Applications are OPEN through Jan 31st

Apply Today

Scroll down to learn about all of the amazing resources our scholarship winner will receive…

We help you build community and level up in your career. Here’s how.

The recipient of the scholarship will receive important tools and resources over the course of one year. This takes the shape of:

  • One-on-one mentoring from pro songwriters

  • Pro co-writes and peer co-writes

  • Professionally recorded demos of your songs

  • Online workshops and educational content

  • Attending a Nashville song camp: FOCUS event from Global Songwriters Connection

  • Attending song pitch night with publisher Steve Bloch

  • Networking and relationship building opportunities

  • Nashville performance opportunities

  • And more, as we work with sponsors and shape the program to best suit you.

Hands writing in a journal.
Man sitting on an amp playing an electric guitar.

The JCSS supports emerging songwriters through a year long mentorship program and songwriter’s community.

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.

At JCSS, we seek to elevate these songwriters by awarding one scholarship a year to the applicant that best demonstrates the qualities of a deserving, emerging songwriter.

Before you Apply

Have the following files ready:

  • mp3’s of your 2 best songs, one of which must be solo written

  • pdf lyric sheets for your songs, including any co-writer’s names

Video Requirements

You’ll also be asked to share a link to a 2 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?

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.

  • Any songwriter over the age of 18 can apply. You don’t need to be a college student.

  • 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.

  • Have the following ready to complete your application:

    - Application fee of $37.

    - 2 Recorded songs. One where you’re the only writer.

    - A way to record a 2 minute video of yourself.

  • Applicants will be moved through a three phase process: The first phase is to submit through our online application form. From there, we’ll pick a group of finalists and conduct one-on-one interviews with them over Zoom (or Facetime, etc). From those interviews, we’ll pick a final recipient. Watch your email inbox!

  • 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.

  • This scholarship requires 2 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 (like the FOCUS event, recording sessions, and performance opportunities).

    At this time, the 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.

  • Stay tuned, and watch your email! We’ll be sharing application dates and phases soon. 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.

  • 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.

  • No, you don’t need to have studio quality recordings to apply. A clean and clear recording done on your phone is ok.

  • Please apply only once per year. Multiple applications will not better your chance of receiving the scholarship.

FAQ

Apply Today

Applications are open.
Apply today. There is a one time non-refundable fee of $15. Once you’ve paid the application fee, you will be taken to a confirmation page with a link to the Application Form. We’ll email you a copy of your receipt with the link, too.