About Texas Songwriter U
Texas Songwriter U (TxSU) is an annual songwriting development program consisting of a songwriting competition, educational workshops, co-writes, an industry day and showcase events.
Founded in 2014, Texas Songwriter U (TxSU) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying, developing, and promoting emerging Texas songwriter talent. TxSU is supported by Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), The WoodNext Foundation, The Guy Clark Family Foundation, and Big Hat Spirits. The program also maintains partnerships with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), TxHSA, The Saxon Pub, and Gibson Guitars.
We encourage Texas native and resident songwriters over the age of 18 to participate in Texas Songwriter U. Eight All-Star finalists are invited to Austin and provided workshop development, industry access, and performance opportunities. At the conclusion of each program, one selected songwriting winner becomes the recipient of such goodwill as co-writes, performances, festivals, residencies, studio time, and a new guitar.
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.”
Abbey Rowe
Abbey Rowe
Sassy, energetic and authentic are just a few words that describe Abbey Rowe and her music. Her musical journey began at the age of 12 when her sister gifted her a…
Alumni
We consider all Texas Songwriter U alumni as All-Stars, who are the beneficiaries of continued development opportunities. Past examples of opportunities have included performances at Texas Monthly’s Edge of Texas Fest, Independence Day concerts, USO rounds and tours at Fort Hood, residencies in Key West, Texas Songwriter U Summer Camps, and participation in the Buddy Holly Education Foundation’s inaugural Buddy Holly Songwriter Retreat in Lubbock, Texas.
Mentors
The success of this program would not be possible without the time, dedication and support of both past and present award-winning songwriter workshop mentors including Alexander Palmer, Blu Sanders, Charlie Sexton, Chase Bryant, Gary Nicholson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jon Randall, Liz Rose, Radney Foster, Shawn Camp and The Warren Brothers.
Texas Songwriter U History
With the goal of keeping the art and craft of songwriting alive and well in the great state of Texas, Jack Ingram has collaborated with the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) to bring you TEXAS SONGWRITER U. We are in constant search of the next great songwriter.
Texas Songwriter U (TxSU) is an annual songwriting development program comprised of a songwriting competition, workshops, co-writes, an industry day and showcase events.. Founded in 2014, the mission of TxSU serves to identify, develop and support the best adult songwriters in Texas, while improving upon the quality and quantity of professional songwriting across our state.