Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I register for the Basic Track and still attend the Pitch Session as a listener?
Definitely – just register for the Basic Track, then buy a separate Pitch Session ticket. You’ll be able to attend everything at the conference except the “Business of Publishing” seminar and our catered lunch – those are for Pro Track registrants only.
What should I bring?
Bring something to write with. Notepads will be provided. Bring business cards and, if you like, samples of your music to share with other songwriters you’ll meet at the conference. If you’re a Pro Track registrant submitting a song for the Pitch Session, bring a demo recording on CD, clearly labeled with the song name and your name and contact info. Bring a clean copy of your lyrics, again labeled with the song name and your contact info. Be aware that you may not get these back.
How should I dress?
Casual attire is fine, but recognize that this is a conference with a professional focus. Dress as you’d like to be perceived.
What’s for lunch?
For Pro Track registrants, we’ll have a selection of fresh-made deli sandwiches and sides from the River’s Edge Café in downtown Aurora. If you’d like a vegetarian option or have other dietary concerns, let us know.
The speaker at this seminar works for the Christian Music division of EMI. Is this conference intended for writers of “Christian” songs only?
Not at all. EMI CMG Publishing works well beyond the traditionally understood confines of “Christian Music,” publishing catalogs by artists like Underoath, Switchfoot, and Mutemath, and with current songs on albums by Paramore, Saving Abel and even Eminem. They have signed several writers and artists who do not work in the Christian music arena at all (Over The Rhine, Kate York) and several who work in both the Christian and mainstream markets (Ben Glover, Matthew West, Sixpence None the Richer).
Though the Christian and mainstream markets may seem poles apart in Chicago, in Nashville they exist in very close company with one another. The principles of the business, and the basics of strong songwriting, are not changed because of the faith background of the writer or audience.
I’ve got a song I’d like John to hear. Can you share his contact information with me, or can I come to one of the sessions and give him a demo?
Sorry, but the answer here is a firm “no.” With the exception of the Publisher’s Pitch Session that will cap our songwriting conference, we’ll have a strict don’t-bother-the-publisher policy. John will be around to visit casually during conference breaks and at a special FREE session of the Guild on Tuesday, Sept. 8 – but if you want to pitch your music to him, you’ll have to register for our Pro Track and submit your song for the pitch session.