2026 Workshops & Presentations
AUDITORIUM SCHEDULE
Welcoming Ceremony with ASA's Jon Iger
10:00 – 10:15 AM. AUDITORIUM
10:00 – 10:15 AM. AUDITORIUM
Hey! My Music is Out There! Where's My Money?
10:15 – 11:45 AM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Tracey & Vance Marino
Are you an artist releasing your music on streaming platforms? Are you performing live or starting to get sync placements? Do you want to know how royalties work? If so, you won't want to miss this class! Tracey and Vance Marino will explain in simple language where artists can find their money—just because music is out there earning royalties for performers doesn't mean that they will automatically receive them. This clear, entertaining primer will explain the basics of performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and neighboring rights; what the MLC, SoundExchange, and PROs are and what they do; as well as the benefits of setting up a publishing company—while keeping this often-dry subject light and amusing.
10:15 – 11:45 AM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Tracey & Vance Marino
Are you an artist releasing your music on streaming platforms? Are you performing live or starting to get sync placements? Do you want to know how royalties work? If so, you won't want to miss this class! Tracey and Vance Marino will explain in simple language where artists can find their money—just because music is out there earning royalties for performers doesn't mean that they will automatically receive them. This clear, entertaining primer will explain the basics of performance royalties, mechanical royalties, and neighboring rights; what the MLC, SoundExchange, and PROs are and what they do; as well as the benefits of setting up a publishing company—while keeping this often-dry subject light and amusing.
Tune Your Hits for the Pitch!
12:00 AM – 1:30 PM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Sandy Ramos
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 in an .mp3 format along with lyrics to [email protected] by January 23rd with the subject line: “Sandy Ramos Song File”. Please view this video if you need help sending your song: How to Email Audio Files (youtube.com).
Audience members will be entered into a drawing for a 60-minute private consultation with Sandy. Winners must be present.
12:00 AM – 1:30 PM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Sandy Ramos
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 in an .mp3 format along with lyrics to [email protected] by January 23rd with the subject line: “Sandy Ramos Song File”. Please view this video if you need help sending your song: How to Email Audio Files (youtube.com).
Audience members will be entered into a drawing for a 60-minute private consultation with Sandy. Winners must be present.
Writing Songs from Personal Experience
1:45 – 3:15 PM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Robin Frederick
Some of the most-loved songs of all time have been based on the songwriter’s personal experience. Join book author and songwriter Robin Frederick as she explores techniques for writing successful songs based on your own life. She’ll show you how to avoid the problem of being too close to the material, the challenge of knowing what to keep and what to leave out, and how to express emotion in a way that listeners can relate to. During the second half of her 90-minute talk, Robin will give feedback on songs based on your own life that are submitted by you.
Enter for a chance to have your song critiqued by Robin Frederick at her “Writing Songs from Personal Experience” program. Send your song in an .mp3 format along with lyrics to [email protected] by January 23rd with the subject line: “Robin Frederick Song File”. Please view this video if you need help sending your song: How to Email Audio Files (youtube.com).
1:45 – 3:15 PM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Robin Frederick
Some of the most-loved songs of all time have been based on the songwriter’s personal experience. Join book author and songwriter Robin Frederick as she explores techniques for writing successful songs based on your own life. She’ll show you how to avoid the problem of being too close to the material, the challenge of knowing what to keep and what to leave out, and how to express emotion in a way that listeners can relate to. During the second half of her 90-minute talk, Robin will give feedback on songs based on your own life that are submitted by you.
Enter for a chance to have your song critiqued by Robin Frederick at her “Writing Songs from Personal Experience” program. Send your song in an .mp3 format along with lyrics to [email protected] by January 23rd with the subject line: “Robin Frederick Song File”. Please view this video if you need help sending your song: How to Email Audio Files (youtube.com).
7 Proven Ways to Make Your Songs Unforgettable
3:30 – 5:00 PM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Clay Mills
16-time ASCAP hit songwriter and two-time Grammy nominee Clay Mills will reveal some of the proven techniques he's used to craft chart-topping hits. Gain actionable tools to elevate your songs and make them stand out amongst the crowd—from crafting melodies taht stick to creating lyrics that resonate, Clay's insights will inspire audience members to take their songwriting to the next level.
3:30 – 5:00 PM. AUDITORIUM
Presented by Clay Mills
16-time ASCAP hit songwriter and two-time Grammy nominee Clay Mills will reveal some of the proven techniques he's used to craft chart-topping hits. Gain actionable tools to elevate your songs and make them stand out amongst the crowd—from crafting melodies taht stick to creating lyrics that resonate, Clay's insights will inspire audience members to take their songwriting to the next level.
LARGE MEETING ROOM SCHEDULE
Basics of Recording with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
10:00 – 11:30 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Producer and skilled studio engineer John Keenan 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, Keenan will explore some of the possibilities of today's best recording tools and share advanced tips.
10:00 – 11:30 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Producer and skilled studio engineer John Keenan 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, Keenan will explore some of the possibilities of today's best recording tools and share advanced tips.
Unlocking Creativity in Songwriting with Rhonda Jo
11:40 – 12:30 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
In this creative songwriting segment, Rhonda Jo Hitchcock-Mast will help writers spark inspiration, discover fresh angles, and transform your ideas into meaningful, memorable songs at any level. With years of songwriting experience and a consistent weekly writing practice with her longtime co-writing partners, Shawn Royer and Randy Brown, Rhonda Jo has learned how to bring craft and discipline to the creative process and will share some of the methods used. Leave ready to experiment, innovate, and bring more creativity to your songwriting.
11:40 – 12:30 AM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
In this creative songwriting segment, Rhonda Jo Hitchcock-Mast will help writers spark inspiration, discover fresh angles, and transform your ideas into meaningful, memorable songs at any level. With years of songwriting experience and a consistent weekly writing practice with her longtime co-writing partners, Shawn Royer and Randy Brown, Rhonda Jo has learned how to bring craft and discipline to the creative process and will share some of the methods used. Leave ready to experiment, innovate, and bring more creativity to your songwriting.
AI in Music Creation
12:40 – 1:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Presented by PVCC professor Bradford Knights, this session will explore the use of AI in music creation—whether it's "All In," "Absolutely Insignificant," or just an "Average Interest." Knights will define AI, distinguish generative from non-generative tools, and take a quick live survey to gauge opinions. After a brief history of modern AI in music, Knights will guide attendees through examination of key legal and ethical issues, reviewing the latest tools and news—and considering future possibilities.
The session concludes with an open Q&A.
12:40 – 1:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Presented by PVCC professor Bradford Knights, this session will explore the use of AI in music creation—whether it's "All In," "Absolutely Insignificant," or just an "Average Interest." Knights will define AI, distinguish generative from non-generative tools, and take a quick live survey to gauge opinions. After a brief history of modern AI in music, Knights will guide attendees through examination of key legal and ethical issues, reviewing the latest tools and news—and considering future possibilities.
The session concludes with an open Q&A.
Guitar Building and Songwriting
1:40 – 2:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Making instruments is a labor intensive process, not unlike songwriting—ideas come, the excitement of discovery and creativity ensues, setting artists off and running...but when the intricacies of invention become clear, things can get a bit sticky! Presented by guitar designer, builder, and manufacturing consultant Chris Fleming, this presentation will review how not only a guitar is a sum of its parts—geometry, precision, intent and reality—but how the same aspects relate to the songwriting process, and how each can lead to the creation of something special and unique.
1:40 – 2:30 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Making instruments is a labor intensive process, not unlike songwriting—ideas come, the excitement of discovery and creativity ensues, setting artists off and running...but when the intricacies of invention become clear, things can get a bit sticky! Presented by guitar designer, builder, and manufacturing consultant Chris Fleming, this presentation will review how not only a guitar is a sum of its parts—geometry, precision, intent and reality—but how the same aspects relate to the songwriting process, and how each can lead to the creation of something special and unique.
Song Critique Session with Larry Vail & Les Scott
2:40 – 3:50 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
An opportunity to have your songs heard by songwriter Larry Vail 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. Songs will be selected at random.
2:40 – 3:50 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
An opportunity to have your songs heard by songwriter Larry Vail 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. Songs will be selected at random.
Music Copyright 101
4:00 – 5:00 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Presented by Alicia Morris and George Thuronyi from the US Copyright Office in Washington, DC, this session will explain the difference between copyright and copyright registration, the difference between a sound recording and musical work, and the various applications available for each. Morris and Thuronyi will discuss the numerous resources available on the Copyright Office’s website for members of the music community, as well as what revenue streams are available to them.
4:00 – 5:00 PM. LARGE MEETING ROOM
Presented by Alicia Morris and George Thuronyi from the US Copyright Office in Washington, DC, this session will explain the difference between copyright and copyright registration, the difference between a sound recording and musical work, and the various applications available for each. Morris and Thuronyi will discuss the numerous resources available on the Copyright Office’s website for members of the music community, as well as what revenue streams are available to them.
(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.)
