These workshops have resulted in open doors to publishers, co-writes with staff writers and even a few publishing deals. Many long-term cowriting relationships and friendships have formed among attendees. They are a three-day crash course in what it takes to write professionally in Nashville. Sixteen applicants will be chosen to present one song to two different publishers each day, who 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 class analyzing hit songs and a session where two pro writers share their music, talk about their journey and answer questions. Click here to read Google Reviews.
Next workshop Feb 20 - 22, 2025Deadline to apply is Jan 19
Details
PUBLISHERS ATTENDING
Chris Oglesby (BMG Publishing)
Lee Krabel (SMACKSongs)
Zach Green – Green Publishing and Management
Madison Policastry (Reel Muzik Werks)
Jamie Dryburgh – Young Music City
Emily Dryburgh – Young Music City
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY FEB 20
8:30 am – Writing for the Row class analyzing hit country songs
1:30 pm – Listening session with 2 publishers
FRIDAY FEB 21
8:30 am – Listening session with 2 publishers
1:30 pm – Performance and Q&A with pro songwriters
SATURDAY, FEB 22
8:30 am – Listening session with two publishers
2:00 pm – Auditors present songs for feedback from the group
COST:
$495, due by Jan 27th
LOCATION:
Hampton Inn, 1919 West End, Nashville TN
LODGING
Participants secure their own lodging
AUDITING THE WORKSHOP
Writers who are not selected to present songs to the publishers are welcome to attend to networks and learn. Auditors participate fully in all ways other than presenting songs. If you only want to audit you do not need to apply.
Auditing registration ends Monday Feb 20th. The cost is $345 due at registration.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the application form by the Jan 19th deadline 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 up to sixteen will be chosen based on how well crafted, original and relevant to the current market the writing is. Everyone who applies will be notified whether or not they were selected to play for the publishers by Fri. Jan 24th.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. You may also perform live.
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. Teams of two can attend at the regular price. The additional members of the team pay the auditing fee of $345. The team presents only one song per session regardless of how many members.
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.