When is the Worship Leader Institute?
The Worship Leader Institute is a full week long men's leadership boot camp that happens once a year. The dates for the next Institute are June 6-12, 2026 in Cookeville, TN.
Important Dates
- Registration Deadline: May 6, 2026
- Early-Bird Registration Cutoff: January 6, 2026
- Refund Request Deadline: April 6, 2026*
What is the Tuition Price?
The full tuition rate is $3295. Early Bird discounts are available for those who pay in full before January 6, 2026. A non-refundable* $695 Deposit is due at time of application, including Early-Bird registrations.
*Exceptions will be made for those whose applications are not accepted.
Cancellations & Refunds
All cancellations must be in writing (including through email).
Refund Policies
- Any student who has paid in full and wishes to withdraw from WLI before January 6, 2026, may receive a refund minus the $695 deposit and a $150 withdrawal fee.
- Any student who has paid in full and wishes to withdraw from WLI between January 6, and April 6, 2026 will have the option to apply their tuition payment to the following year or to receive a refund of:
- Super Early Bird Applicants: $1260
- Early Bird Applicants: $1380
- Full Tuition Applicants: $1560
- After April 6, 2026, no refunds will be given. Students will have the option to apply their tuition payment to WLI 2027 but will still be required to pay the deposit amount (currently $695) when registering for WLI 2027. Required deposit amount is subject to change.
How do I apply?
- Applicants will be pre-screened prior to acceptance into this exclusive, world-class worship leading instructional program.
- Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from an elder, minister, or church leader.
- Applicants should be prepared to explain why they want to participate in Worship Leader Institute.
- Applicants will be notified of the admission committee's decision by email within 60 days of the application being submitted.
- Applications will not be accepted after May 6, 2026.
What do I need to have prepared before I apply?
Before you complete the online registration form, you will need to prepare and collect additional supporting documentation, including:
- Statement of Purpose: "Why I want to attend WLI"
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from elders, ministers or other church leaders at your home congregation.
- Portrait Photo of Yourself
- Musical background and skills:
- Knowledge of shaped notes
- Self-taught ability to read music
- Play a musical instrument
- Participated in music programs in grade school, middle school, and/or high school
- Advanced music study in college
- Have attended singing schools (Highly Recommended)
- Compose and/or arrange music
- Have had professional voice coaching
- Have sung in a choir
What happens after my application is submitted?
After you submit your online WLI 2026 application, the admissions committee will review your application and notify you of the results within 60 days of your application. You will then be given access to our LearnWorlds site, which contains all of your pre-WLI homework. The more you prepare in advance, the more you will get out of WLI.
What time should I arrive and what hotel should I book?
After your application is accepted and you are give access to our LearnWorlds site, you will find all of the important information in your "WLI Welcome Kit". it includes helpful information such as:
- Location and Lodging Info
- Tentative Schedule
- What To Bring
- What Not To Bring
- More about what to expect during your week at WLI
Is it helpful for multiple song leaders to attend from the same church?
Absolutely! Since many churches utilize multiple worship leaders, the impact is greatly multiplied when more than one leader attends, and the investment in the future of the congregation enhanced. Three (3) students from the same church can receive a $150 discount off each tuition. Four (4) or more students from the same church will receive a $250 discount each. Discount will be automatically applied when registering multiple students at one time. Please contact kayla@acappella.com prior to registering if students will register separately.