The Songbook Academy
What is The Songbook Academy?
The Songbook Academy is a transformative summer music intensive that immerses high school singers in America’s musical heritage and fosters artistic identity through song. According to the foundation's website, "...We believe that every young singer has a unique story to tell through music. The program is designed for high school students with a passion for singing who want to hone their vocal and performance skills with an emphasis on interpretation. Through access to top-tier mentors and a focus on the foundations of American popular music, we provide a safe space for young singers to explore musical styles, grow in their individual artistry, and take risks in a supportive pre-professional environment." You can learn more HERE.
Interview with 2025 Songbook Participant: Mia Rettig
What was the highlight of your experience?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What should people know about this program?
The highlight of my experience at The Songbook Academy was the concert at the end of the week. I loved performing the group numbers that we had worked on throughout the week, listening to each of the team medleys, and performing my team medley. It was rewarding to see the show come together.
What should people know about this program?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What should people know about this program?
People should know that even though the program is based in Carmel, it attracts participants from all over the U.S. It also features vocal coaches and mentors who have achieved great success, including many who have performed on Broadway.
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
My advice to younger singers who might be interested in participating in The Songbook Academy is that it is easy to compare yourself to other singers once there, but, ultimately, everyone is there to learn and grow, and no one is judging you. I would also say to put yourself out there. Ask questions, and if a mentor asks for volunteers to sing during his/her masterclass, go for it.
Favorite faculty, mentor, clinician from this year?
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
All of the faculty at The Songbook Academy are so supportive, but a mentor that stuck out to me was Nikki Renée Daniels. I sang my solo song for her during her masterclass, and she suggested that I try putting the verse in the middle. I ended up performing my song the way she suggested because it helped create more of a contrast between the beginning of the song and the end of the song. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her.
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
To audition for The Songbook Academy, you are required to submit two songs from the Great American Songbook that contrast each other. I worked on both of my audition songs months before I filmed the videos for my application. If selected, you and your Vocal Coach and Music Director will decide which song to focus on during the week at The Songbook Academy. I decided to sing “What’ll I Do?” by Irving Berlin. In addition, during the week, we worked on team medleys. The theme of my team medley was “Clair de Lune.” My solo in the medley was “Moon River.”
Totty Studio Songbook Academy 2025 Participants
Mia Rettig
Claire Kauffman
Interview with 2025 Songbook Participant: Claire Kauffman
What was the highlight of your experience?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What should people know about this program?
The Songbook Academy week was nothing short of amazing. It’s a week where you are not only collaborating with professional teachers but also peers who are growing alongside you. The highlight of my week would most definitely be the final show. All of the performers got to showcase their talents in unique ways and most importantly, we got to do it together. The connection and bonds you create with the singers around you is something so special and what makes the performance aspect even more rewarding and exciting.
What should people know about this program?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What should people know about this program?
The Songbook Academy pulls kids from across the country to showcase their vocal ability and also participate in masterclasses, group work, individual coaching, and onstage performances. Throughout the week you learn medleys with your small groups and with everyone while also honing your craft and your particular song you chose for the week. I wasn’t only able to work on my group performance and vocal skills but also my individual skills. I grew as a storyteller and vocalist in just one week, diving into my song and learning more about my instrument.
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
Send in that audition video. There is nothing to lose. If I could go back and do this week all over again, I would in a heartbeat. I didn’t think it was possible to grow so much in such a short span of time, but being at The Songbook Academy, I realized that with the right people and environment, you can. Be yourself, dive into the lyrics and background of your song, and push yourself. The Songbook academy is the perfect place for driven musicians, and with passion and hard work you can be a Songbook participant and join such a tight knit family.
Favorite faculty, mentor, clinician from this year?
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
What is your advice for young singers who would like to be a part of this program?
My favorite Masterclass of the week was with Kate Baldwin. She really opened my eyes to the different approaches you can take to a song. She sparked ideas in my story telling and reminded me that every time someone watches me sing, it has to be like it is my first time hearing the lyrics. She encouraged me to embrace in my lyrics and to create a storyline arc for my songs. The notes she gave me, I continued to look at throughout the week to perfect my performance. My time with her was very notable and improved my understanding of communication and connection in a song.
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
What was the audition process like and what songs did you sing?
I auditioned with one song I used for college auditions called “From This Moment On” and also with the very popular song “Cry Me a River”. After waiting a few weeks I found out that I made the group! From there, you get to meet with your vocal coach and pianist for the week and choose the one song you want to focus on. Throughout the week I perfected my solo “Cry Me a River” and also learned a group medley with my small group, and 3 big group numbers that were all pretty long but so fun to perfect.