SONGWRITER OPPORTUNITIES
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SONG!
Whitefish Songwriting Contest 2026
Sponsored by Whitefish Songwriter Festival and Quartz Hill Music Group.
Please complete your submission by July 31, 2026, at 5:00 pm MDT
TOP 10 SONGS WILL BE SELECTED to perform at the finalist showcase during the Whitefish Songwriter Festival on September 18, 2026.
Two winners will be chosen - one winner in each age category.
All artists start their path to success with a song.
Before the stage. Before the spotlight. Before their career—there is the song…
This opportunity is intentionally limited to the first 100 submission from 100 songwriters ensuring every song is truly heard and thoughtfully reviewed.
You do not need industry credits. You do not need “a following.” You only need an impactful original song.
If you believe in your songwriting, this is where it all begins.
Eligibility
Entrants must NOT currently hold a record deal or publishing agreement
Original songs only
No age limit and split into two categories
18 years of age and up
Under 18
If selected as a finalist (top 10 artists), the entrant must agree to travel to Whitefish and perform their song on Friday, September 18th
The entrant will be responsible for their travel costs.
Rules
$25.00 per submission per artist (or artist group). One entry per person.
Each submission must include a video with audio (one instrument and one vocal – if needed an accompanist is allowed)
Selfie video format is recommended. The video cannot be produced or edited
Emphasis on simple, unedited video with great audio of the applicant playing and singing their song.
MP4 submission format is recommended! (Submit below)
Lyrics sheet and one page bio required. (Submit below)
Each finalist must travel to Whitefish and be prepared to perform their song live on Friday, September 18 for contest judges and an “open to the public” audience.
Deadlines
All entries must be submitted by Friday, July 31, 2026 at 5pm MDT. We highly recommend that you submit your entry early and not risk missing the deadline.
The top 10 finalists will be announced by August 3, 2026
All finalists will be required to confirm they are able to perform at the finalists performance by August 15th, 2026 at 5pm MDT. Performance is September 18th, 2026 in Whitefish, MT!
Judging
All judging will be managed through Quartz Hill Music Group in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thursday, September 17
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Friday, September 18
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:
North Valley Music School
1998 River Lakes Pkwy, Whitefish, MT 59937
Cost: $150 per person (Payment will be requested after acceptance into the workshop.)
The Whitefish Songwriter Festival in partnership with the North Valley Music School is proud to present an immersive two-day songwriting workshop designed for intermediate songwriters who are ready to sharpen their craft and learn the tools behind commercially successful songwriting.
Whether you write songs in your bedroom as a hobby or you're looking to take your professional writing to the next level, this workshop is designed to help you sharpen your craft, find new inspiration, and connect with a community of creators. All ages are welcome.
Over the course of eight hours of hands-on instruction, participants will explore the art and structure of professional songwriting — from lyric development and melody construction to arrangement, hooks, song form, and techniques used in today’s hit songs. This workshop is intended for writers who already have a basic understanding of songwriting fundamentals and are ready to take the next step creatively and professionally.
What to Expect From the Workshop
This is an intensive, collaborative environment focused on elevated craft and practical growth. Over the course of the workshop, you will dive into:
Professional Feedback: Receive direct, constructive feedback on your material from professional songwriters.
Core Mechanics: Deep dive into the structural pillars of a great song—analyzing melody, lyric development, and harmonic structure.
Song Analysis: Study various song forms and arrangements to expand your writing toolkit.
Creative Exercises: Learn how to break through writer's block and spark new ideas using targeted lyrical and melodic prompts.
Song Workshopping: Bring in a song of your choice and work on it from start to finish, walking away with a polished, completed project.
Instructor Bio — Ethan Thompson (Alt Bloom)
The workshop will be taught by songwriter, producer, and recording artist Alt Bloom. Originally from Montana, Thompson has built a successful career in Los Angeles as both an artist and professional songwriter.
Writing and performing under the name Alt Bloom, his music has accumulated more than 700 million streams worldwide. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and has written songs recorded by major artists across pop, rock, and dance music. His credits include charting songs for Ocean Park Standoff, Vanessa Hudgens, and Shinedown, including the No. 1 rock single “State of My Head.”
Thompson has collaborated with Grammy-winning producers and toured alongside artists including Lukas Graham, Andy Grammer, and OneRepublic. His experience as both a working songwriter and performing artist gives students a unique inside look at the modern songwriting industry.
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a professional songwriter actively working in today’s music industry.