By the hour By the song Six-month mentoring program
It’s important to work hard, but even more important to work smart. Barbara is a long-time member of the Nashville music community who understands both the craft and business of songwriting and her insights can cut years off your learning curve. She has a razor-sharp ability to hone in on anything that keeps a song from having maximum impact and a clear understanding of how songs get cut. She’ll give it to you straight, but always in a kind, respectful manner.
Click here to reach comments from songwriters about Barbara’s critiques and consultation
CONSULTATION – by the hour
At a typical consultation, Barbara will begin by asking a bit about your music background and your current goals. Then, after listening to songs, she will offer whatever feedback and advice she thinks will be most helpful to you, plus answer any questions you have.
You can meet with Barbara in person, by phone or through a video call. The fee is $125 per hour, $65 for a half-hour. Barbara has no trouble critiquing a song as soon as she has heard it, but if you prefer that she listen to songs and make notes before the consultation session, there is an additional charge of $15 per song.
CLICK HERE to set up a consultation.
CRITIQUES – by the song
This option is for writers who are specifically looking for feedback on the craft and commercial potential of their songs. Barbara will study your songs and share her thoughts either through a recorded mp3 or through a phone or video call.
You can submit any type of recordings, from polished demos to work tapes made on your phone. The best time to get a critique is before you spend time and money on a polished demo so you can apply any changes you want to make in advance. Barbara can hear a great song in its roughest form, and a great demo won’t improve the quality of the writing. You can also submit lyrics only.
The fee is $45 per song or $35 per song for three or more.
CICK HERE to submit songs for critique.
SIX-MONTH MENTORING PROGRAM
Success in any field requires organization, discipline and consistency. For right-brained, creative songwriters and artists, that can often be a challenge, especially if you have to do it all on your own. This program is designed to give you support and help you stay focused as you learn and grow.
Meetings can take place in person, over the phone or with video calls. You can start the mentoring process at any time.
There are four components to this program:
1. Initial consultation
You and Barbara will begin the first session by discussing what your ultimate goals are for your music – in other words, what you would be doing if all your dreams came true. Then Barbara will listen to some songs and give you feedback on their craft and commercial potential. Based on your level of development and what you’d like to accomplish, you’ll establish an action plan with specific long-term and short-term goals designed to fit your life and the way you like to work.
2. Continuing consultation
After the first meeting there will be a monthly meeting to review your progress. In addition, you can contact Barbara as needed. This feature is what makes the mentoring package differ from just booking consultation time. It gives you regular access to Barbara for guidance and advice. If you’d like some input on a song you’re working on, have a question about the music business, an issue with a co-writer or just need a pep talk, you can contact her up to for a brief conversation. This gives you immediate help with whatever you’re dealing with, and it keeps you from feeling like you’re in this all alone.
3. Coach-writing session
Bring an idea and Barbara will co-write it with you, in person, by phone or by video call. You’ll learn song craft in the process of building a song the way pro-writers do. Feedback helps you see what you did wrong, but this show you ways to do it right. Up to five hours is allotted for completion of the song. Additional time can be purchased at $90/hour. Barbara will be considered a 50% co-writer of the song.
4. Play for Publishers Workshop
These workshops are held 3 times a year and they are a way to learn about the demands of the market from successful professionals who regularly pitch to the top artists, producers and labels. Writers are invited to apply and 16 are selected to present their songs. Writers who are not selected are welcome to audit the workshop and they participate in every way except presenting their songs to the publishers. Your mentoring package includes attendance as an auditor at one workshop of your choosing. (If you would like to be considered for a spot as a presenter there is no charge to apply but you have to pay the workshop fee if selected.)
Cost $ 1200
If you are interested in a six month mentorship, please use the contact page to let Barbara know.