Artist in Residence

Artist in Residence - Summer 2026

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is seeking experienced Northeast Ohio performing songwriters to join us for the summer of 2026 as part of our Artist in Residence program. This emerging artist program is presented by the Kulas Foundation and will allow two or three songwriting performers to advance their careers by working with the Hall of Fame professional staff and external partners and by regularly performing live sets on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s popular outdoor Local Artists Stage.

Thanks to the Kulas Foundation the Rock Hall is excited to enhance the inclusion and promotion of local musicians and deepen their involvement with the Cleveland community. The program has the power to shape artists, inspire new musical passions, and grow the influence of contemporary music in Northeast Ohio.

Through an application process we will select two or three Artists in Residence who will have the opportunity to advance as songwriters, improve their stage presence, learn about the music industry, and gain valuable hands‑on marketing experience. In addition to the invaluable learning experience, the Artists in Residence will receive a paid stipend.

• Work with the Rock Hall team to create a road map for your music career development and a plan to achieve your goals during the program. You will also walk away with tangible items such as photos, merch art, and recorded songs.
• Learn from mentors in the field about performing, songwriting, audio production, contracts, performing‑rights organizations, and booking gigs to advance as an artist, and then take actionable steps in these areas.
• Play weekly sets at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well as possible off‑site venues, over the course of the summer.
• Work with our dynamic and creative marketing team to develop and elevate your social media, receive media training, and learn other marketing techniques.
• Gain experience marketing yourself and a venue from digital/social to hands‑on grassroots direct marketing and point‑to‑point communication.
• Learn performance stage setup and gain hands‑on audio experience so you can confidently work with sound professionals in venues and studios.
• Work with artists to build on specific music skills, such as instrument proficiency or songwriting.
• Record tracks and a music video onsite at the Hall of Fame.
• Learn to augment solo performance with musicians that sit in and/or electronic enhancements.
• Commit to providing 20–30 hours each week to the program either virtually or onsite for a minimum of 10 weeks.
• Present on the internship experience, including a live performance of music created during the program.
• Collaborate with the other Artist in Residence for an end‑of‑summer showcase concert.

• Must be an active musician producing original music that is commercially available.
• High level proficiency with at least one instrument; multiple instrumentalists will be preferred.
• Proven experience performing full solo sets of primarily original music to a live audience in a night club, festival stage, or related venue.
• Proven songwriting experience.
• Experience moving from demo to finished tracks.
• Have graduated from high school (or attained GED) and are in the midst of pursuing your musical career, and/or in a related college‑level academic program.
• Prior customer service experience preferred.

• Prepare a cover letter that explains your journey as a musician, what you will bring to this opportunity, and what you are looking to learn as part of this experience.
• Provide files or links to samples of your original music.

• Discounts at the Rock Hall store and café.
• Paid parking.
• Additional training and professional development opportunities as part of the Rock Hall’s Summer Internship Program.

Please note, although we have opened the application portal for the 2026 Artist in Residence program, the interview and audition process might not start until early 2026.