Throughout the U.S. there are more than 100 local songwriters organizations that provide a variety of services including showcases and workshops featuring music industry guests. Rather than list them all I'll mention the national organizations. You can find a list of others on the net at Muse's Muse or Jeff Mallet's Songwriter Site (see websites). American Songwriter Magazine also maintains a list. (see below.) Some of the largest local orgs are: Northern California Songwriters Assn. (San Francisco Area) 415-327-8296, Austin Songwriters Group (Texas) 512-442-8863, Songwriters Assn. of Washington (in DC) 301-654-8434, Arizona Songwriters Assn. (Phoenix) 602-841-2848.
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
615-256-3354
Founded in 1967, it's primarily, though not exclusively, focused on country music. It maintains nearly 100 local workshops throughout the country. Check to see if there's one near you or for info on starting one. Professional and general memberships. Produces many educational events throughout the year, Song Camps in Aug. and Oct., annual Summer Seminar in early August.
Songwriters Guild of America (SGA)
New York: 201-867-7603 Nashville: 615-329-1782
Los Angeles: 323-462-1108
The oldest songwriters organization (1931), the Guild pioneered the ideal song contract for writers. It will assist writers in collecting proper royalties from publishers, It administers (optional service) the publishing catalogs of its writer/publisher members among other services. Its non-profit division, The Songwriters Guild Foundation, offers free consultation, seminars, workshops and critique sessions to its members.
|
TEN GOOD REASONS TO JOIN A SONGWRITERS ORGANIZATION
One interesting discovery we made is that many of you are active members of several different songwriters groups. From needing a local support group to involvement in national legislation, their services are rarely one-size-fits-all and there is a great diversity of services available. Here are a few:
- You can learn the most up-to-date information about the music industry (which we know is always evolving) including copyright law changes and new royalty sources.
- You can create and develop a wide array of contacts with potential co-writers, vocalists, musicians, publishers, studios, etc.
- You can promote your own material to a wider audience, perhaps in a market you otherwise couldn't reach, (and learn good places to play, open mic nights, etc.)
- You can get feedback on your songs from fellow members.
- You can learn about song contests in which you might want to compete.
- You can check out the reputations of the music biz people with whom you'd like to do business.
- You are participating in a songwriting community...whether you are a member who attends meetings in your own area, or whether you're an "online" participant.
- You can pitch your songs directly to industry people and learn about their needs.
- You can learn about and participate in legislative actions that will affect your rights and future royalties as a songwriter.
- You have a support group of people who can inspire you, join you in rejoicing about your victories and commiserating about your failures. And don't forget about just having fun!
|
