Stretch your songwriting abilities at NSAI Advanced Song Camp

WEDNESDAY WITH A PRO | WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 (OPTIONAL)
Advanced Song Camp attendees get an exclusive inside look at one of NSAI’s hit services! Attendees get the opportunity to participate in an intimate, in-person member driven discussion with a pro songwriter. Get a behind the scenes look at a pro songwriter’s journey, hear the stories behind hit songs, be treated to an acoustic performance, get industry advise, Q&A and more! Limited to 30 seats. Pre-registration is required. 
 

PITCH TO PUBLISHER WORKSHOP | THURSDAY, JULY 20 (OPTIONAL)
What better way to kick off the weekend than with a pitch opportunity?! Attendees are able to pitch one original song directly to a Music Row Publisher. These events are “pass” or “take a copy” sessions and publishers are not required to give feedback (although many of them will). We only play a VERSE and a CHORUS of each song unless the publisher asks to hear more. 

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet award winning songwriter and publisher, Liz Rose. Liz will share her journey with the group, lessons learned along the path to success, and answer all the questions from the audience.
 

STEVE LESLIE | FEATURED GUEST
TOPICS: Song Ideas and Titles that Make for Good Story-Telling / Setting the Hook!
Get the inside scoop from pro-writer Steve Leslie on how to choose the perfect song title, work with a song idea and how to create a catchy hook. Did you know that Steve earned a Grammy Certificate for the title cut to Ricky Skaggs' 2004 "Brand New String which won a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album of the Year? 

 

BART HERBISON | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Hear from NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison about everything music industry. After spending two decades in the business, he has seen it all. 
 

JAMIE HOUSTON | PRODUCING 201
If you have ever watched the Disney channel or a Disney movie, it is likely you have heard one of Jamie’s songs. Jamie Houston is an award-winning songwriter and producer. From chart topping hits to multi-platinum albums and Emmy nominations, his work has been sought after by a long list of artists, including Steven Tyler, Carlos Santana, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Macy Grey, Kid Rock, and Aaron Neville. Jamie will offer his insight from the seat of both the songwriter and producer. You will learn how the relationship works between the two and how to most effectively work together. 
 

KATIE JELEN | PUBLISHING EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY
Until you have actually dipped your feet into the publishing world, there can be many misconceptions about it, Veteran publisher, Katie Jelen w/ Secret Road Music Publishing, will share her insight on what really happens once you get a publishing deal versus what many people think.
 

JESSE FRASURE | TRACK WRITERS AND TOPLINING
Hear from one of the music industry’s top songwriter/producers on the pro’s and cons of track writers and toplining. Track writers create the musical tracks and toplining writers create the melodies and lyrics for the tracks.
 

Grab lunch from the buffet table and head up to your pre-assigned breakout room! You asked for real time co-writing opportunities, so we answered! Attendees will be pre-sorted into 8 different groups and given the same song title.

SMALL GROUP PITCH TO PUBLISHER

Another pitch opportunity? Yes, that’s right! Attendees will be pre-sorted into 8 different groups where they will then be able to pitch one original song directly to a Music Row Publisher. These events are “pass” or “take a copy” sessions and publishers are not required to give feedback (although many of them will). We only play a VERSE and a CHORUS of each song unless the publisher asks to hear more. Being thinking of some questions you may have, because the will likely be time for Q&A at the end of your session.
 

While lessons are going on in the main room, attendees will slip out at their pre-assigned time for their 30-minute mentoring session. Mentor, time and breakout room will be preassigned. You only have 30 minutes to sit one on one with a pro, so come prepared with specific questions and a song or 2 you would like feedback on. You may ask questions on things like: songwriting, the music industry, your career goals, etc. This is about you, so make it what you want it to be.
 

Attendees will be pre-sorted into 8 different groups. You all will meet with a professional songwriter and play a song for them from your phone or a cd. In addition to your song, make sure to bring about 15 copies of your lyric sheet you want to allow those in your group to follow along. Don’t forget to take lots of notes!
 

We hope you all came up with some good songs during your co-writing sessions! Because in this hour segment, one or two people from each group will perform the song created in the previous breakout for everyone. We of course want to hear the story behind your songs as well!
 

NSAI Director of Events, Leah Pitts, will lead a caucus discussion with the group. At this time we will recap each experience from the weekend, and discuss in depth as a group our thoughts.
 

Come hang out, eat and mingle before the writer’s round! We have reserved a private space for you to network and get to know fellow attendees better. NSAI will provide one drink stipend for each attendee.
 

28 attendees will be pre-selected to play one of Nashville’s hottest live music venues! This event is open to the public, so invite all your friends!