May. 12, 2017

Never been to Song Camp and are interested in learning details about our guests, workshops and focused topics? If you've been to Song Camp before, we've added new activities to the schedule that we think you'll really enjoy! Browse the full guest lineup and itinerary for NSAI Song Camp 2017 here.

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By the way, you should know....
RECEIVE $100 OFF WHEN YOU ATTEND BOTH CAMPS THIS SUMMER
We want you to make the most out of your time in Nashville! If you attend both Song Camp and Advanced Song Camp this year, you can receive a $100 rebate! Please contact NSAI to receive this offer.

NSAI SONG CAMP 2017 TOPICS & ACTIVITIES
PITCH TO PUBLISHER WORKSHOP | THURSDAY, JULY 13 (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. 


OPENING SPEAKER | LUKE LAIRD, CREATIVE NATION
We're kicking off Song Camp with award-winning songwriter/producer and Creative Nation co-founder, Luke Laird!
 
STEVE SESKIN | FEATURED GUEST INTRO TO LYRIC WRITING, POINT OF VIEW & WRITING AND REWRITING, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
  • INTRO TO LYRIC WRITING: What elements make up the most potent and engaging lyrics? In this workshop we take a look at lyrics that have that magical combination of imagery and emotion and how those two factors contribute greatly to drawing in the listener. People always say “show me, don’t tell me.” We need to paint pictures with our lyrics. We’ll talk about some of the tools every songwriter needs to be a better lyric writer.
  • POINT OF VIEW: In this seminar we explore eight different perspectives to choose from when deciding how your characters can best tell their story. We will look into figuring out how to find the most powerful way to tell any given story. We’ll talk about 1st, 2nd, 3rd person and various combinations as well. We will then look into more complex ways to use perspective to bring out the most emotion in all your lyrics. We believe this is one of the most important lessons on the road to writing great songs.
  • WRITING AND REWRITING, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE: Writing can more easily come from that dreamy/stream of consciousness place. Rewriting involves considering what you’ve already written and in many ways is a lot more tedious. In this lesson we examine all types of rewriting. Are you rewriting because the content is not serving the moment in the song, or is the problem the tone of how you put forth your idea? We'll also look at how to know when a song is done and the wisdom of sticking to the task versus putting a song away for a while and giving it a rest. 

CLIFF GOLDMACHER | MUSIC BUSINESS 101
The music industry is a competitive field to break into. Hear from Cliff on how you can stand out, learn what skills you will need, effective networking strategies and much more.

DAVE ISAACS | TRANSLATING MELODY
Dave Isaacs (Nashville-based teacher, musician, and artist) explains how anyone can harness a melody that's in their head regardless of their musical skill level.

LAUREN SUMMERFORD (27 DIGITAL) | HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF
In today’s day and age, social media can either make your or break you. Lauren will teach a lesson on digital media best practices, tools, strategies and helpful tips. Learn how to make social media work for you!

TIM HUNZE (PARALLEL ENTERTAINMENT) | PUBLISHING 101
The world of publishing can be a very complex being. Veteran Music Publisher Tim Hunze, partner and head of Nashville’s Parallel Music Publishing Office, will share his insight and knowledge on publishing companies, publishing deals, signed pro writers and much more. 
 
SMALL GROUP CO-WRITING SESSIONS
You asked for real time co-writing opportunities, so we answered! Attendees will be pre-sorted into 7 different groups and given the same song title. Each group will have two hours and fifteen minutes to come up with at least a verse and chorus to that song. We understand this is not your typically writing session, so we will have an industry professional moderating each breakout group. 

WRITERS ROUNDS AT THE COUNTRY & THE COMMODORE
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!

SMALL GROUP SONG FEEDBACK
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 sheets if you want to allow those in your group to follow along. Don’t forget to take lots of notes!

SMALL GROUP PRO SONG BREAKDOWN
Attendees will be pre-sorted into 8 different groups. You all will meet with a different professional songwriter as they take apart, analyze and dissect one of their own hit songs. Find out what they were thinking, why they did this, why they didn’t do that and take the knowledge as you apply it to your own future writing. Sure, you know WHAT you write. But do you know WHY you write it?

​CLOSING SPEAKER | WEIRDO WORKSHOP
Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony Harmony met while working on R&B album in 2009. They went on to write and produce together for artists including Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Jessie J, Faith Evans, Ledisi and Fantasia. They are both American singer, songwriters and music producers. Kelly and Harmony will speak on their journey, lessons learned along the way and of course share a fun story or two. 
 
SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTORS INCLUDE:
Lance Carpenter - "Love Me Like You Mean It" by Kelsea Ballerini
Justin Weaver - "Like I'm Gunna Lose You" by Meghan Trainor
Marc Beeson - "She's Got A Way With Words" by Blake Shelton
Greg Friia - "You Try" by Bonnie Tyler
Corey Crowder - "I'm Comin' Over" by Chris Young
Phillip White "I'm Movin On" by Rascal Flatts
More TBA!
 
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
For additional questions, contact our Event Director, Leah Pitts: [email protected].