2025 Workshops & Presentations
AUDITORIUM SCHEDULE
Welcoming Ceremony with ASA's Jon Iger
10:00 – 10:15 AM. AUDITORIUM
10:00 – 10:15 AM. AUDITORIUM
Harnessing Generative AI for Songwriting Success
10:15 – 11:15 AM. AUDITORIUM
Join Dr. E. Michael Harrington for a deep dive into the world of AI and its transformative impact on songwriting. Discover how AI can become your co-writer, analyzing your lyrics for emotional depth and suggesting improvements. Learn the secrets to maintaining human authenticity in your music while navigating the complex landscape of copyright law, and explore the exciting possibilities of AI-generated trademarks, logos, and visual art to elevate your brand. Whether you're a seasoned or new songwriter, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of AI and take your music to new heights.
10:15 – 11:15 AM. AUDITORIUM
Join Dr. E. Michael Harrington for a deep dive into the world of AI and its transformative impact on songwriting. Discover how AI can become your co-writer, analyzing your lyrics for emotional depth and suggesting improvements. Learn the secrets to maintaining human authenticity in your music while navigating the complex landscape of copyright law, and explore the exciting possibilities of AI-generated trademarks, logos, and visual art to elevate your brand. Whether you're a seasoned or new songwriter, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of AI and take your music to new heights.
Tune Your Hits for the Pitch!
11:20 AM – 12:50 PM. AUDITORIUM
With expert advice from hit songwriter and creator of SongTuner, Sandy Ramos, audiences will learn what the common factors are of songsthat get accepted by publishers, song pluggers, and producers in Nashville—what works, and what doesn't! This workshop will break down songs into five elements: Hook, Lyrics, Melody, Idea, and Demos. Sandy will demonstrate these principles using current radio hits—and, time allowing, will listen to your songs to determine if they're ready for the airwaves, or provide feedback on how to tune it up!
Enter to have your song critiqued by Sandy Ramos at her “Tune Your Hits for the Pitch!” program. Send your song along with lyrics to [email protected] by January 20th with the subject line: “Sandy Ramos Song File”. Please view this video if you need help sending your song.
Audience members will be entered into a drawing for a 60-minute private consultation with Sandy. Winners must be present.
11:20 AM – 12:50 PM. AUDITORIUM
With expert advice from hit songwriter and creator of SongTuner, Sandy Ramos, audiences will learn what the common factors are of songsthat get accepted by publishers, song pluggers, and producers in Nashville—what works, and what doesn't! This workshop will break down songs into five elements: Hook, Lyrics, Melody, Idea, and Demos. Sandy will demonstrate these principles using current radio hits—and, time allowing, will listen to your songs to determine if they're ready for the airwaves, or provide feedback on how to tune it up!
Enter to have your song critiqued by Sandy Ramos at her “Tune Your Hits for the Pitch!” program. Send your song along with lyrics to [email protected] by January 20th with the subject line: “Sandy Ramos Song File”. Please view this video if you need help sending your song.
Audience members will be entered into a drawing for a 60-minute private consultation with Sandy. Winners must be present.
The Top 3 Reasons Songs Become Successful: Melody, Melody, and Melody
1:00 – 2:00 PM. AUDITORIUM
Of course, lyrics are important. But no one will listen to them unless they are delivered on the wings of a memorable, fresh melody. In this presentation Jason Blume will share concrete, easy-to-implement tools to take your melodies to the next level. With successful songs as examples, you will learn about the power of repetition and three ways to incorporate it into your songs, the biggest melodic pitfalls and how to overcome them, how to write “melody-friendly” lyrics, “magic notes,” how to make choruses jump out—and much more. No knowledge of music theory is required to benefit from this class.
Jason Blume will be presenting virtually to in-person attendees. Audience members will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of one Blume's books "6 Steps to Songwriting Success" or "This Business of Songwriting."
1:00 – 2:00 PM. AUDITORIUM
Of course, lyrics are important. But no one will listen to them unless they are delivered on the wings of a memorable, fresh melody. In this presentation Jason Blume will share concrete, easy-to-implement tools to take your melodies to the next level. With successful songs as examples, you will learn about the power of repetition and three ways to incorporate it into your songs, the biggest melodic pitfalls and how to overcome them, how to write “melody-friendly” lyrics, “magic notes,” how to make choruses jump out—and much more. No knowledge of music theory is required to benefit from this class.
Jason Blume will be presenting virtually to in-person attendees. Audience members will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of one Blume's books "6 Steps to Songwriting Success" or "This Business of Songwriting."
State of the Industry 2025
2:10 – 3:10 PM. AUDITORIUM
The music business is constantly evolving. Streaming platforms have plenty of haters and many feel they have led to the demise of the industry. However, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Is that really true? Fervor Records execs David Hilker and Jeff Freundlich discuss the challenges, nuances, strategies and realities of independent music in 2025. Come with questions! This is a dialogue and audience participation is highly encouraged.
2:10 – 3:10 PM. AUDITORIUM
The music business is constantly evolving. Streaming platforms have plenty of haters and many feel they have led to the demise of the industry. However, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Is that really true? Fervor Records execs David Hilker and Jeff Freundlich discuss the challenges, nuances, strategies and realities of independent music in 2025. Come with questions! This is a dialogue and audience participation is highly encouraged.
Music Copyright 101
3:15 – 4:15 PM. AUDITORIUM
Experts from the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, DC, Attorney-Advisor Jalyce Mangum and Outreach and Education Specialist Ann Tetreault, will be here to explain the difference between copyright and copyright registration, the difference between a sound recording and musical work, and the various applications available for each. They will discuss the numerous resources available on the Office’s website for members of the music community, as well as what revenue streams are available to them.
3:15 – 4:15 PM. AUDITORIUM
Experts from the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, DC, Attorney-Advisor Jalyce Mangum and Outreach and Education Specialist Ann Tetreault, will be here to explain the difference between copyright and copyright registration, the difference between a sound recording and musical work, and the various applications available for each. They will discuss the numerous resources available on the Office’s website for members of the music community, as well as what revenue streams are available to them.
Closing Concert with Jeff Dayton
4:30 – 5:00 PM. AUDITORIUM
To close out our day full of music, learning, and community, award-winning artist Jeff Dayton will present "Say It and Get Out of the Way"–a songwriting seminar and concert where audiences will admire the craft of great classic songs, how effective they are, and enjoy live performances which exemplify said greatness. In addition, Dayton will also touch on the art of phrasing and space, examining what they can bring to songwriter's works.
4:30 – 5:00 PM. AUDITORIUM
To close out our day full of music, learning, and community, award-winning artist Jeff Dayton will present "Say It and Get Out of the Way"–a songwriting seminar and concert where audiences will admire the craft of great classic songs, how effective they are, and enjoy live performances which exemplify said greatness. In addition, Dayton will also touch on the art of phrasing and space, examining what they can bring to songwriter's works.
LARGE MEETING ROOM SCHEDULE
Taking Story to Song
10:00 – 10:50 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Seasoned storyteller and Arizona performing songwriter Nancy Elliott shares her methods of turning a story into song, and a song into a story. As the narrative lyricist behind albums "Bluebirds Singing On the Road" and "Tall Tree," as well as author of the novel Autumn's On Its Way released in January 2024, Elliott will also help artists understand how to introduce their songs without giving too much away–enticing listeners with just enough to stay tuned for the full story waiting within.
10:00 – 10:50 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Seasoned storyteller and Arizona performing songwriter Nancy Elliott shares her methods of turning a story into song, and a song into a story. As the narrative lyricist behind albums "Bluebirds Singing On the Road" and "Tall Tree," as well as author of the novel Autumn's On Its Way released in January 2024, Elliott will also help artists understand how to introduce their songs without giving too much away–enticing listeners with just enough to stay tuned for the full story waiting within.
Booking Yourself as an Original Artist
11:00 – 11:50 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Interested in performing your original music at professional venues, but unsure how to get started? In this workshop presented by singer-songwriter Pandy Raye, attendees will explore some the challenges faced while booking as an independent musician; receiving helpful tips & tricks on self-booking from a lifelong performer, community event coordinator, and international touring artist.
11:00 – 11:50 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Interested in performing your original music at professional venues, but unsure how to get started? In this workshop presented by singer-songwriter Pandy Raye, attendees will explore some the challenges faced while booking as an independent musician; receiving helpful tips & tricks on self-booking from a lifelong performer, community event coordinator, and international touring artist.
Basics of Recording with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
12:00 – 1:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Producer and skilled studio engineer Mishy Katz will discuss how to get started with recording using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Utilizing knowledge gained over years of experience writing, recording, and editing her own music as well as others', Katz will explore some of the possibilities of today's best recording tools and share advanced tips.
12:00 – 1:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Producer and skilled studio engineer Mishy Katz will discuss how to get started with recording using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Utilizing knowledge gained over years of experience writing, recording, and editing her own music as well as others', Katz will explore some of the possibilities of today's best recording tools and share advanced tips.
Intro to Blues: History and Tips for Writing
1:40 – 2:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
In this interactive session lead by AZ Blues Hall of Fame member Eric Ramsey, attendees will examine the Blues idiom—exploring subject matter, song structure, and all things that make the blues 'The Blues'. Attendees are also welcome to bring an instrument and share any blues songs from their repertoire (*song-sharing subject to time constraints).
1:40 – 2:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
In this interactive session lead by AZ Blues Hall of Fame member Eric Ramsey, attendees will examine the Blues idiom—exploring subject matter, song structure, and all things that make the blues 'The Blues'. Attendees are also welcome to bring an instrument and share any blues songs from their repertoire (*song-sharing subject to time constraints).
Song Critique Session with Randy Brown & Les Scott
2:30 – 4:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
An opportunity to have your songs heard by songwriter Randy Brown and Producer/Publisher Les Scott, receiving positive, constructive feedback designed to help you refine your songs and take your musicianship to the next level.
Those wishing to have their songs heard should be prepared with at least two lyrics sheets (mandatory), as well as a recording (via CD or MP3 on your phone), or readiness to perform live.
2:30 – 4:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
An opportunity to have your songs heard by songwriter Randy Brown and Producer/Publisher Les Scott, receiving positive, constructive feedback designed to help you refine your songs and take your musicianship to the next level.
Those wishing to have their songs heard should be prepared with at least two lyrics sheets (mandatory), as well as a recording (via CD or MP3 on your phone), or readiness to perform live.
(NOTICE: this listing is not yet complete—more workshops & descriptions will be added soon. All times listed are subject to change as the schedule continues to develop.)
