HOW SU WORKS FOR YOU

Here’s how this adventure works and what you can expect from us:

• Integrity: We want you to have a rich co-writing experience. To grow. We will make every effort to help that happen and resolve SNAFUs in a professional, straightforward manner. We are here to serve you.

• SU Faculty Writers: Our faculty writers are chosen not only for their proven skills but for the heart they bring to their craft and to those they work with.

• Connecting with a Pro Songwriter: Decide what genre you want to write. We will team you with one of our SU writers. Many of them write in multiple genres. This is limited by their availability. We encourage you to write with diverse writers to grow your craft and network.

• Use of Session Time: Come ready with several ideas or song starts. The time with your SU co-writer is extremely valuable. The quicker you roll up your sleeves and get to work the better. It can feel a little intimidating or strange to write with a stranger. We’ve been there. Lean into it…and have fun. NOTE: ALWAYS make a ruff recording by any means before your session ends!

• Song Expectation: Even professional songwriters often do not complete a song in a couple of hours, so we can’t guarantee a fully-completed song within your 2-hour session. Don’t let this define success. When this happens you have options: 1) finish on your own with a mutual understanding of publishing splits (see below) or 2) book another session with the same SU writer to finish what you started and/or write another song.

• Song Splits: The writers and their publishers own the songs. The songs created are not “works for hire.” The publishing split with your SU co-writer is assumed to be 50/50, no matter how much each contributes, unless you and your co-writer agree otherwise. Generally, lyrics are weighted at 50% and music 50%.

• Demos and Master Recordings: Choose any avenue to demo or fully record a song created during a session. We offer production services with some of Nashville’s finest producers, players and singers. Costs vary depending on how elaborate the recording, from simple guitar or keys and lead vocal (you or a studio singer) to full production with rhythm section, lead vocal and BGVs.

• Publishing: We offer consulting to inform and advise you by phone. The music cannot play or pay without publishing, which gives you legal covering for what you write. We also offer publishing with us here at SU to set up your copyrights and help propel your strongest songs into the marketplace.

• Cancellations: Things happen. You may need to reschedule a session. Notify us and your pro-cowriter ASAP by email. Please give our SU writer 24-hour notice. Everyone’s time is valuable. If you need to cancel IT IS UP TO YOU and YOUR SU CO-WRITER to reschedule. Don’t delay. Others will want your spot with them.

• Refunds: All fees are non-refundable but you may reschedule another session with the same or different SU writer. (acceptable excuses: having a baby or you’re nominated for a Grammy and have to attend the ceremony)

• Final Note: CONGRATULATE YOURSELF on actually taking steps toward growing your songwriting and getting the music inside you – out.