The Ark at UMMA Student Songwriter Series at UMMA - University of Michigan Museum of Art

The Ark is pleased to announce our continuing partnership with the University of Michigan Museum of Art. This winter, “The Ark at UMMA” will again invite college student songwriters to submit their original music demo in order to compete for a live performance showcase at UMMA and a chance to perform at The Ark.

A vital part of The Ark’s mission to present folk, roots, and ethnic music to the Ann Arbor community, is our commitment to discovering and developing new and emerging artists. This student songwriter series is designed to create opportunities for students in the community to have their music heard, learn about promoting their music, and experience important aspects of the music business first hand.

The Ark at UMMA Student Songwriter Series will feature three performance showcases on Friday, January 20 at 8 p.m., Friday, February 10 at 8p.m., and Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m. These showcases will feature the best of the student songwriters selected by the Ark staff from the contest submissions.

The Final performance on Friday, April 13 from 8 to 10 p.m. will feature all the performers from the showcases performing in-the-round and will culminate in the announcement of the winner of the series. The winning singer-songwriter will booked for an opening performance at The Ark.

Submissions and a short artist bio should be sent to The Ark, ATTN: Emily Ross, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. or via email to Emily@theark.org. Demos of original songwriting material must be received by Thursday, January 5 for consideration for the January 20 showcases, by January 26 for the February 10 showcases, and by Thursday, March 8 for the March 23 showcases. All demo submissions must be entered by the deadlines listed and will remain under consideration for the duration of the series. Demos will not be returned. Students must be currently attending the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and Concordia University. Only solo or duo acoustic acts apply; no bands will be considered. Genres should be similar to those regularly featured at The Ark.