The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is a not-for-profit trade association devoted to the service of songwriters. Established in 1967 by professional songwriters in Nashville, NSAI now numbers more than 4000 members worldwide.

NSAI exists to provide information and guidance on the songwriting process; to provide opportunities for aspiring songwriters to learn from music industry professionals; and to lobby for songwriter rights in Washington, D.C.

NSAI is NOT a music publishing, songplugging, management, recording, or song licensing company.

WORLDWIDE

NSAI's member benefits are designed to help you improve your songwriting craft, understanding of the music business, and connections within the music community as you pursue your goal of becoming a professional songwriter. Once you've started earning money as a songwriter, NSAI's member benefits help you protect your income.
Regardless of where you live take advantage of the following benefits:

Regional Workshops - Our 100-plus workshops give members not living near Nashville the opportunity for networking and furthering knowledge of the craft and business of songwriting.

Adopt-A-Shop - A mentoring program that matches professional songwriters with NSAI's regional workshops, offering members a stronger connection to Nashville's songwriting community.

Song Evaluation Service - Members may mail one song at a time to NSAI for 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.

"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 10% discount off the newsstand price of $22. That’s one year (six issues) for $19.80 after discount. Call (615) 321-6096 or go to www.americansongwriter.com 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

Legislation - Active voice in Washington D.C. and whenever it is necessary to protect songwriters on issues like The Restaurant Bill, Copyright Term Extension, Digital Broadcasting, Copyright Recapture, and Royalty Tax Exemption.

Free Banking - The monthly service charge is waived for our pro members at a savings of $120 per year. Bank of America, SunTrust, and AmSouth in Nashville offer this benefit. Contact Jeff Meltesen at NSAI for details, 1-800-321-6008 extension 14.

Pro Series - NSAI's quarterly event for professional songwriters providing information ranging from health insurance for songwriters to how to recapture your copyrights; moreover, Pro Series events create song pitching and networking opportunities by regularly featuring A&R staffs of record labels.

Writers' Rooms - NSAI provides professional songwriting rooms for current members. These rooms include Taylor Guitars and Yamaha PSR 8000 keyboards.

Sell Your Music - On NSAI's website we will feature a link from the Music For Sale section to your website where viewers can purchase your music. Contact Mark Ford at NSAI for details, 1-800-321-6008 extension 11.

Pro Update Newsletter - NSAI's quarterly newsletter with legislative updates, interviews, and information on NSAI events.

Networking - We provide opportunities to network with fellow Professional writers through Pro Series, NSAI's Holiday Party, and legislative events.

Voting Privileges - Professional members are entitled to participate in the voting for NSAI's Board of Directors, for NSAI's Songwriter Achievement Awards, and for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Special Events - From time to time Professional members receive invitations to special events, notably the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

All NSAI Active Membership Benefits - NSAI Professional members receive all benefits associated with NSAI Associate/Active memberships.