Jewel, Norah Jones and Rufus Wainwright all attended Interlochen Arts Academy. But in the coming years, you could see more alumni hitting it big in the music industry thanks to a new program lauch.

This September, the school will debut a new singer-songwriter major, providing a comprehensive curriculum in popular music songwriting. The classes will focus on music theory, lyrics and songwriting, recording techniques and more. Aspiring musicians will also take private lessons in piano, guitar or voice.

Kedrik Merwin, director of music at Interlochen, will oversee the major. He says the addition to the curriculum was brought about by obvious demand for the training: “We established a singer-songwriter program during the summer camp in 2010, and it has been tremendously successful, so we made the decision to include it as a major at the fine arts boarding high school as well.”

After an extensive nationwide search, Interlochen chose one of its own alumna, Courtney Kaiser-Sandler (’94), to helm new program.

“With every instructor, we look for a combination of artistic achievement and a passion for teaching,” says Merwin. “Courtney has proven herself as a singer-songwriter, a performer and a teacher.”

Kaiser-Sandler has 15 album credits, including four with her band “Kaiser Cartel,” plus two solo albums. Her original songs have been heard on film and television shows including “The Firm,” “Private Practice” and “Good Morning America.” She has also worked alongside singing sensations John Mellencamp, The Wallflowers and fellow Interlochen alumnus Sufjan Stevens.

Kaiser-Sandler currently teaches at the Blue School, founded by the Blue Man Group, in New York City. She says she’s excited to return to northern Michigan.

“I just had a baby girl, Sofia. I think the area will be a wonderful place to raise her. I’m also thrilled about Interlochen taking this bold step to offer this major. It’s a pretty radical move in the world of music education.”

She goes on to add that her education at Interlochen helped pave the way for her successful music career.

“I know it’s not easy to be a singer/songwriter, to get up on stage and share something as intimate as music with the world. But my years at Interlochen made me feel like I had the capacity, drive and talent to do what I wanted with music.”

Want to hear some of Kaiser-Sandler’s music? Click here.