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.

Next workshop Feb 29 - Mar 2Apply now!Future workshops, Jun 13 - 15, Oct 3 - 5

Details

SHEDULE

THURSDAY
8:30 am – Writing for the Row class analyzing hit country songs
1:30 pm – Listening session with Nate Lowery (Cornman) and Julia Keefe (Edgehill)

FRIDAY
8:30 am – Listening session with Kennedy Murphy and Steve Bloch
1:30 pm – Performance and Q&A with pro writers

SATURDAY, Oct 7th
9:30 am – Listening session with Jamie Dryburgh and Emily Dryburgh
2:00 pm – Auditors present songs for feedback from the group

COST:
$495, due by Feb. 8th.

LOCATION:
Home2 Suites, 1811 Division, Nashville TN

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.

Registration ends Monday the week of the workshop. The cost is $345 due at registration.

 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the application form by the Jan. 28th 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 around 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 5 days after the deadline.

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. There is a fee of $250 for each additional team member. 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.

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