Note that these workshops are not about just you getting heard, but you offering feedback for others, networking and meeting our industry guests.

Our guest speakers contribute to the evaluation process and are available to answer any questions the songwriters may have about the music industry. Guests include record and publishing company representatives, noteworthy songwriters, media, other music organization reps, promoters and producers.

Read about our Workshops                                        Find a Workshop near you

In order to keep our workshops smooth, professional, and catering to all, we ask you to abide to the following:

RULES: You can download the WORKSHOP RULES PDF here

1.     It is best to RSVP your attendance. (In some cities it's mandatory. Check your chapter details for more)

Must be on time. Please be early. 15 minutes after the start time is too late to be considered for a song critique and not respecting your fellow members and the guest speaker. You must be on time to be considered to present your song.

2. Pre-registering does not confirm that you will present a song. It depends on the time allocated for critiques. Order of songs will be randomly and fairly selected. 

3. We strive to allow everyone to present a song for critique (if you are prepared), but time and numbers will determine length of song critique time. See below on "Who Participates" for more on who presents a song.

4.     Non-members pay only $5 to come ($10 when guest speakers); free to members (keep your membership current by logging into your profile)

5.      If you are going to be late for a really good reason, contact your coordinator in advance.

7.     Come prepared! 1 song either on tape, CD or live (bring own guitar or keyboard for an unplugged performance) and up to 10-20 copies of your typed lyric sheet with contact details clearly displayed. READ BELOW the "Be Prepared" section. Very important. You must bring lyrics for your songs if you are to present otherwise you will not be considered. 

8. Composers of instrumentals are also welcome.

9.     Come with writing paper and a pen.

who participates?

Our workshops are designed for songwriters and composers (from entry level to professional) who have written songs, or are in the songwriting stage, who want to further their craft, gain feedback on their music, and potentially get their songs out to the world. However, we also have singers, musicians, and non music types who attend as it's a great networking opportunity (singers looking for songwriters, or musicians looking for songs, as examples). The goals of the workshop are about 1) the SONG and making it the best it can be 2) providing a community for our members to gather, network, collaborate and learn. Read about Songsalive! and our mission here.

Song Critique session: Members are given preference for song critiques, however, the workshops are educational and informative for all, equally to members and non-members. Time allocated for song critiques depends on whether there is a guest speaker or not.

Although moderators try and allow everyone to receive a song critique, preference for song critique is given in this order:
1, Members first, then non-members
2. Those who have their presentation professionally ready - lyric sheets provided, CDs labeled, etc
3. First timers usually don't get to critique. They can learn a lot from listening to critiques and to the guest speaker in the second half.

Note that if there is limited time, songs will be cut (faded) at a certain point. Don't be alarmed at this. This is not a performance, but a presentation of your song. If we've heard enough to be able to provide feedback, then that's ok.

Educational/guest speaker session: Everyone can participate, and learn.

SONGWRITERS PRESENTING -  BE PREPARED AS FOLLOWS:

• Have your tapes/CDs cued, guitars tuned, instruments ready and/or where applicable, support musicians on standby.

• Pagers and cell phones turned off!

• Works in progress, lyrics, instrumentals and released/finished compositions are all eligible for workshop critique, but we are not here to write a song for you! This is a critique session not a co-writing session

• Before you present your song, you may introduce it and tell your peers what kind of feedback you are looking for. Please also state if this is a song for you as an artist or if you are pitching it. Feedback is usually different depending on this.

• After your presentation no comment from you would be generally required unless invited to do so. You have made your statement by presenting your work.

• If time restricts, only a portion of your song will be presented so be prepared to play your best 8-12 bars (first verse and chorus usually suits).

• All songs must be original. (written or co-written).

• Be professional and bring 10-20 copies of your lyric sheet (mandatory), with name, address, phone, email and website (where applic.) and current copyright date. You never know who is in the audience!

• Don't forget to sit in the hot seat during song presentation and feedback time.

EVALUATORS/PEERS:

• Guest speakers get first priority to provide critique

• Evaluations and critiques by the audience are optional, not compulsory. You may either:
  

• •  a) Write your comments of the presenters work on their lyric sheets and return to songwriter. It is your choice if you add your name or remain anonymous; or
    
  • b) Verbalize your comment, if time permits (moderated). Or
    
  • c) Save your comment to the half-time break to speak one-on-one with the songwriter in private.

• Raise your hand if you want to offer feedback. It's not school, but it helps avoid cross-talk and interruptions. Only speak when asked by the moderator.

• At all times keep your comments succinct, to the point, non-repetitive, POSITIVE and PROFESSIONAL in manner. Of course, a negative point can be raised so that we can all learn from our presentations, but POSITIVE CRITICISM is appropriate here. No song bashing! Always give your feedback from your own point of view. Avoid using words like "you should", "you must", "you need." Try "I think", "I believe, " etc. We are all professionals here and your feedback is only your view, not necessarily the only answer.

• Critiques are oriented towards the songwriting (melody, music, rhythm etc) and not production unless feedback is requested by the presenter.