NSAI Toronto Member Benefits
As an NSAI Toronto member, you will be part of the world's largest songwriting association and able to take advantage of a wealth of rich and exciting songwriter benefits.
Our Toronto group is the largest in Canada and ranks among the largest NSAI chapters in the world.
Benefits of your NSAI membership include:
Bi-weekly Workshops Toronto and Brampton
Our bi-weekly workshops allow you to develop your knowledge of the craft through in-depth lessons on many songwriting topics. It will also be an opportunity to network, learn the business and have your songs critiqued by your peers.
Throughout the year, the Toronto workshop regularly welcomes esteemed industry speakers to attend these meetings. 2005/2006 season guests included: Ole Music Publishing, Ralph Murphy, ASCAP, promoter/hit writer James Collins, Publicist Anya Wilson, RDR Music's Joe Wood hit writer Victoria Banks, and more .
Click here for meeting 2006/2007 dates and locations
Tin Pan North
Our successful songwriter's festival last year grew to three nights and 4 venues with a spectacular gala show at Hugh's Room. Performing members are invited to participate in this citywide celebration that takes place each year end of May/early June.
Performing Opportunities
For 2006/2007 we'll be holding NSAI feature songwriter rounds one Friday a month at The NOW LOUNGE followed by an open stage. Click here for dates and details.
We also pursue other opportunities and stages for you to bring your songs to a live audience.
Song Evaluation Service - Members may mail or email one song at a time to NSAI in Nashville for professional evaluation. Our independent team of published songwriters, carefully selected and trained by NSAI, will evaluate each song's commercial potential and return a taped evaluation. With the speed of email today, it is now possible to have up to 12 songs critiqued within a one year period that alone is worth the price of membership!
"Lyrics Only" Song Evaluation Service - We now offer "lyrics only" evaluation for lyricists.
"Ready-to-Pitch" Service - Any song submitted to the Song Evaluation Service that is judged "Ready-to-Pitch" by the song's evaluator is then screened by the entire panel of NSAI song evaluators. If approved, the song is then played for a music publisher at NSAI's Nashville Workshop.
"Best of NSAI" compilation CD - Every six months, songs that have been recommended and pitched at NSAI's "Pitch-to-Publisher Night are compiled on a CD and distributed to Nashville publishers and music industry professionals.
Online and Mail-Order Bookstore - We have an extensive selection of resources for songwriters (books, magazines and taped interviews on cassette) at very competitive prices.
Online NSAI Chat Room and NSAI Forums - A great place to find co writers and to network with songwriters from all over the world.
NSAI Newswire - Our newsletter has up-to-date articles and features on the music industry, songwriting, demos, co writing, pitching tips, and contracts, as well as important issues facing songwriters.
NSAI Guide - Provides details on NSAI benefits and services, as well as demos, co writing, pitching tips, contracts, and more.
Music Row Index - A handy reference providing addresses, telephone numbers and websites for Music Row businesses.
Bluebird Cafe Auditions - Members wanting to perform at the Bluebird's Sunday Writers' Night may sign up for a quarterly audition and bypass the club's usual requirement that unknown performers live within 100 miles of Nashville . Call 615-383-1461 or go to www.bluebirdcafe.com for more information.
Performing Songwriter Magazine - NSAI members receive a 50% discount off the cover price (a savings of $19.95) with a one-year subscription (8 issues). Call (615) 385-7796 for details or go to www.performingsongwriter.com for details. Be sure to identify yourself as an NSAI member.
American Songwriter Magazine - NSAI members receive a 50% discount off the newsstand price. That's one year (six issues) for $14.95 after discount. Call (615) 321-6096 or go to www.americansongwriter.com/discount/subscription.htm for details. Be sure to identify yourself as an NSAI member.
SongU.com Discount - NSAI members get a $20 discount at SongU.com bringing tuition down to $275 per year. NSAI Coordinators receive approximately a 50% discount with tuition at $150 per year.
MasterWriter $90 Discount - Download a free 30-day trial at www.masterwriter.com (high-speed Internet access required) or call Toll free 866-892-8844 and order a 30-day trial copy for $9.95 (will be applied towards purchase price). NSAI members will receive a $90 discount. Regular Price: $289. NSAI Member Price: $199. Be sure to mention "NSAI Code 1003" when ordering.
Active Legislative Involvement - NSAI fights for songwriter rights on a national level through our own Legislative Committee and through various songwriting coalitions.
NASHVILLE
When you're in Nashville take advantage of the following benefits:
Thursday Night Workshops - Our weekly Thursday night workshop meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Musician's Union building at 11 Music Circle North . It features a rotating schedule of guest speakers, song critiques, pitch-to-publisher sessions, and our pro-teaching series. To hear schedule updates call NSAI at 615-256-3354 or 800-321-6008, ext. #30 at any time.
· Guest Speaker Night , where members and guests enjoy live interviews with music industry guests, followed by a question/answer session.
· Critique Night , hosted by NSAI's rotating team of moderators who are all professional songwriters. Each member in attendance may submit one song on cassette for evaluation.
· Pitch-To-Publisher Night , where guest publishers give their time to listen to songs presented by NSAI members, often providing valuable feedback.
· Pro-Teaching Series offers members a variety of learning experiences from professional teachers.
NEW!!! Christian/Gospel Workshop For writers who want to concentrate on the growing Christian music market (including contemporary, Southern Gospel, Christian country, and more), this new workshop meets the first Tuesday of every month, also at 6:30 pm at the Musician's Union building. The workshop features guest speakers and teachers, and every other month is designated as pitch-to-publisher night.
One-on-One Counseling - By appointment we will answer music business questions and provide advice and feedback on your songwriting at the NSAI office.
NSAI Bookstore - "On site at the NSAI office we have an extensive selection of resources for songwriters at very competitive prices." -Deanie Williams, NSAI Bookstore Manager
NSAI Office Resources:
Writer's rooms with Taylor guitars and Yamaha PSR 8000 keyboards
Writer's work area
Writer's bulletin board
Computer with Internet access and printer
Analog dual cassette dubbing decks
Counseling room
Reference library
Photocopier, fax machine & telephone
. . . and we take messages!
Special Events - Members receive invitations to annual events such as Tin Pan South, the NSAI Holiday Party, educational/instructional gatherings such as our Songwriter's Symposium in the Spring and Song Camps year-round.
Song Camps - NSAI members receive discounts on NSAI's popular in-depth songwriting retreats with 6 professional songwriters. Each camp combines large group instruction, small group sessions and song evaluations.
Holiday Inn Select Vanderbilt Discount - NSAI members receive a great room rate at $82 + tax per night. The hotel is 10 blocks from Music Row and NSAI's home office. Free parking, free local calls, outdoor pool and 24 hour fitness center are just some of the reasons the hotel is a great place to stay. Plus, they love songwriters! Holiday Inn Select Vanderbilt is the Official Sponsor of NSAI Song Camps. To take advantage of the NSAI discount, call 1-800-633-4427 and refer to code: NSA
JOIN NSAI NOW
