Welcome!
…to the Writing is Rewriting Resource Center – your gateway to unlocking the full potential of your songwriting journey! We understand that honing your craft requires more than just passion; it demands access to valuable tools and guidance. This space will provide you with a wealth of resources aimed at enhancing your Draft 2 submission to the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge and nurturing your creativity. Whether you’re looking for module exercises to sharpen your techniques or seeking inspiration from our video tip library, the Resource Center is your one-stop destination for all things songwriting. Dive in, explore, and let your creativity soar to new heights!
Dive into your own personal songwriting course, designed to sharpen your skills for Draft 2 submission and tailored to the feedback you received. Start with Tone & Style to give your songs emotional depth and a unique setting. Next, build strong Characters with clear backgrounds and motives. Then, unite Music and Lyrics to tell your story effectively. New this year are Modules 4, 5 & 6 focusing on Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), Music Notation and learning how to go from Scene to Song! Use feedback from each module to refine your work, ensuring your next draft hits the right notes.
 |
 |
 |
Module 1: Tone & Style
Tone is your ticket to conveying character emotions, and Style is about situating the audience into the world of your story. Through experimenting with different musical and lyrical styles, you will be able to hone the tone of your song and leave listeners inspired.
Explore Module 1
|
Module 2: Character
Characters are the lenses through which we experience a story. So what makes a strong character? Let’s dive into our characters’ background, objectives, given circumstances and relationships in order to make them as specific as possible.
Explore Module 2
|
Module 3: Music & Lyrics
What makes for a powerful song? When the Music & Lyrics are telling the same story. Now that you have explored the Tone, Style and Characters of your song, you are ready to make tangible changes to strengthen your music and sharpen your lyrics to tell the story you want to tell.
Explore Module 3
|
 |
 |
 |
Module 4: Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
What is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and how can you use one to create demos? Dive into the world of DAWs, learn about the programs available to you and how to get started building professional demos.
Explore Module 4
|
Module 5: Music Notation
Music notation is the key to communicating your ideas clearly. Take the first steps in reading, writing and formatting sheet music so your song can truly sing.
Explore Module 5
|
Module 6: Scene to Song
Why does a character sing? Why MUST a character sing? By exploring the dramatic context of the scene where your song takes place, you will clarify your character’s circumstances and pinpoint the exact moment where music begins.
Explore Module 6
|
New@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers is a bite-sized series dedicated to spotlighting the emerging voices in musical theatre. Hosted by Jean-Paul Yovanoff in partnership with Musical Theatre Radio and a rotating cast of NAMT alumni writers, each 20 to 30-minute episode features quick interviews providing a unique glimpse into the creative minds behind the next big musicals. Whether you’re a producer, theatre lover or even simply curious about the future of musical theatre, NEW@NAMT offers a front-row seat to a new generation of writers.
In Season 2, we welcome back the 2024 winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students and learn more about their Winners Weekend experience in New York City. Joining the winning student songwriters are NAMT Mentor Artists Joey Contreras, Dylan Glatthorn, Timothy Huang, Teresa Lotz, Jaime Lozano, Zeniba Now, Jesse J. Sanchez & Anessa Marie Scolpini to dive deep into the ever changing atmosphere of musical songwriting!
Welcome to the ultimate playlist of songwriting tips, presented by NAMT Festival & Grantee Alumni, designed exclusively for you. Whether you’re just starting your songwriting journey or looking to refine your skills, this playlist offers invaluable insights from some of the most successful and innovative songwriters in the industry. From crafting compelling lyrics and memorable melodies to understanding the importance of structure and the power of collaboration, these tips cover all aspects of the songwriting process. Each video is packed with practical advice, creative strategies, and inspirational stories to help you unleash your musical potential. Dive into this curated collection and start transforming your songwriting ideas into captivating songs that resonate with audiences everywhere.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Who Let the DAWS Out?
What is a Digital Audio Workstation
March 17 @ 7pm ET
Join composer-lyricist Kira Stone (Built for This, FYFNM ‘24) for a deep dive into Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)–the powerful tools behind professional demos. Kira will break down the basics of using a DAW, including different software you can download, how to start building a demo and essential techniques to bring your music to life! This hands-on workshop will offer you new tools, tips and techniques that you can use to elevate your demo for Draft 2 Submissions.
Register Now
|
Top of the Charts:
All About Notation
March 24 @ 7pm ET
Join composer-lyricist & Challenge music supervisor Dylan Glatthorn (The Pelican, Fest ‘22) for an interactive workshop diving into the world of music notation. Dylan will break down how to interpret sheet music, how to create your own using notation software and the best resources to get you started. Whether you’re new to music theory or already comfortable with notation, this workshop will give you practical tools to bring your songs to life. Don’t miss this chance to level up your songwriting skills.
Register Now
|
Collab Lab:
From Scene to Song
March 31 @ 7pm ET
Welcome to the Collab Lab, your chance to collaborate with a fellow participant of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge and write a song together! Led by Rebekah Greer Melocik & Jacob Yandura (Broadway’s How to Dance in Ohio), this hands-on workshop will sharpen your skills in identifying the exact moment a character must sing. Students will be paired up in writing teams, and together you’ll analyze a popular movie scene, identify the moment for music to begin and write an original song for that scene.
Register Now
|
Spring Break
Song Share
April 7 @ 6pm ET
This unique, virtual event offers you a one-on-one mini session with a seasoned musical theatre writer, ready to elevate your song from great to unforgettable. Simply sign into our digital waiting room and you’ll be assigned to a mentor writer including Chaz Cardigan, Joriah Kwamé, Veronica Mansour and abs wilson for your personal consultation. Register at the link below and drop by anytime during our event window. Don’t let this Spring Break pass without making your musical mark!
Register Now
|
Weren’t able to join us live for a Songwriting Challenge EDU Event?
You can keep learning from the pros by checking out our past Songwriting Challenge Educational Events on this playlist.
Check out all of the upcoming and past Challenge events here.
Ready to submit your second draft? Head over to Submittable and access your original application to add the new track and answer a few more questions!
Submit Draft 2
This page was last updated on 03/20/2025
