Next workshop, February 19 - 21Apply now. Deadline is Jan. 18th.
Ready to kick-start your songwriting career? This intensive 3-day workshop gives you rare, insider access to the knowledge, feedback, and connections that usually take years to build.
Apply for one of just sixteen spots and work directly with top Nashville publishers. Each day, two publishers will listen to one of your songs, critique both craft and commercial potential, and answer your most important questions about how to succeed in the business.
In addition, there is a class studying hit songs, plus a performance and Q&A with hit songwriters.
You’ll learn exactly what the industry is looking for right now—while spending three days surrounded by a vetted group of ambitious, talented writers who are serious about getting cuts.
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. If you are ready to take your songwriting to the next level, apply now!
Read reviews from past participants
Details
PUBLISHERS ATTENDING
Eric Olson, Symphonic Publishing
Nate Lowery, Cornman Music
Todd Wilkes, Todd Wilkes Music
Madison Policastri, Reel Muzic Werks
Dale Bobo, Sony Publishing
Emily Dryburgh, Young Music City
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY FEB 19th
8:30 am – Writing for the Row class analyzing hit country songs
1:30 pm – Listening session with 2 publishers
FRIDAY FEB 20th
8:30 am – Listening session with 2 publishers
1:30 pm – Performance and Q&A with pro songwriters
SATURDAY, FEB 21st
8:30 am – Listening session with two publishers
2:00 pm – Auditors present songs for feedback from the group
COST:
$495, due by Jan. 29th
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. 16th. The cost is $345 due at registration.
How to Apply
You begin by filling out and submitting the application form. To apply, you will need to send at least 3 songs plus lyrics 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 submissions 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 23rd.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I can’t play live?
Writers have the choice to use demos or play live.
2. Q. Can I submit co-written songs?
A. Yes, but please identify your co-writers on the lyric sheet.
3. Q. Can I submit AI written songs?
A. NO. Publishers are not interestred in hearing songs if any part of the lyrics or melody were written by AI.
4. Q. What kind of demos should I submit?
A. You can send anything from a fully-produced studio demo to a rough phone recording. You may submit AI demos if 100% of the melody and lyrics are not AI generated. Submit your best songs, regardless of the quality of the demo. Songs will be judged on the the writing, NOT on the demo.
5. 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.
6. Q. What if I don’t write Country songs?
A. The primary market in Nashville is commercial Country. Many publishers have expanded their reach to pop, sync and other genres, but their main focus is still in Country. However, if they see great potential in a non-Country writer they may want to offer an open door and help them develop. You are welcome to submit songs in any genre when you apply.
7. Q. Can co-writers enter as a team?
A. Yes. Writers can apply for one spot as a team. Teams present only one song per session regardless of how many members. If you want to present more than one song at each session, team members are welcome to apply for their own spots.
8. 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.