September 30, 2025

Rockdale and Between the Lines camps shape the next wave of songwriters in Nashville

Rockdale Studios hosts a weeklong camp designed for writers at any stage, from complete beginners to those already writing their own material. The program breaks songwriting down into clear steps, rhyme schemes, chord progressions, and the flow of a song’s story.

Instructors guide participants from the basics of structure to techniques that help create songs with real emotion. Each week ends with a demo recording session, giving attendees something to walk away with beyond just notes in a notebook. The camp costs $450 per week, with discounts for siblings and multi-week sign-ups.
Virgin Hotels Nashville, Music Square West, Nashville, TN, USA
A retreat for experienced writers

American Songwriter’s Between the Lines camp is aimed at those who already have some songwriting experience and want to sharpen their skills. Taking place October 24–27, 2025 at Virgin Hotels Nashville, right on Music Row, the camp blends writing sessions, co-writes, and masterclasses with well-known songwriters.

Past mentors have included Julia Michaels, Marcus Hummon, Jamie Floyd, and Sharon Vaughn. The full package, which includes meals and hotel accommodations, ranges from $2,499 to $3,299. Applications are selective, with limited spots available.

Learning styles that fit different goals
The two camps take very different approaches. Rockdale focuses on methodical instruction and practice, with an inclusive environment that fits well for people just starting or refining their craft. Between the Lines, on the other hand, expects attendees to arrive with some experience and aims to push them further through collaboration, advanced techniques, and industry feedback.
Why networking matters
Both camps emphasize connection. At Rockdale, group workshops and demo recordings encourage peer support. At Between the Lines, the chance to sit in writing rooms with chart-topping songwriters and industry professionals offers a rare level of access that many up-and-coming artists find invaluable.
We learned some simple but core songwriting staples in Nashville, here are our takeaways.
Picking the camp that’s right for you
Those who want a structured foundation may lean toward Rockdale, while writers looking for mentorship and industry insight will likely prefer Between the Lines. Either way, the camps reflect Nashville’s long tradition of nurturing songwriters and providing opportunities to grow. For many, they represent not just classes, but a first step toward a career in music.
Key Takeaways

Rockdale Studios and American Songwriter’s Between the Lines offer distinct songwriting camps in Nashville, catering to both beginners and experienced writers with various learning and networking opportunities.

  • Rockdale Studios hosts a weeklong camp that teaches songwriting fundamentals and offers demo recording sessions, suitable for all skill levels.
  • Between the Lines, a retreat for experienced writers, includes writing sessions, co-writes, and masterclasses with renowned songwriters, offering industry insights and mentorship.
  • Both camps emphasize networking and provide opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry professionals, reflecting Nashville’s tradition of nurturing songwriters.