mary Claxton.
Songwriting 1
Songwriting course containing small, accessible activities focused on chord progressions, lyric writing, and creativity.
Songwriting 2
Continue your songwriting journey by writing melodies, bridges, and more.
Songwriting Basics for Music Educators
Course to empower music educators to not only write their own songs, but also to support them in helping their students engage in songwriting.
Songwriting with Kat
An exclusive virtual masterclass with Kat Reinhert, one of today’s most exciting and influential songwriters.
Back to School Resources
A compilation of some new & classic Music Will resources - including resources to assist with songwriting.
"[The Songwriting Exhibition] has allowed me to share my work and receive feedback in ways I never would've been able to."
"[Participating in the Songwriting Exhibition] made me have more confidence in my abilities and overcome my shyness."
"It was really cool to be apart of such a awesome nationwide thing and the feedback was amazing and very helpful."
Questions about the Songwriting Exhibition? Email us at [email protected]