2026 TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS COMPETITION SIGN UP FOrm

The Woodshop Listening Room is proudly hosting Qualifying Rounds for The Tennessee Songwriter’s Competition. We encourage Tennessee songwriters to sign up to play their original songs at The Woodshop on February 5th, 2026 in front of a live audience and chosen judges to share their talent and storytelling. Competition rules are here: Tennessee Songwriter Rules/Sweepstakes

More info and FAQS below the form

Where is the event: The Woodshop Listening Room 5500 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN

When is the event: February 5th from 6pm to 7:30pm

How do I sign up: Simply fill out the information below, BUT please read the sweepstake rules and FAQs

What if I have questions: refer to this website for questions: https://classic.tnvacation.com/songwriters-week

Limited Space Available

Once you’ve filled out the form and hit “submit” you’ll be contacted by the owners of The Woodshop, Jhett Black & Callie Sioux to give you more information on the show.

All Ages ~ Kitchen & Bar will be Open For the Performance ~

WHERE

The Woodshop Listening Room 5500 St. Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409

February 5th, 2026 5pm

What is Tennessee Songwriters Week?

Tennessee Songwriters Week is a celebration of the songwriters and craft that put Tennessee on the map, celebrated with qualifying rounds, then showcases during the last full week of February. The goal of Tennessee Songwriters Week is to support music venues, support songwriters with live performances, drive visitation and inspire travelers to experience the state's music stories, history, attractions and venues.

Important Links:

Tennessee Songwriters Week Main Landing Page for Most Up to Date Information

Tennessee Songwriters Week FAQs

Tennessee Songwriters Week Official Rules (includes info on prizes, song requirements as well as judges’ scoring information)

Important Dates:

Dec. 11, 2025-until all slots are full - Songwriters can start signing up for qualifying rounds across the state (songwriters cannot sign-up and perform at multiple

qualifying rounds. If a songwriter performs at more than one qualifying round, they will immediately be disqualified) For the latest list of qualifying round venues and

how to sign up, check out https://www.tnvacation.com/songwriters-week. Songwriters will communicate with venues directly.

Jan. 25-Feb. 7, 2026 - Songwriters perform at qualifying rounds across the state. Tennessee Tourism and the venues will reach out to collect information from songwriters,

including contact information, bio, headshot, lyric sheet of song submission, equipment/tech/av needs and photo and video release form. Select songwriters who win

at qualifying rounds will advance to showcase events. Feb. 22-28, 2026 - Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcases in 7 cities across the state:

Memphis, Franklin, Portland, Pigeon Forge, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Kingsport. Tennessee Tourism and venue will contact songwriters regarding next steps re: which

venue you will perform at, as well as timing of arrival, check-in info and sound check. Please note, if you win at the showcase event, you will need to fill out a W2 for prize info.

March ?, 2026 - Finale at The Bluebird Cafe

How Your Song Will be Judged:●

Song Quality scored on a scale of 1-10: Considering lyrical originality, lack of cliches

and clarity of the narrative;

Performance score on a scale of 1-6: Considering instrumental sound (voice or musical

instrument), ability of the audience to audibly understand the lyrics and the Entrants

connection with the audience

Entrant must sing one (1) original song not to exceed five (5) minutes which Entrant

owns/retains the rights to perform and either wrote or co-wrote. Entrant may sing

acapella or have live accompaniment. Light percussion is allowed if there is no set-up

time necessary. Entrant may bring up to two (2) performers to play an instrument. Back

up tracks are permitted if it is original work

The original song must not disparage any group of persons, religion, be considered

inflammatory or inappropriate

The original song will be performed at every stage of the competition, at the qualifying

round, showcase and finale.

Entrant must provide lyrics to song ahead of the qualifying round

Prizing Info:

Each of the seven (7) prize winners will receive a two (2) night hotel stay located near The Bluebird Cafe for date(s) to be determined once Finale is confirmed. Winners will

receive two (2) single show tickets to a Saturday, March ?, 2026 show at the Bluebird Cafe. Each of the seven (7) prize winners will also receive a membership to the

Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) which will include mentoring sessions, a workshop, and a $100.00 gift card. Finally, each of the seven (7) prize

winners will receive a branded commemorative guitar from Taylor Guitars. Finale songwriters will perform at the finale and be placed first, second or third.

Finale in March 2026

March 2026 (date TBC)

Finalists will be required to fill out W2 (following showcase from above) Finalists may also be filmed or interviewed ahead of the finale that weekend during

potential media opportunities for Tennessee Songwriters Week Finalists’ guest allotment will be determined by staff of The Bluebird Cafe

Next Steps after Tennessee Songwriters Week

Please take advantage of NSAI membership opportunities Networking opportunities with other songwriters

Tennessee Tourism to reach out regarding ambassador opportunities and potential opportunities to perform at other festivals and performances across the state

Tennessee Tourism to invite you to be special guests at Tennessee Songwriters Week 2027 showcase venues where each finalist won to perform original songs