For the 4th year, Texas Songwriter U is taking applications for the Nov. 1-3 program where selected applicants will get to work with award-winning songwriters Jon Randall and Liz Rose.

Texas songwriter U is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of songwriters in Texas and has the combined support of  Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Association, the ASCAP Foundation and country singer/songwriter Jack Ingram, a release said.

"I hope that I can offer some perspective to these young artists who are just starting out," Ingram said in a release. "We all know that Texas is rich with talent and characters."

The application is a submission of two original songs that can be uploaded online. The deadline for submissions is midnight Sept. 17, and there is a $25 processing fee. Applicants must be age 18 or older and either be a current Texas resident, have been born in Texas or have lived in Texas for five consecutive years.

Industry professionals will blindly rate each song and select eight finalists, who will spend two nights at the Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, meals provided. The program consists of three days of workshops with Randall and Rose. Ingram will serve as the mediator. Finalists will also have the chance to perform at two Austin venues, the Yeti Flagship and Saxon Pub, the Austin Music Awards 2016 Best Venue to Play.

All applicants are entered into a drawing for a new, full-faced, customize Epiphone acoustic guitar signed by Jack Ingram. The Texas Songwriter U winner will have the opportunity to perform at multiple events and record a demo.

“We are proud to be partnered up with Jack Ingram and ASCAP Foundation, working together to discover excellent young songwriters while keeping the art and craft of songwriting alive and well across the entire Texas music community," said Michelle Johnson, a Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association board member, in a release.