Applications open for The Write Note 2026 songwriting programme

Applications have opened for the 2026 edition of The Write Note, a week-long songwriting and artist development programme aimed at emerging singer-songwriters, with organisers offering just 10 places for this year's intake.

The programme will run between 31 August and 6 September, taking participants through every stage of the creative process, from writing an original song to recording a professional studio demo and performing it live before an audience.

Hosted at Teatru Salesjan, the initiative brings together aspiring artists with established musicians, producers and vocal coaches through a series of workshops, rehearsals and mentoring sessions.

Participants will spend the week writing, arranging, rehearsing and recording original material before performing their songs during a public showcase accompanied by a resident band led by Ryan Paul Abela, alongside Luke Grech, Melchior Busuttil and Isabella Turso. The programme also includes recording sessions at Cornerhouse Studios, performance photography and networking opportunities within the music industry.

The international faculty includes Andrea Rodini, a vocal coach who has worked on X Factor Italia, The Voice of Italy and the Sanremo Festival, and Tommaso Ferrarese, Head of Singing at CPM Music Institute in Milan and a vocal coach for Area Sanremo. The programme's artistic direction is led by Stefania Grech Vella, with additional sessions delivered by industry professionals.

Organisers say the programme has already helped previous participants progress in their music careers. Among last year's cohort, Amelia Kalabic reached the finals of X Factor Malta performing an original song, while Gianluca Abdilla Castillo was selected as a featured soloist in Rockwired. Elisa Borg won The Write Note Best Composition Award, with her winning song later produced by Tommaso Ferrarese, and Greta Holland performed her original song Xemxi at CPM Music Institute in Milan.

"The Write Note isn't simply about songwriting," artistic directors Stefania Grech Vella and Isabella Turso said. "It's about helping new artists discover their artistic identity and giving them the confidence, guidance and opportunities to develop it. We want every participant to leave with a stronger sense of who they are as an artist, new creative tools, meaningful industry connections and a clearer vision for where their music can take them."

Three participants will also receive awards, including an opportunity to perform at Crea Music Week in Milan, release an original single with Bluebelldisc Music or perform as a guest artist with The Palace String Orchestra.

Applications are now open. Prospective participants can request further information by emailing [email protected].