Applications are OPEN through March 9th
Apply Today
Scroll down to learn about all of the amazing resources our scholarship recipients will receive…
We help you build community and level up in your career. Here’s how.
Mentorship and community are necessities for career oriented songwriters and artists/writers. Nobody builds a career in music alone.
But not every writer has access to these resources.
The John Cirillo Songwriting Scholarship seeks to elevate these songwriters by awarding one scholarship a year to the applicant that best demonstrates the qualities of a deserving, emerging songwriter.
The first place recipient of the scholarship will receive important tools and resources over the course of one year. This includes:
Full tracking session from Parlor Productions
Professionally recorded demos of your songs from Denny Martin and Alyssa Trahan
A guitar donated by Instruments of Education
Online workshops and educational content
Pitch to Publisher session from Sheree Spoltore and Global Songwriters Connection
One year of mentorship from Global Songwriters Connection
One free year of SongU.com “Courses, Coaching, and Connections”
One year membership to Song Club Community Plan plus enrollment in 30 Days of Song Prompts Program from Sarah Spencer
Free Country2Sync Course and follow-up consultation from Washington Street Publishing
A co-write with recording artist and American Idol finalist, James Durbin
One-on-one mentoring from pro songwriters
Pro co-writes and peer co-writes
Networking and relationship building opportunities
Nashville performance opportunities
And more, as we work with sponsors and shape the program to best suit you
Online workshops and educational content
Group mentoring from hit songwriters, publishers, and other industry pros
90 Day Gift Membership from SongU.com that includes three pitches, one interactive song feedback course with a pro songwriter or music publisher, and more
One year membership to Song Club Community Plan
Five audio lectures on songwriting donated by author and hit songwriter Jason Blume
Pro co-writes and peer co-writes
Networking and relationship building opportunities
Nashville performance opportunities
And more
Along with our First Place Scholar, nine additional scholars will receive:
Before you Apply
Have the following files ready:
mp3’s of your two best songs
- at least one must be solo written
- at least one must be keys or guitar with vocal onlypdf lyric sheets for your songs; these MUST include titles and names of ALL cowriters
absolutely NO use of AI
Video Requirements
You’ll also be asked to share a link to a 2-3 minute video introducing yourself. It can be done on your phone, and does not have to be professional quality.
Here’s what to include:
Who you are, and what kind of music you make?
How would this scholarship benefit you?
What are your goals for your future as a songwriter?
To upload, we prefer YouTube “Unlisted” links. See instructions here.
Review Terms & Conditions
At the end of the application, you will be asked to acknowledge that you have read and agree to the program description, terms and conditions, and disclaimers. To review now, click here.
**Failure to follow instructions may result in the inability to be evaluated. Please ensure that your links and uploads are correct. And remember, we want you to succeed!
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Any songwriter over the age of 18 can apply. You don’t need to be a college student.
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What makes the John Cirillo Songwriting Scholarship unique is that it’s not just for college students. We put no ceiling on the age limit. We believe incredible songwriters exist in every locale, at any age, during any season of life.
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Have the following ready to complete your application:
- Application fee of $15.
- Two Recorded songs. One where you’re the only writer.
- A way to record a two-minute video of yourself.
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Applicants will be moved through a three phase process: The first phase is to submit through our online application form. From there, a group of finalists will be chosen and one-on-one interviews will be conducted over Zoom (or Facetime, etc). From those interviews, a final recipient will be chosen. Watch your email inbox!
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The scholarship provides mentorship and guidance instead of a monetary award. This is because we want to see you succeed! Your friends and mentors at the JCSS will always be a reliable resource for you as you continue to grow in your career.
While no money is rewarded to a recipient, thousands or dollars worth of experiences, programs, and studio time will be awarded.
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This scholarship requires two trips to Nashville. While most of the scholarship program can be attended online from anywhere in the world, there are some events that take place in-person, i.e. recording sessions and performance opportunities.
At this time, the John Cirillo Songwriting Scholarship does not cover travel and lodging expenses for your trip here. If you have questions about the timing of events so you can plan your trip, feel free to email hello@johncirillosongwritingscholarship.com. We will do our best to work with the recipient to make a trip possible for them.
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Stay tuned, and watch your email! We will be contacting finalists and the final recipient through email and phone. Add hello@johncirillosongwritingscholarship.com to your contacts so our emails don’t go to your spam folder. A decision will be made by the end of March!
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We consider a variety of criteria when looking at applications. To give yourself your best chance:
- Fill out the application form fully (it will save your progress as you go!)
- Be yourself.
- Share about your background.
- Tell us what you’ve been working on to grow your career.
You don’t have to have big credits or accolades. We want to know you and get a picture of how you’re working to make your songwriting career a reality.
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No, you don’t need to have studio quality recordings to apply. A clean and clear recording done on your phone is ok.
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Please apply only once per year. Multiple applications will not better your chance of receiving the scholarship.
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Yes! They can be the same or different songs. At least one must be written solo, and one should be performed with just guitar or keys and vocals. We want to see your raw talent without heavy production!
FAQ
