Michael Feinstein Launches 2016 American Songbook Academy

The Great American Songbook Foundation, founded by Grammy-nominated vocalist, Michael Feinstein, announces the opening of the 2016 application process for The Songbook Academy, a music and performance intensive for high school students! The application is available online at TheSongbook.org until March 25, 2016.

Now in its seventh year, the Songbook Academy is a summer music intensive for young singers who have an interest in the American Songbook. Students who love the music of classic Broadway shows, jazz, and popular music have the life-changing opportunity to work with music industry pros, Broadway performers, and educators from the top university music and theatre programs in the country to learn about this uniquely American music.

"The Songbook Academy is a transformative experience. It is a place where young people can come and learn about the Great American Songbook in an intensive way. We spend every moment of that time sharing, educating, and uplifting in a way that we feel will change the lives of our students forever," said Michael Feinstein, founder of the Songbook Foundation and Songbook Academy.

The Songbook Academy was created to provide an opportunity for young people to experience firsthand this uniquely American music and its cultural significance. The Songbook Academy is designed to be a collaborative, rewarding, and fun experience for all participants. Students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and master classes with celebrity performers, music industry professionals, and educators from top college arts programs from across the country. The week's events will culminate in a live show on July 23, 2016, at the Palladium in Carmel, IN, where award winners will be selected.

Applications are judged by a panel of music educators and industry professionals, who will provide written feedback to every applicant. Approximately 40 students will be invited to attend the Songbook Academy week in Carmel, IN, July 16-23, where they will be mentored and further evaluated. Participants will be eligible for various recognition opportunities and awards.

World-class performers have served as coaches and mentors for the Songbook Academy. These talented individuals have shared a wealth of encouragement, inspiration, and performance techniques with students, for an amazing once in a lifetime experience. Past Songbook Academy mentors have included two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award nominee, Michael Feinstein; Tony Award nominee, Laura Osnes; Two-time Grammy nominee, Jane Monheit; Two-time Grammy winner and Emmy winner, Sylvia McNair; multiple Grammy winner and member of Manhattan Transfer, Cheryl Bentyne; Catherine Walker, University of Michigan, Musical Theatre Department; Kathleen Hacker, University of Indianapolis, Music Department.

6 Easy Steps to Apply:

1. Visit TheSongbook.org to read official Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions
2. Click Application Button
3. Register and complete online application
4. Upload color photo
5. Upload YouTube videos of two contrasting song performances
6. Submit application fee of $50.00

If selected to participate in the Songbook Academy, a program fee of $700.00 will be due on or before June 6, 2016. The program fee includes:

• Cost of supervised accommodations in a Butler University residence hall;
• All meals on and off campus;
• Commercial transportation during the week; and
• Participation in all workshops, master classes, mentor sessions and social activities throughout week

The program fee does not include travel expenses to and from Carmel, IN, for the Songbook Academy week.

For questions, students can reach Songbook Foundation staff at 317-844-9446 or by email at SongbookAcademy@TheSongbook.org.