TSS Open Door Bursary
Opening more doors to songwriting
At Toronto Songwriting School, we believe finances should not prevent someone from exploring their creativity, developing their songwriting skills, or becoming part of a songwriting community.
The TSS Open Door Bursary provides partial and full registration support for selected classes, workshops, clubs, and songwriter getaways.
Applications are short and confidential. You will not be asked to provide financial documents, audition, or submit a song.
Fall 2026 Bursaries
For fall 2026, Open Door Bursaries are available for selected Toronto Songwriting School programs, including:
- Songwriting for Beginners
- Intermediate Song Workshop
- Lyric Writing Workshops
- The Doghouse Songwriters Club
- Other selected fall workshops
- The Fall Songwriter Getaway, November 6–8, 2026
Bursaries are limited and applying does not guarantee an award.
Classes, Workshops, and Clubs
Applicants may request support covering:
- 25% of the registration fee
- 50% of the registration fee
- 100% of the registration fee
We encourage applicants to request the lowest amount that would make it possible for them to participate. This helps us support as many songwriters as possible.
Fall application timeline
Applications for fall classes, workshops, and The Doghouse Songwriters Club are due by August 24, 2026.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by September 1, 2026.
Fall Songwriter Getaway Bursary
One fully funded Open Door Bursary place is available for the Fall Songwriter Getaway, taking place November 6–8, 2026, in Prince Edward County.
The bursary includes:
- The full songwriting workshop program
- Shared accommodation
- Meals and activities normally included in getaway registration
The bursary does not include:
- Transportation to and from the getaway
- Travel insurance
- Additional hotel nights
- Personal purchases or incidental expenses
Applicants must be able to arrange and cover their own transportation to and from the getaway.
No audition or song submission is required.
Getaway application timeline
Applications for the Fall Songwriter Getaway Bursary are due by September 21, 2026.
Applicants will be notified of the decision by September 30, 2026.
Early-Bird Price Protection
Applying for the getaway bursary should not mean losing access to the early-bird price.
Anyone who applies for the Fall Songwriter Getaway Bursary by the deadline and is not selected will still be able to register at the early-bird rate.
Unsuccessful applicants will have until October 7, 2026 to register at the protected early-bird price, subject to space remaining in the getaway.
Who Can Apply?
The Open Door Bursary is available to new and returning Toronto Songwriting School students.
Applicants should:
- Meet the regular age and skill-level requirements for the selected program
- Experience a financial barrier that makes the full registration fee difficult to afford
- Be able to attend most or all scheduled sessions
- Be prepared to participate fully in the program
- Let us know promptly if their circumstances change
For online programs, applicants may live anywhere.
For in-person programs and getaways, applicants must be able to attend at the designated location.
Preference may be given to applicants who have not received a TSS bursary within the previous 12 months.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Bursaries are awarded based on:
- Financial need
- Fit with the selected program
- What the applicant hopes to gain
- The applicant’s ability to participate fully
- Whether the bursary would help reduce barriers to songwriting education
- Whether the applicant has recently received another TSS bursary
Applications are reviewed confidentially by Toronto Songwriting School.
Instructors and other participants will not be told that someone has received a bursary or how much assistance they received.
What You Will Be Asked
The application is designed to be simple and respectful.
You will be asked:
- Which program you would like to attend
- Why you want to participate
- What you hope to learn, explore, or work on
- How financial support would make participation possible
- What level of support you need
- Whether you can commit to attending the program
- Whether you have previously received a TSS bursary
Getaway applicants will also be asked whether they can arrange their own transportation and are comfortable with shared accommodation.
You will not be asked to provide:
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Proof of income
- A song or recording
- An audition
- A portfolio
Before You Apply
Please review the dates, location, schedule, and skill level of the program you are applying for before submitting your application.
If you apply for more than one program, you may be asked to identify your first choice.
Recipients must accept their bursary within seven days of being notified. Unaccepted awards may be offered to another applicant.
Bursaries:
- Apply only to the program named in the award
- Cannot be exchanged for cash
- May only be transferred to another program at the discretion of Toronto Songwriting School
- Do not need to be publicly acknowledged by the recipient
Help Open the Door for Another Songwriter
The Open Door Bursary is supported by Toronto Songwriting School and by members of our songwriting community who want to help make creative learning more accessible.
Opportunities to support the program may include:
- Contributing during registration
- Sponsoring a workshop or course place
- Supporting a songwriter getaway bursary
- Participating in future fundraising workshops or events
Unless otherwise stated, contributions to the Open Door Bursary are not eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
To support the Open Door Bursary, e-transfer your donation to office@torontosongwritingschool.com or email us to make another arrangement for payment.
Questions?
Questions about the Open Door Bursary can be sent to:
office@torontosongwritingschool.com
Please do not send personal financial documents. They are not required as part of the application process.