Summer 2026 SongWorks Courses
Course Details & Registration
New for 2026: SongWorks in the General Classroom
Level 1 Certification – SongWorks in Action
Level 2 Certification – SongWorks for Musicality
The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
July 13-17, 2026
Early Registration Deadline: June 1, 2026
Registration Opens February 1!
Looking to make a tuition payment or pay for housing and other fees?
You can do so here.
Course Description
Instruction will utilize SongWorks principles and practices for engaging learners in the pre-K and elementary general classroom. During the course, participants will:
- experience interactive music activities that focus on playfulness, song games, and building social skills while highlighting student choice
- explore rudimentary bridge notation strategies that utilize the sound-to-symbol approach
- observe children in actively learning with a master SongWorks teacher
- reflect on shared learning experiences and assigned readings
- explore personal music skills and develop comfort with singing
- document understanding through daily written assignments
- explore and develop ways to integrate music into the classroom curriculum
- synthesize learning with a final project
Eligibility
This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the SongWorks approach to teaching music and children. The focus will be on integrating SongWorks into the general classroom curriculum. A background in music is not a requirement.
Dates & Times
Course meetings take place Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM each day.
Course Description
Instruction will utilize the SongWorks principles and practices for engaging learners. During the course, participants will:
- experience interactive music activities that focus on playfulness, song games, and building social skills while highlighting student choice
- explore bridge notation strategies that utilize the sound to symbol approach
- observe children in action with a master SongWorks teacher
- reflect on shared learning experiences and assigned readings
- practice personal music skills
- document understanding through daily written assignments
- synthesize learning with a final written assignment
Eligibility
This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the SongWorks approach to teaching music and children. SongWorks principles and practices are applicable in both music education and general education settings.
Students who have previously completed the course are also welcome to re-enroll at a reduced fee for continued professional growth.
Dates & Times
Course meetings take place Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM each day.
Course Description
Instruction will utilize the SongWorks principles and practices for teaching music. During the course, participants will build upon learning experiences from SongWorks in Action as they:
- focus on preserving musicality in every aspect of making and learning music
- further explore and apply the connections between SongWorks bridge notation strategies and the sound to symbol approach
- gain a deeper understanding of the song analysis process and how to use it when shaping instruction
- observe children learning from a master SongWorks teacher
- engage in the types of learning experiences recommended for students: embodiment of music learning through moving, singing, and playing
- examine research and publications that support the SongWorks approach to teaching
- further develop skills in communicating about SongWorks through discussion, daily reflection assignments, and a final written synthesis
Eligibility
This course is open to anybody who has successfully completed SongWorks Certification Level 1: SongWorks in Action.
Students who have completed the course are also welcome to re-enroll at a reduced fee for continued professional growth.
Dates & Times
Course meetings take place Monday, July 13–Friday, July 17 from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM each day.
Tuition & Fees
Course Tuition: $550 (Early Bird) / $600 (Regular)
Early Bird Registration Deadline: June 1
Payment Options
A variety of payment options are available for this summer’s courses:
- Pay in Full: $550 (by June 1) / $600 (after June 1)
- Deposit: $100; remaining balance due by July 1
- Payment Plan: $100 deposit; monthly/bimonthly payments through July 1
- Refresher Course: $300 ($100 deposit; $200 balance by July 1) – for students who have previously completed the course
Registration closes on July 13 at 12pm CDT.
Contact Betty Phillips (betty@songworkseducators.com) if you have questions or would like to arrange a payment plan or an alternate payment method.
Financial Assistance
Limited financial assistance for tuition and fees is available. To inquire, contact Betty Phillips (betty@songworkseducators.com) by May 15, 2026.
Approval notification will be given by May 20. A $100 deposit will be required for all financial assistance recipients.
Refund Policy
Full refunds on course registration are available until June 10. If the course needs to be cancelled at any time, full refunds will be issued.
Course Credits
Optional credits will be available through Seattle Pacific University. Details will be available in the Spring.
Graduate Credit Hours or CEUs are available for all courses through Seattle Pacific University. Registration details will be emailed directly to course registrants. Registration Deadline: July 15.
- 3.0 Graduate Quarter Credit Hours: $195
- 3 CEUs: $60
Register for: SongWorks in Action (Credit Hours | CEUs) || SongWorks for Musicality (Credit Hours | CEUs)
Housing, Dining, and Transportation
Housing, dining, and parking information will be available in the Spring.
**All housing, meal, and transportation costs are due by July 1, 2026. Once you have registered, you can pay for those here.**
Housing
Dormitory housing is available on campus at The University of Utah. Daily classes take place in the Kahlert Village Residence Hall from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM each day. All students will be housed in the Marriott Honors Community Residence Hall next door.
- 5 nights (Sunday – Thursday) – Single Room – $280 (Reminder: the course is not complete until 5:00 PM on Friday)
- 6 nights (Sunday – Friday) – Single Room – $336
Dorm rates are $52/night (single or double) and linens are included:
- 5 nights (Sunday – Thursday): $260
- 6 nights (Sunday – Friday): $312
Dining
Lunch every day will be available in the campus dining halls.
- 5 lunches (Monday-Friday) – $80
Meals at the Kahlert Village Dining Hall, 11:45am to 1:15pm:
- 5 lunches (Monday – Friday): $67 (optional)
The remaining meals will be on your own. There are full kitchens available in the Marriott Honors Community dorm, while there are kitchenettes available on each floor of Kahlert Village. Additional dining options are available on and around campus, and grocery stores are located within approximately 2 miles of campus.
Transportation
The University of Utah is located approximately 10 miles (20 minutes) from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). There are a variety of public and private transportation options for getting to the university campus, including the TRAX light rail system.
If you are bringing a car to campus, a weekly pass is available for $40.
Housing, Dining, and Transportation
**All housing, meal, and transportation costs are due by July 1, 2024. Once you have registered, you can pay for those separately after April 1.**
Housing
Dormitory housing is available on campus at The University of Utah. Daily classes take place in the Marriott Honors Community Residence Hall. Students registering by Feb 10, will be housed in the Marriott Honors Community building, while those registering after Feb. 10 will reside next door in the Kahlert Village Residence Hall.
Dorm rates are $52/night (single or double) and linens are included:
- 5 nights (Sunday – Thursday): $260
- 6 nights (Sunday – Friday): $312
Dining
Meals at the Kahlert Village Dining Hall:
- 5 lunches (Monday – Friday): $67 (optional)
The remaining meals will be on your own. There are full kitchens available in the Marriott Honors Community dorm, while there are kitchenettes available on each floor of Kahlert Village. Additional dining options are available on and around campus, and grocery stores are located within approximately 2 miles of campus.
Transportation
The University of Utah is located approximately 10 miles (20 minutes) from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). There are a variety of public and private transportation options for getting to the university campus, including the TRAX light rail system.
If you are bringing a car to campus, day passes are available for a variety of parking lots, ranging from $11-16/day.
Housing, Dining, and Transportation
**All housing, meal, and transportation costs are due by July 1, 2024. Once you have registered, you can pay for those separately after April 1.**
Housing
Dormitory housing is available on campus at Old Dominion University. Daily classes take place in the Diehn Center for the Performing Arts. Dorm rates are $45/night (single) or $40/night (double) + $20/week Linen Fee (includes a pillowcase, two flat sheets, two towels, a washcloth, pillow, and comforter):
Single
- 5 nights (Sunday – Thursday): $225
- 6 nights (Sunday – Friday): $270
Double
- 5 nights (Sunday – Thursday): $200
- 6 nights (Sunday – Friday): $240
Optional: Small refrigerator for your room: $25
Dining
Meals at the Broderick Dining Commons:
- 5 lunches (Monday – Friday): $75 (optional)
The remaining meals will be on your own. Broderick Dining Commons will be open, but you will pay as you go. There is a full kitchen available in the common room of each dorm floor. Several food vendors are located on campus in the Webb Center, and numerous restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive from campus. Grocery stores, including Food Lion and The Fresh Market are located approximately one mile away.
Transportation
Old Dominion University is located approximately 8 miles (20 minutes) from Norfolk International Airport (ORF). There are a variety of transportation options for getting to the ODU campus.
If you are bringing a car to the ODU campus, you may need to purchase a parking pass.
- Daily Parking: $5/day
- Weekly Parking $20/week
Limited free parking is available at BCM Sandford Hall parking lot, 1410 W 49th Street (across from the Diehn Center for the Performing Arts).
**All housing, meal, and shuttle costs are due by July 1, 2022. Once you have registered, you can pay for those here, at your convenience.**
Required Texts
SongWorks in the General Classroom
Bennett, Peggy D. & Bartholomew, Douglas R. (1997). SongWorks 1: Singing in the Education of Children. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Reprinted 2014 by SongWorks Press.
Level 1 – SongWorks in Action
Bennett, Peggy D. & Bartholomew, Douglas R. (1997). SongWorks 1: Singing in the Education of Children. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Reprinted 2014 by SongWorks Press.
Level 2 – SongWorks for Musicality
Bennett, Peggy D. & Bartholomew, Douglas R. (1999). SongWorks 2: Singing from Sound to Symbol. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Reprinted 2014 by SongWorks Press.
These texts are available through SongWorks Press for $40/each (+$5 Shipping and Handling) or $70 (+$8) for a bundle of both books.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, each day runs from 8:30 to 5:00. If you leave early on Friday, you will miss a significant amount of learning.
Classrooms are located in the Kahlert Village Residence Hall. You will receive several emails at the end of June with detailed information.
Nightly readings in your textbook and nightly written reflections for the day (Monday – Thursday). For the Certification Courses (Levels 1 and 2), a final paper of 500-750 words is due July 27th. For SongWorks in the General Classroom, the final project is due July 27th.
Please place the order for the text as soon as possible. Because we use USPS Media Mail, the arrival date could be up to two weeks after it is mailed.
No, but we have found it to be a lovely time to get to know faculty and fellow students.
Yes! They are very accommodating.
Salt Lake City has a very inexpensive rail system, the TRAX, that will take you to our residence.
Please feel free to contact Betty Phillips at betty@songworkseducators.com.
We hope to see you this summer! Have questions? Email Betty Phillips at betty@songworkseducators.com.