• Texas Songwriter U will host a three-night stay at a private ranch complete with beautiful accommodations and 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country. Meals will be provided to finalists throughout their stay.
• Two incredible performances in Austin. First, you will perform at a Texas Songwriter U Showcase highlighting each finalist, hosting before a packed house in Austin’s premier listening room, The Saxon Pub. Each will perform their two submitted songs. Next, you will perform in an invite-only show at a private ranch with music industry and performer VIPs in attendance alongside Jack, Liz Rose and Lori McKenna.
• A three-day songwriting workshop led by Jack and mentored by Liz Rose and Lori McKenna.
• The workshop will offer 1) feedback, providing each songwriter with in-depth song evaluation and feedback from Jack Ingram and workshop mentors, 2) writing opportunities, allowing songwriters to write and co-write with other songwriters, and 3) “Industry Day” where finalists will get exposure to the music industry such as publishers, PROs, booking agents, artist managers, tour managers, venue owners, etc.
• Professional photography keepsakes highlighting the workshop and showcases
• Finalists can expect some surprise drop-ins during our three-day workshop.
• Post-event support from our workshop leaders includes social support, relationship building, and performance placement.

• A chance to be selected as one of eight finalists and invited to Austin. Finalists participate in a three-day songwriting workshop moderated by Jack Ingram. Mentors for this season include host Jack Ingram and GRAMMY Award-winning/Hall of Fame songwriters Liz Rose and Lori McKenna. Past mentors have included Gary Nicholson, Radney Foster, Liz Rose, Jon Randall, Shawn Camp, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase Bryant, Charlie Sexton, Alexander Palmer, Blu Sanders and Trannie Anderson.

• Applicants have to be born in Texas, currently reside in Texas, or have lived here 5 years. (Verification may be required)
• Applicants have to be a minimum age of 18. (Verification may be required)
• Any genre of music is accepted.
• Two MP3 songs may be uploaded per applicant.
• A $25 processing fee is required. Payable by credit or debit card.
• Songs are scored by music industry professionals based on songwriting skill, talent and potential.
• Songs can be co-written.
• Self-publishing is accepted.
• Uploaded songs may be sung by someone other than the applicant.
• Previous winners are not eligible to win again.

• Season 12 of Texas Songwriter U (TxSU) will open its call-for-entries on July 1, 2026. On November 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST we will close our call-for-entries. In December of 2026 we will announce our eight selected songwriters invited into the 2027 Texas Songwriter U held January 31–February 3, 2027. Songwriters can submit their songs under “Submit Song.”

• Finalists will be notified by phone and e-mail.
• All finalists will attend a 3-day songwriting workshop lead by host Jack Ingram and mentors Liz Rose and Lori McKenna.
• Dates of the workshop will be held January 31- February 3, 2027.
• All finalists shall come prepared with their instruments, the lyrics of submitted songs and prepared to play those songs in the workshop – either live or recorded.
• Only finalists can sit in the workshop. (No accompanists)
• Workshop moderator:  Singer/Songwriter Jack Ingram
• Workshop panelist and mentors: Mentors for this season include host Jack Ingram and GRAMMY Award-winning/Hall of Fame songwriters Liz Rose and Lori McKenna.
• Upon approval, one accompanist can play with the finalists at the Sunday showcase. The TxSU does not cover the accompanist’s travel expenses.
• Finalists will be responsible for their transportation to Austin.  Finalists will be reimbursed for travel expenses up to $200.
• Receipts and/or mileage records will be required for reimbursement. No exceptions.
• All finalists are welcome to stay at the ranch (45 minutes outside of Austin), the host location of our 3-day workshop.
• TxSU will cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the first and second nights.
• Two guests can attend the Sunday Saxon Showcase free of charge.

Our selected songwriting ambassador will be announced at the end of our final seminar. The winner will be selected based on the songs submitted at the initial screening and original songs performed during the workshop and showcase.

• The winner receives:
  • A performance at a future MJ&M (Mack, Jack & McConaughey) Pickin’ Party, (travel not paid)
  • An all-day recording studio demo session at Austin’s famed Arlyn Studios, (travel not paid).
  • A three-night stay and a performance opportunity at a music festival of our choice (travel AND hotel paid)
  • Tickets for the songwriter and a guest to attend the entire Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame Weekend
  • A new Gibson guitar