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ASCAP WORKSHOPS
The ASCAP Foundation Songwriters Workshops
Country Songwriters Workshop (Nashville)
Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop (NY)
Gospel Workshop (LA, Atlanta, NY)
Jazz Workshop (NY)
Latin Music Workshop (Miami, Puerto Rico, LA)
Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop (LA)
Pop Songwriters Workshop (NY, Nashville)
R&B Workshop (LA, Atlanta, NY)
ASCAP Foundation Songwriters Workshops give songwriters the opportunity to play their songs before a panel of noted music industry professionals, including fellow songwriters, music publishers, producers, film and television directors/supervisors and A&R executives, who can offer advice on songwriting, song placement and many other topics of interest to aspiring songwriters. ASCAP and The ASCAP Foundation Songwriters Workshops are open to all songwriters regardless of performing rights affiliation.
Dates: Held at various times throughout the year in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Miami and Puerto Rico.
How to apply: Submit a CD with two original songs, lyric sheets and bio to the appropriate ASCAP office (please specify which workshop you are interested in within the address of your submission).
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The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters' Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop focuses on the discovery, development and education of a select, advanced group of songwriters. The eight-session workshop features prominent guest speakers giving advice on topics including A&R, music publishing, artist management, legal issues, etc. Participants will also write and demo-record a new song during the course of the workshop. Past workshop speakers have included songwriter Andy Marvel (Jessica Simpson, Diana King, etc.) and A&R guru and producer Steven Ferrera (American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Natalie Imbruglia, etc.).
The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop in New York is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture and encourage songwriters. The ASCAP Foundation funds this workshop through a bequest from lyricist Paul Cunningham, president of ASCAP from 1956-1959. In 1981 The ASCAP Foundation received a bequest from his wife Florence Bennett Cunningham who instructed that the royalties from her husband's works were to be used to aid worthy American composers of musical compositions.
In connection with Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop, The ASCAP Foundation also has a cash award, thanks to the generosity of Patty Allen, wife of the late ASCAP songwriter member, Bob Allen, writer of such classic Pop songs as “Chances Are,” “It’s Not for Me to Say” and the seasonal favorite, “Home for the Holidays.” The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award is presented annually to an ASCAP songwriter participating in ASCAP’s New York Extended Songwriting Workshop who upholds the high standard set by Bob Allen in the writing of popular songs.
How to apply:
Submit a CD containing two original songs with typed or neatly written lyrics, along with a brief resume or bio and a written explanation as to why you would like to participate in the workshop. Materials should be sent to the following address:
Attention: The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop
ASCAP
1 Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
There is no fee or charge to participate in the workshop; however, chosen participants will be responsible for their own transportation, housing and all other living expenses. The workshop is open to all composers regardless of their current performing rights affiliation. Please also note that materials submitted to ASCAP for consideration will not be returned.
Workshop dates:
TBD 2009
Deadline: 2008 submissions are now closed. Please check back next year.
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The ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop
This eight-session workshop (twice a week for four weeks) is held annually in the Los Angeles Membership office. Honoring the pioneering music publisher and record producer Lester Sill, this workshop for advanced songwriters focuses on the discovery, development and education of a select group of songwriters and features prominent guest speakers giving advice on a variety of music industry topics.
How to apply: Submit a CD containing two original songs with typed or neatly written lyric sheets, along with a brief resume or bio and a written explanation as to why you would like to participate in the workshop. Songs can be co-written. Materials should be sent to the Los Angeles ASCAP office, attention: The ASCAP Foundation/Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop.
Deadline for submissions: September 12, 2008
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The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Pop Songwriters Workshop in Nashville occurs every fall for six consecutive weekly evening sessions. This workshop focuses on the development and education of promising new pop songwriters. Each session will feature prominent music industry guest speakers giving advice on topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues.
The 2008 ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriter Workshop will be moderated by hitmaker Dennis Matkosky. From Flashdance to Rascal Flatts seems like quite a leap for a classically-trained guy from Philly, but it's just a day in the life of this year's moderator Dennis Matkosky, the versatile virtuoso responsible for such iconic radio smashes as "Maniac" (#1 in 18 countries and 15 million records later...), "I Need You" (LeAnn Rimes) and "You'll Think Of Me," the pop-crossover #1 smash by Keith Urban.
He has also penned hits for Diana Ross, Boz Scaggs, Smokey Robinson and Kenny G. Grammy Award-winning, Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated, Dennis is never restening on his laurels...He manages to juggle writing appointmentents from Nashville to LA to London and back again while developing young artists/writers.
How To Apply:
Submit two original songs (may be co-written) on a CD with typed lyrics and a brief bio/resume. The CD MUST be labeled, including the song titles, applicant's name, address, phone number and e-mail.
Send submissions to:
ASCAP
Attn: The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop
Two Music Square West
Nashville, TN 37203
Deadline for submissions: 2008 submissions are now closed. Please check back next year.
Dates: Six weeks beginning in the fall.
For more information, call the Nashville ASCAP office at (615) 742-5000.
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The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop occurs every spring for six consecutive weekly evening sessions. This workshop focuses on the development and education of promising new Country songwriters. Each session will feature prominent music industry guest speakers giving advice on the art and craft of successful songwriting techniques as well as business related topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues. Past workshop hosts have included hit writers such as Walt Aldridge ("There's No Getting Over Me", "Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde"), Bonnie Baker ("This Woman Needs", "Ordinary Life"), Rivers Rutherford ("Real Good Man", "If You Ever Stop Loving Me"), and Steven Dale Jones ("He Gets That From Me", "One More Day").
Dates: Spring 2009. Exact dates will be released only to selected participants upon notification of admission. Those who are not selected will be notified via written notice. For more information, call (615) 742-5000.
How to apply: Application submissions MUST include: Two original songs (may be co-written) on a CD, typed lyrics and a brief bio/resume. The CD must be labeled, including song titles, writer's name, address, phone number and E-mail. The submission should be dropped off or mailed to:
Attn: 2009 ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop
Two Music Square West
Nashville, TN 37203
Submissions will not be returned.
Deadline for submission: TBA 2009
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ASCAP's Music Business 101 for Songwriters
This is a series of informational and educational sessions with different music business guest speakers, covering topics such as performing rights, publishing, A&R, breaking into the business, and a variety of other related topics. Geared towards new and up-and-coming writers, these sessions provide ample time for audience questions.
All Music Business 101 events are free and open to the public
Dates: Held at various times throughout the year in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville* and Miami.
For further information, call (212) 621-6485, (212) 621-6416 for New York; (615) 742-5000 for Nashville*; (323) 883-1000 for LA or (305) 673-3446 for Miami. You can also check the ASCAP web calendar: www.ascap.com/calendar/.
*For specific dates and information, request to be added to the Nashville Workshop email list by sending an email to NashvilleWorkshops@ascap.com with "Add to workshop list" in the subject heading. Please do not send other correspondence to this address, as you will not receive a response.
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ASCAP SWAPmeet
The SWAPmeet is a creative event designed to give songwriters an opportunity to have their works heard by industry professionals, build a support group, provide introductions and make connections. Writers/producers/lyricists are given a platform to introduce and market two songs/tracks either via CD or live performance. Lyricists are encouraged to use the event as a spoken word platform. It also gives them an opportunity to meet fellow colleagues locally in an effort to encourage future collaborations.
Dates: The SWAPmeet is a national event held at various times throughout the year. Past SWAPmeets have taken have taken place in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Philadelphia.
For further information on the SWAPmeet, contact the Rhythm & Soul Department in New York at 212-621-6485, Los Angeles at (323) 883-1000 or Atlanta at (404) 685-8699.
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The Synergy Lounge
Presented by ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Creative Team, the Synergy Lounge, the first workshop of its kind, represents experienced and seasoned songwriters, as well as aspiring and less-experienced creators. Imagine a place where positive forces intertwine with creative ideas, where memories embrace melodies, where language transforms into intense emotion and sincerity unequivocally floats around the room. Imagine a place where the commonality among the crowd is this instinctive motivation to create melodies that move the soul, produce tracks that move the crowd, or write lyrics that move the mind and spirit. Imagine the Synergy Lounge. The concept of the Synergy Lounge stems from ASCAP's pledge to provide its members with tools to positively express themselves through the world of song. The Synergy Lounge is a way to stimulate ideas and motivate music creators in a relaxed environment, giving members an uninhibited drive to network among their peers and share thoughts.
Dates: Held at various times throughout the year.
For further information on the Synergy Lounge, contact the Rhythm & Soul Department in New York at (212) 621-6485, Los Angeles at (323) 883-1000 or Atlanta at (404) 685-8699.
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Lyrically Speaking
The resurgence of Spoken Word, a popular genre of performance poetry, is sweeping the nation. Become a part of the scene at ASCAP's own Lyrically Speaking: an eclectic evening of stellar spoken word artistry and sultry soulful music. As a cross-cultural phenomenon, Lyrically Speaking has showcased some of the nation's top Spoken Word artists. Local poets are also embraced as they ignite audiences and captivate the "cultured hip" in attendance who witness these truly talented lyricists putting rhythm to rhyme. Lyrically Speaking provides poets, lyricist and fans of the Spoken Word movement an opportunity to be inspired, network and vibe.
Dates: Held at various times throughout the year.
For further information on Lyrically Speaking, contact: The Rhythm & Soul Department in New York (212) 621-6485, Los Angeles at (323) 883-1000 or Atlanta at (404) 685-8699.
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The Wordshop The Wordshop is a series of seminars focusing on the art and craft of lyric writing in popular music. Sponsored in part by The ASCAP Foundation, future Wordshop sessions will continue to explore the diversity of lyrical structure, craft and interpretation in the many different genres of popular music.
Dates: Please refer to ASCAP's Events Calendar www.ascap.com/calendar or call the Los Angeles ASCAP office at (323) 883-1000. To be placed on an email list, please send a request to: lamusicbiz@ascap.com.
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ASCAP Writers Series
The ASCAP Writer Series is a quarterly workshop designed to provide motivation and direction to upcoming writer members. Attendees will meet with a highly successful professional writer once a month over a three month period. Each session will provide exposure to a wide variety of industry topics, different successful songwriting methods, as well as an on-the-spot critiquing session. Due to the intimacy of this workshop, space is limited to 10 ASCAP member attendees per quarter.
Dates: Held quarterly in Nashville.
How to apply: Submit two original songs on CD with typed lyrics to Chad Green c/o ASCAP, 2 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information contact the Nashville ASCAP office at (615)742-5000.
Deadline for submissions: First month of each quarter for following quarter participation. (Example: Submit in January for possible inclusion in 2nd quarter series.)
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2009 ASCAP Television & Film Scoring Workshop with Richard Bellis
ASCAP offers a "one-of-a-kind" experience for aspiring film and television composers.
12 selected participants will have an opportunity to record their original composition with an "A list" of Hollywood professionals, including a 40-piece orchestra of LA's finest on a major studio film scoring stage, a legendary scoring mixer, professional music editors, copyists and composers acting as coaches and mentors. In addition, there are "From the Horse's Mouth" sessions with studio executives, agents, attorneys and music supervisors.
Dates: July 2009, exact dates TBA
Workshop requirements and how to apply:
The workshop is intended for composers who are pursuing film & television music as a career. It is not for hobbyists nor is it for professionals who are currently making a living as film and television composers.
The composer must submit the following 3 items:
- Send a CD only, containing a maximum of 15 minutes of music, which demonstrates your ability to write for orchestra with a dramatic sensitivity to picture. Participants may not use "ghost" writers or orchestrators. We will NOT review any videos, DATs, cassettes or other audio/visual material. On occasion, further materials, such as a score, may be requested.
- Include a bio/resume/credits and information regarding past education and/or experience. You must also include your current email address.
- Include a brief statement as to why you are interested and how you learned about the workshop.
The workshop will be held during a four-week period beginning in July, exact dates TBA. Submissions will not be returned and chosen participants will be notified in mid-May. There is NO fee or charge to participate in the workshop; however, chosen participants will be responsible for their own transportation, housing and all other living expenses. The workshop is open to all composers regardless of their current performing rights affiliation.
Send your submission to:
2009 ASCAP Television & Film Scoring Workshop with Richard Bellis
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard
Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Submission Deadline: April 1, 2009. Please note that submissions will not be accepted before January 1, 2009
For more information, please contact our Los Angeles Film & TV Music Dept.
at (323) 883-1000.
Partial funding provided by The ASCAP Foundation.
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Composer to Composer Series
The Composer to Composer series consists of evenings co-sponsored by ASCAP and the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL). Each evening is devoted to a well-known film composer, who is invited to share his or her experience and perspectives with an audience of composers, music industry executives and film music enthusiasts. Composer to Composer evenings are held at various venues in Los Angeles. An admission fee is charged at the door. SCL members admitted for free.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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ASCAP East Coast Film and TV Events
ASCAP will present a series of informational and educational events for composers and songwriters who wish to enter the field of film and TV.
Events include panels of industry professionals sharing their experiences, insights and advice, composer/filmmaker screenings and discussions, and artist showcases to the film industry.
Dates: Please call the ASCAP New York office, (212) 621-6264, for dates.
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ASCAP Musical Theatre Events
ASCAP will present a series of informational and educational events for composers and songwriters who wish to pursue Musical Theatre.
Events include, but are not limited to, musical theatre workshops, showcases and panels of industry professionals sharing their experiences, insights and advice.
Dates: Please call the ASCAP New York office, (212) 621-6264, for dates and to be added to email list.
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ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in New York
Directed by Stephen Schwartz
The ASCAP Foundation and Walt Disney Feature Animation have formed The ASCAP Foundation Disney Musical Theatre Workshop. Directed by Academy Award-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt, Godspell, Pippin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), the workshop is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture new American musicals.
DATES: TBA 2009
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: TBA
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING (Submissions will not be returned):
• CD of four (4) songs with lyric sheets
• A brief description of each song as to its plot placement
• A brief synopsis of the musical.
• Biographical information for each composer, lyricist & book writer. (Please include address/phone number/email)
SEND YOUR PACKAGE TO:
Michael A. Kerker
ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90046
NOTE: While this workshop is in New York, submissions must go to the Los Angeles office
DEADLINE: Submission deadline forthcoming
PLEASE NOTE:
- Submit 4 songs only. If you send us a full recording, we will only listen to the first 4 songs.
- Submissions do not need to be produced in a studio. We are looking for talent and potential, not production values.
- If your musical is selected, you will need to present 50 consecutive minutes from the musical at the workshop. The 50-minute selection must include book and songs.
- Those who have been accepted to present material in the workshop will receive a phone call.
- Those who will be invited to audit the workshop will receive an email invitation.
- Please do not call to ask if you have been selected.
For further information, call 212-621-6264.
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ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in Los Angeles
Directed by Stephen Schwartz
The ASCAP Foundation and Walt Disney Feature Animation have formed The ASCAP Foundation Disney Musical Theatre Workshop. Directed by Academy Award-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt, Godspell, Pippin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), the workshop is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture new American musicals.
DATES: TBA 2009
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: TBA
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING (Submissions will not be returned):
• CD of four (4) songs with lyric sheets
• A brief description of each song as to its plot placement
• A brief synopsis of the musical.
• Biographical information for each composer, lyricist & book writer. (Please include address/phone number/email)
SEND YOUR PACKAGE TO:
Michael A. Kerker
ASCAP
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard, Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Attn: Disney Musical Theatre Workshop
DEADLINE: Submission deadline forthcoming
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please submit 4 songs only. If you send us a full recording, we will only listen to the first 4 songs.
- Submissions do not need to be produced in a studio. We are looking for talent and potential, not production values.
- If your musical is selected, you will need to present 50 consecutive minutes from the musical at the workshop. The 50-minute selection must include book and songs.
- Those who have been accepted into the workshop will receive a phone call.
- Those who will be invited to audit the workshop will receive an email invitation.
- Please do not call to ask if you have been selected.
For further information, call 212-621-6264.
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The 2009 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshop
In Memory of Buddy Baker
Following in the vision and legacy of Buddy Baker, the 2009 NYU Film Scoring Workshop will continue to present the rich traditions of classical Hollywood film scoring. Dedicated sessions will address timing, orchestration techniques, and conducting. MIDI mockups, a staple in today's scoring chain of production, will be featured. Participants will choose a clip from a number of varied choices. The workshop will culminate in a full day of recording sessions, featuring New York's top-tier musicians. All previous workshops have featured players from the New York Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and have been recorded by top flight engineers such as Lawrence Manchester.
Participants leave with a professional demo of their work. The workshop will continue to be taught by some of today's most creative composers and orchestrators - past Workshop mentors include MARK SNOW, DAVID SPEAR, DAVID MATTHEWS and NYU film scoring faculty members IRA NEWBORN, DENIZ HUGHES, MIKE PATTERSON and RON SADOFF. ASCAP will also feature additional presentations on the art and business of film music with industry veterans.
For the benefit of auditors and participants, all faculty and participant interactions, lectures, and comments will be amplified and projected to large screens. Auditors will attend all proceedings, including the live recording sessions and critiques. All sessions of the workshop will take place in the Frederick Loewe Theatre at New York University's Steinhardt School.
For further information, contact Ron Sadoff at 212-998-5779 or by E-Mail at ron.sadoff@nyu.edu.
Dates: TBA 2009 - NYU Steinhardt
Deadline for applications: TBA 2009
Click here for detailed information and a downloadable application.
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ASCAP/Columbia University Film Scoring Workshop in NYC
Sponsored by the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund, AFM Local 802 and RMA with support from ASCAP Foundation
ASCAP and Columbia University Film School launch a new film scoring workshop!
Taught by Alex Steyermark (Columbia faculty; director, One Last Thing, Prey For Rock & Roll; music supervisor for directors Ang Lee, Spike Lee, etc.), this workshop takes place during the spring semester at Columbia University, New York City, culminating at the annual Columbia Film School Film Festival.
Columbia University Film School opens the workshop to 65 graduate film school students who have the opportunity to submit their films. Four films, approximately 10-20 minutes in length, will be selected. ASCAP will curate a list of 20-30 appropriate film composers who will submit to be hired by the six filmmakers.
Steyermark will walk the filmmaker through the process of looking at the film with music in mind, determining how they envision the music in their film, and making an appropriate selection of film composer. He will then guide the filmmaker-composer pair through the process of spotting the film, mocking-up the score, and the director-composer collaboration. He will prepare the directors and composers for a studio recording & mixing session with 11 players.
Each of these four films will be submitted to the annual Columbia University Film School Film Festival, for screenings in NYC and LA.
This event is Carbon Neutral. By purchasing carbon offsets through Native Energy - to offset the carbon emissions this event will create from venue energy use and transportation - we are helping to build truly new renewable energy projects that will displace energy that otherwise has to come from burning fossil fuels.
How to Submit: Submissions are closed for this year's workshop. Please check back next year to see how to apply and for more details.
Dates: Spring 2009, exact dates TBA
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The ASCAP Foundation Concert Music Workshops
Program Administered by ASCAP's Concert Music Department
The ASCAP Foundation Concert Music Workshops target areas of interest to the membership and are presented in New York and, from time to time, other locations where ASCAP Concert members reside.
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