General FAQ
This page exists to answer questions about The House of Songs in general. Questions about specific programs and locations may be addressed on the corresponding pages. More detailed information including costs and logistics regarding our programs is made available to artists upon admission.
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Eligibility
The House of Songs is open to working creatives living anywhere in the world; working in music or the performing arts. Artists who are or will be enrolled in a college or university art degree-granting program during the time of the residency are not eligible to apply. Specific residencies have different eligibility requirements. All applicants must be over 18 years of age.
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Are there project restrictions?
No. While we do have a vetting process for selecting our residency artists, The House of Songs was created with the purpose of supporting artists; a place to work, experiment and be inspired in our community.
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How do I apply?
You can apply for all of our programs via our general application. Qualified applicants will be contacted by our Director of Artist Management or a Regional Manager with further information. *PLEASE NOTE* Due to COVID-19, our regular programming is paused until further notice. If you are an artist in Austin, TX or the Northwest Arkansas region, please connect with us via our digital #Player2Player program.
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Is there a deadline?
All of our programs, both residencies and co-writing, are on a rolling application deadline. We accept as many artists as possible each calendar year.
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How much does it cost?
Our Standard, Extended Residency and Multi-Region Tour are all associated with a fee. Additional details will be provided if you are selected to participate in a residency program.
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Local Co-Writing sessions and potlucks are available at no fee to the artist.
How can I pay for these programs?
Many governments, both municipal and federal, have international artists grant programs that you can apply for if you're looking for ways to off-set your personal costs.
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I'm an artist based outside the United States. Do I need a visa?
Short answer: no. Since The House of Songs is a residency program that hosts musicians and artists looking to create work, you're not technically visiting our locations to perform or to make money. If you're planning your stay at The House of Songs as part of a U.S. tour or extension of another trip, then a tourist, artist or working visa might be necessary and we can discuss your best options if and when you're selected to participate in the program.
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What does House of Songs provide?
We guarantee you a safe, comfortable working space to create new music -- in both our residency and local co-writing programs. Each location is equipped with musical equipment (including pianos, guitars and percussion instruments) as well. The following is provided for all residency artists:
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Lodging
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Writing Space
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Letter of invitation and proof of lodging for your travel paperwork
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Opportunities for press, interviews, studio visits, networking and performances (these opportunities are limited and based on availability, duration of residency and the artist's interest)
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Airport pickup upon your arrival
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Pantry staples for your first few days
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A trip to a grocery store or market (limited to Standard Residencies - NOTE: The House of Songs does not provide meals)
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What is not allowed at The House of songs?
We do not allow the following at any of our locations:
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Illegal drugs or substances
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Underage drinking
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Smoking
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Pets
We do not allow the following attitudes or behaviors at any of our locations:​
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No racism
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No sexism
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No homophobia
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No xenophobia
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No transphobia
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No fatphobia
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No ageism
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No ableism
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No hate
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How many artists are in a residence at one time?
Depending on the timing and duration of your residency, you may be the only person in the region or you may be 1 of several artists staying at that particular location. All residency artists are guaranteed their own bed / private sleeping space.
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Can I stay longer?
If you're wishing to extend your time in one of our host cities after your residency, we are happy to arrange lodging for you at The House of Songs for a discounted artist rate.
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Does The House of Songs own my music?
No. Any works created or completed at The House of Songs are 100% yours. If you co-write with another musician, it is between you and the other artist to determine ownership splits of the piece. We will never license or distribute any demos, songs or recorded works without your express, written permission.
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Can I rent The House of Songs?
Both our Austin and Northwest Arkansas location are available for private rental. For additional information, please send us a general inquiry and try to be as detailed as possible.
How can I join a Songwriter Summit?
Our Songwriter Summit artists are chosen based on past participation in a House of Songs program and the demands and needs of that particular camp and songwriting festival. We are not accepting general applications for our Songwriter Summits at this time. Read more about our past Songwriter Summits.
Job Opportunities & Internships
There are currently no job opportunities available at The House of Songs. However, we are always looking for talent, inspired and engaged interns currently enrolled in a 2 or 4 year university program. If you'd like to learn more, contact us and outline your location, availability and goals for interning with The House of Songs.
Sponsorship & Donations
The House of Songs is a 501c3 non-profit actively supported by private grants and individuals. We do our best to partner with businesses and organizations that mirror our organization's mission and passion for the arts and building international communities. To learn more about our current sponsors and partners, how to donate and in-kind donations, please visit our Support page.
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Events
The House of Songs hosts free community events and ticketed performances in all of our regions. See our full calendar listings.
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Volunteer
Would you like to support The House of Songs at our events and performances? We can always use help to setup events, organize crowds, and check RSVPs and tickets at the doors. To learn more, send us a contact with your name, email and interests and we'll be in touch.
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