Started in 2002, these workshops have led to single-song contracts for several writers and the offer of a staff-writing deal for two. Many participants now have open doors on Music Row .Even more have found fruitful co writing relationships and lasting friendships. And all the writers who attend a Play for Publishers workshop come away with a deeper understanding of what the demands of the market are and how to bring their songwriting to the next level.

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If you are a songwriter or writer/artist with dreams of having your songs recorded in the major-label Country market, this workshop is designed to help you reach your goals. To succeed takes more than talent and hard work -  you need to understand the demands of the market and to build strong relationships with industry professionals.

At this workshop, sixteen applicants will play songs for established music publishers and get feedback on the craft and commercial potential of their writing. This not only gives you the chance to impress publishers who may want to hear more from you, but you will be learning what it takes to get a song cut from people who pitch songs for a living and get cuts by top Country artists.

Read comments left by past participants.
 

How it works
Each workshop is attended by six publishers - successful professionals who work with hit writers, get cuts by top artists and sign staff writers. They are not paid for their time - they attend because  they are genuinely interested in finding and nurturing new songwriting talent.

All writers are invited to apply by sending in three songs for review and sixteen are selected based on  the originality, creativity and craftsmanship of their songwriting.  Writers who are not selected are still welcome to attend and audit the workshop for a reduced fee.

During the workshop there are three different listening sessions, each attended by two publishers. The sixteen writers selected present one song at each session (live or a recording), and then the group listens to the publishers give feedback on the craft and commercial potential of the songs.  There is time for questions at the end of each listening session.

In addition to the three sessions with publishers, the workshop includes a Writing for the Row class where we analyze hit songs to see what characteristics they have in common, a question/answer session with a hit songwriter, a chance for participants who perform to play at popular local music venue R'ichard's Cafe and a show with hit songwriters at the Bluebird Cafe.
 

Auditing the workshop
I have always believed that you can learn more from listening to feedback on other people's songs than from what people say about your own. That's why anyone who wants to attend is welcome, even if they are not one of the sixteen writers selected to present their songs. Auditors participate in every way except for playing for publishers, but there is time on Saturday afternoon for them to present a song (live or a demo) and get feedback from the group.

Read comments from past participants

APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR
PLAY FOR PUBLISHERS WORKSHOP
 
February 23 - 25, 2012
at
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tn.
with 
Sara Johnson - Bug Music
Bobby Rymer - Writer's Den
Cyndi Foreman - Universal Publishing
Chris Oglesby - Oglesby Writer Management
Janine Appleton - This Music
Mike Doyle - Major Bob Music

Congratulations to the writers selected to play for the publishers - Abbi White, Bart Black, Drew Baldridge, Mike Collins, David Mullikin, Jameson Rodgers, Kelly Saint Patrick, Kenneth Cooper, Korri Ryan, Matt Casey,  Maureen Fichten, Nick Zini, Rick LeDune, Sam Plotkin, Shane Wyatt and Vann Brown.

Auditing spots are still available.
Auditors participate in every way except presenting their songs.
To register, email barbara@barbaracloyd.com or call 615-383-5616.

DETAILS

Cost: 
Cost for participants: $295 (scholarships available - click for info on scholarship policy)
Cost to audit: $175
Click here to pay online with Paypal

Location:
Bluebird Cafe, 4104 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville TN 37215

Lodging:
Participants secure their own lodging. Click here for a list of suggestions. 

SCHEDULE FOR THE FEBRUARY WORKSHOP
Thurs Feb 23
8:30 am to noon -  Writing for the Row - a class analyzing hit songs
1 pm to 4 pm - Listening session with two publishers
7 pm - Participants perform at Ri'chard's Cafe

Fri Feb 24
8:30 am to noon - Listening session with two publishers
1:30 - 2:45 pm - Q&A session with hit writer Liz Hengber
2:45 - 4 pm - Q&A session with staff writer Scott Stepakoff
6:30 - 8:30 pm - Show at the Bluebird with hit writers

Sat Feb 25
9am - 12:30 pm - Listening session with two publishers
1:30 - 4 pm - Auditors present songs for feedback from the workshop participants
7:30 pm - Wrap party

SCHEDULE FOR 2012
February 23 - 25 (application deadline Wed Jan 118, applicants notified on Fri Jan 20)
June 28 - 30 (application deadline Sun May 20, applicants notified on Fri May 25)
October 18 - 20 (application deadline Sun Sept 9, applicants notified on Fri Sept 14)

Read comments from past participants.

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Please note - there is a 4% service charge added to Paypal payments

$30 for feedback on workshop application songs

$295 workshop fee                                          

$175 fee to audit workshop                               

Please note - there is a 4% service charge added to Paypal payments