With
Woody Bomar, Green Hills Music Publishing
Sarah Schumacher, Curb/Word
Bobby Rymer, Writers Den
Jamie Dryburgh, Demolition Music Publishing
Brooke Antonakos, Rockbrook Entertainment
Lee Krabel, SMACKsongs
Application deadline is Jan 23.
How to apply Details Frequently asked questions Comments from past participants
This virtual workshop is a crash course in what it takes to write for the commercial Nashville market. During the two days there will be three listening sessions attended by two publishers each time. Sixteen applicants will be chosen to present one song at each session and the publishers will give feedback on the craft and commercial potential of the writing. Hearing the feedback given to all the writers gives an in-depth look at what makes a song a hit. At the end of each session there is time to ask questions. Additionally, there is a session where two pro writers share their music, talk about their journey and answer questions.
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY , FEB 17
9:30 am – Listening session with Sara Schumacher and Woody Bomar
2:00 pm – Listening session with Bobby Rymer and TBA
FRIDAY, FEB 18
9:30 am – Listening session with Brooke Antonakos and Lee Krebel
2:00 pm – Music and Q&A with pro writers
COST:
$495, due by Jan 31st. No refunds unless the spot can be filled by a qualified writer.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
Please be sure you can attend from a location with reliable internet. Songs will be presented through screen-sharing on Barbara’s computer.
Applications must be received by Sunday, Jan 23rd. Applicants submit an application form and send at least 3 songs for consideration. The fee to apply is $25 for the first three songs and $5 for each additional song, limit 10. Lyrics for all songs must be sent as well. Applicants who would like written feedback from Barbara on the songs they submit can request it for an additional $15 per song. Feedback will be sent within 10 days of the end of the application process,
All applications that come in by the deadline will be carefully reviewed and sixteen will be chosen based on how well crafted, original and relevant to the current market the writing is. Everyone will be notified whether or not they were selected to play for the publishers by Friday Jan 28th.
Click here for the application form.
1. Q. Can I submit co-written songs?
A. Yes, but please identify your co-writers on the lyric sheet.
2. Q. What kind of demos should I submit?
A. You can send anything from a fully-produced studio demo to a rough phone recording. Submit your best songs, regardless of the quality of the demo. Songs will be judged on the the writing, NOT on the demo.
3. Q. Will I need studio demos for the workshop?
A. No. If you have them it’s fine to play them, but the publishers are listening for the writing, not the production. Even a phone recording is sufficient as long as is in tune, in time and both the vocals and chords can be heard.
4. Q. What if I don’t write Country songs?
A. The publishers who attend are looking for great writers who WANT to write for the commercial Country market, not necessarily ones who already do. If they see great potential they may want to give writers an open door and help them develop. You are welcome to submit songs in any genre when you apply. However, if you are not interested in writing Country songs, this is not the workshop for you.
5. Q. Can co-writers enter as a team?
A. Yes – the cost for a team is $495 plus $250 for each additional team member.
6. Q. If I am selected, do the songs I present to the publishers have to be the same songs I sent in to apply?
A. If you want to present different songs, you have to get them approved before the workshop.