2011 ASCAP EXPO

Come meet your fellow EXPO attendees at this networking event the night before the ASCAP EXPO begins. Your EXPO badge is required for admittance, so be sure to pick up your badge at the ASCAP Registration desk on the Mezzanine Level of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel prior to the party! Complimentary appetizers for the first 250 people.

Join us at night at the Renaissance Hotel Lobby Lounge (1st floor) and enjoy live performances from songwriters. Check your program book and hotel lobby area for details.

Learn about ASCAP Member Access and speak to an ASCAP Member Services representative. Also, you can pick up your registration bag here.

As the world’s leading performing rights organization and strongest advocate for music creators, ASCAP is at the center of the sweeping changes affecting the music industry. You don’t want to miss this opening session, in which ASCAP’s President and Chairman Paul Williams and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento will provide an update on the current environment for performing rights, the “state of the union” of ASCAP and the choices you have for future career success.

Get your official EXPO & ASCAP merch, pick up the latest music industry books, and purchase access to video content from this year's EXPO panels.

Moderator: Jim Steinblatt - ASCAP

Composer, arranger, producer and musician Van Dyke Parks has recorded eight of his own albums and has worked on countless albums for artists spanning generations, such as The Beach Boys, the Grateful Dead, Randy Newman, U2 and others. Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has recorded six albums of baroque pop and a full-length opera in his growing, successful and genre-pushing career. Representing different generations, Parks and Wainwright will discuss how they created some of the most provocative music of the modern era.

Being a composer is one thing. Creating a viable, income-producing career as a composer is quite another. This two-part workshop will address a range of important information vital to your career. Part 1 will cover the many paths to a composer’s income; understanding your biggest asset; the six rights of copyright; how ASCAP works; technical and business details about publishing, self-publishing, distribution and recording and more. Part 2 will be presented Thursday, April 28th at 1pm in Silver Lake.

Moderator: Randy Grimmett - EVP, Membership - ASCAP

This panel of successful songwriters representing different genres will share from personal experience what ingredients it takes to reach the top of the charts today. From concocting an infectious song to mixing it up with other writers, performers and producers to developing a taste for the market for their material, they have learned by doing. Learn from these masters what you should be doing to turn up the heat in your own career.

Moderator: Jennifer Drake - ASCAP

Engage in honest talk and receive valuable advice from chart-topping R&B and hip-hop songwriters and producers and industry executives in this song feedback session, during which a limited number of songs pre-submitted by registrants will be given feedback in front of an audience.

Moderator: Darrell Brown

It’s called Music City for a reason. As one of the world’s greatest musical communities, Nashville has always been a hub for music creators and businesses alike. And today’s Nashville is much more than country music. Pop, rock, Christian and other musical genres are flourishing like never before. This session will guide you through the community and show you how it works - from the perspective of music experts who know it best.

Attendees were randomly pre-selected and confirmed to participate in this intimate and intensive master class with hit songwriter Desmond Child, who will explore the art of songwriting, lyrics, melody, structure and other elements integral to a well-crafted song.  As all participants have confirmed, there are no openings or waiting list spots available.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

A fresh approach for artists to reach stardom
Hitlab.com introduces a radical new technology that couples music theory with artificial-intelligence to identify and recognize a song’s potential for commercial success. With thousands of submissions, and Akon at the helm, Hitlab represents a fresh approach for artists to reach stardom. Join with members of the executive team for an intimate meet and greet and learn more about Hitlab.

Featured Guest: Dave Isaac, a multiple Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer, who has worked with Marcus Miller, Anita Baker, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Me’Shell Ndegeocello and Stevie Wonder. Dave will be presenting two projects from his work with Marcus Miller and show you how to get that “Marcus bass sound!" Dave has developed a video tutorial website (www.mixsensei.com) aimed at the music and audio industry in which he and other award-winning engineers/producers and musicians share all their knowledge.

Learn how to optimize your computer based studio output
The Songwriter Studio is a consortium of five companies who make music tools for musicians.  The studio comprises every part of the audio and control signal path needed for complete music production. Focusrite and Line 6 audio interfaces connect to a computer running Propellerhead's Record/Reason music software controlled by Novation Midi controller keyboards and monitored by KRK Systems headphones and speakers. These products offer musicians high grade sound and super usability at reasonable prices.  This is recording done right.

Join RightsFlow's Michael Kauffman (SVP, Sales and Marketing) and special guest artist Jonatha Brooke to learn more about how to easily clear cover songs and ensure that songwriters and publishers are paid 100% of publishing royalties due. Limelight, a service of RightsFlow, is the simplest way to secure the license for ANY cover song for physical and digital release. Sign up for a free Limelight account. ASCAP members receive a special 25% discount on all Limelight service fees.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Recording and producing your songs with Ellis Hall and the Yamaha MOX
Ellis Hall is a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso and dynamic vocalist who has performed and recorded with a Who’s Who of musical elite, including Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, George Benson, Michael McDonald, John Mayer, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, James Taylor, George Duke, Huey Lewis and the News, Taj Mahal, and his musical mentor Ray Charles. Combining MOTIF technology with new USB computer integration technology, the MOX series is the most powerful, mobile and affordable Yamaha music workstation ever. They are destined to bring MOTIF music production power to a whole new generation of players.

Being a composer is one thing. Creating a viable income-producing career as a composer is quite another. This two-part workshop will address a range of important information vital to your career. Part 2 covers marketing and promotion using the Internet; best practices for working with your colleagues (conductors, musicians, librettists, etc.); efficient rehearsal and recording techniques; working as a composer/performer; community involvement, conferences, composer services organizations and more. Part 1 will be presented Thursday, April 28th at 10:30am in Silver Lake.

Moderator: Jay Sloan - ASCAP

These are the creative masterminds behind some of modern music’s biggest hits. Their inventive work, writing and producing for a variety of artists from the pop and R&B worlds, has transformed those genres in fresh and startling ways – and bridged the gap between their audiences.  By raising the creative bar with each new project, they are also responsible for developing the most lucrative music of our time. Learn how each of them charted their course to success, and what you should do if you want to reach the top.

Moderator: Sean Devine - ASCAP

The beautiful thing about music is that it travels well. So why not put your music to work abroad? This panel will show you how the European song market differs from that of the U.S. and will explore the roles of European publishers and sub-publishers, how deals differ from territory to territory, the significance of MIDEM and how to go about breaking into global markets.

Texas-born singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell has a music career that spans almost 40 years, starting in the early 1970s when he moved to Nashville. His talent earned him a spot in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band, and in 1977 he formed his own group, The Cherry Bombs. Crowell’s 1988 release Diamonds and Dirt generated five number-one singles, including “It’s Such A Small World” with Rosanne Cash. Other hits written for other artists include “Shame on the Moon” for Bob Seger and “Voila! An American Dream” for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. His work has earned numerous awards, including a Grammy in 1989 for Best Country Song (“After all This Time”) and an induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003. Crowell’s 13th studio album and most recent release is 2008’s Sex and Gasoline. His memoir, Chinaberry Sidewalks, was published this year. In this Master Session, Crowell will draw from nearly four decades of experience to share his approach to songwriting.

Moderator: Randy Grimmett - EVP, Membership - ASCAP

This two-part panel series offers valuable information to writers interested in connecting with music publishers, who continue to shape the future of the music business in the digital era. This panel features executives from four of the major multinational publishers. They will reveal who they are signing, how songwriters can best prepare to gain their attention, where the revenues are and how publishing has changed today vs. years ago.  The second panel, Side 2, "The Independents,” will be presented on Friday, April 29th at 11:45am in Hollywood Ballroom #2. By attending both panels you will learn how they differ, how they each make creative decisions and how emerging songwriters can get a seat at the table. 

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Composer and inventor, Christopher L. Stone, winner of ASCAP’s Most Performed Background Scores five years in a row and creator of the award-winning string sample library, 70 DVZ Strings, will demonstrate his latest creations: Brillanti Philharmonic Brass and Early Instruments and Notation Switchblade. Designed by a composer for composers, it is a Mac/PC compatible plug-in recorded in London. Brillanti has over 50 orchestral and antique instruments as well as many playing styles, effects and pattern generators. Powered by DVZ®, Brillanti is fully divisi capable: choose from 1-4 players on a single MIDI track. All sounds are loaded at once so that you can move seamlessly between articulations. Audio Impressions’ Notation Switchblade is a standalone program that perfectly translates MIDI generated tuplets to printed score, including all styles and articulations.

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

A fresh approach for artists to reach stardom
Hitlab.com introduces a radical new technology that couples music theory with artificial-intelligence to identify and recognize a song’s potential for commercial success. With thousands of submissions, and Akon at the helm, Hitlab represents a fresh approach for artists to reach stardom. Join with members of the executive team for an intimate meet and greet and learn more about Hitlab.

Live at the ASCAP Playback Stage...Anuhea Performs Anuhea recently headlined the NFL Pro Bowl Half Time show televised on Fox and is also the Hawaiian Music (HOKU) Award winner for Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Record.

Featured Guest: Dean “Sir” Gant, a multi-award winning producer, who has worked with Anita Baker, Peabo Bryson, Madonna, Outkast, Earth, Wind & Fire and many others. The producer in Sir Gant steered his selection of immensely talented guest artists, respectfully pairing their prowess with his on his project The Journey. Gant will delve into this project and his other iconic recordings.

Learn how to optimize your computer based studio output
The Songwriter Studio is a consortium of five companies who make music tools for musicians.  The studio comprises every part of the audio and control signal path needed for complete music production. Focusrite and Line 6 audio interfaces connect to a computer running Propellerhead's Record/Reason music software controlled by Novation Midi controller keyboards and monitored by KRK Systems headphones and speakers. These products offer musicians high grade sound and super usability at reasonable prices.  This is recording done right.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Moderator: Erik Philbrook - ASCAP

These leading songwriters and composers from across the musical spectrum are all unique in their own way. Yet, whether their forte is pop, rock, R&B or film music, they have all faced challenges, overcome obstacles, made sacrifices, experienced breakthroughs and reaped rewards as they built real lives in music. Discover the common threads that connect all music creators together and gain valuable insight from these artists, who will share the unvarnished truth behind their success.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

A fresh approach for artists to reach stardom
Hitlab.com introduces a radical new technology that couples music theory with artificial-intelligence to identify and recognize a song’s potential for commercial success. With thousands of submissions, and Akon at the helm, Hitlab represents a fresh approach for artists to reach stardom. Join with members of the executive team for an intimate meet and greet and learn more about Hitlab.

Do’s and Don’ts for Mixing and Producing Records and Movie Scores

Featured Guest: Tommy Vicari, a Grammy and Emmy award-winning engineer and producer, who has worked with Quincy Jones, Prince, Patrice Rushen, Jeffrey Osborne and George Duke. Mixing blockbuster movies like Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Iron Man, Revolutionary Road and many others, his record credits range from classic jazz to smooth pop and the hippest of R&B. Since 1996, Vicari has occupied that mixing hot seat: the live broadcast of the Academy Awards. Vicari will present examples of his engineering and producing skills, including some rare Quincy Jones material in 5.1, which will make for an extremely entertaining and educational session!

StudioOne and StudioLive Demo
PreSonus Audio will be showing the brand new StudioLive 16.0.2 Digital Mixer along with the power StudioOne v. 1.6 Production Software. Byron Gaither, PreSonus Product Specialist, will be on hand to answer questions as well as do a 30 minute product demonstration on how StudioOne can make your music production and writing faster and more productive.

Learn how to optimize your computer based studio output
The Songwriter Studio is a consortium of five companies who make music tools for musicians.  The studio comprises every part of the audio and control signal path needed for complete music production. Focusrite and Line 6 audio interfaces connect to a computer running Propellerhead's Record/Reason music software controlled by Novation Midi controller keyboards and monitored by KRK Systems headphones and speakers. These products offer musicians high grade sound and super usability at reasonable prices.  This is recording done right.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Moderator: Brandon Kitchen - ASCAP

Producer Boi-1da and producer/engineer Noah "40" Shebib – longtime collaborators with rapper/singer Drake – have created such hits as "Best I Ever Had," "Forever," "Over" and "Fancy." Together they will peel back the curtain on their creative process and will share how they work, breaking down how they take a song from idea to the studio to the top of the charts.

Moderator: Charlyn Bernal - ASCAP

Panelists including film composers, a music supervisor and a recording engineer will lead this session in which pre-submitted attendees' composition/scores are played and analyzed constructively, providing participants and attendees with valuable insight into the professional film and TV music industry.

Moderator: David Was

The resumés of producer/musician/songwriters Marcus Miller, Don Was and Larry Klein collectively and individually say it all.  Their common thread is the bass, and their individual musical journeys have traversed the musical world. A mere sample includes Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, the Rolling Stones, Shawn Colvin, Luther Vandross, Herbie Hancock, Madeleine Peyroux, Elton John, Chaka Khan - just for starters.  These three astounding musicians will discuss how they parlayed their beginnings as bassists into crafting important works by some of the most memorable artists of the last four decades. Their inspiring stories show what can happen when great talent and great love for all styles of music can create careers without boundaries. 

ASCAP’s Pop Music Songwriter of the Year for the past two years, Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald, is a musician, songwriter and producer who has written and produced some of the most successful and globally-recognized pop music of the modern era. He has collaborated with such superstar artists as Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Flo Rida, Miley Cyrus, Ke$ha, Avril Lavigne, Leona Lewis, Missy Elliott, Pink, Lil’ Mama, Katy Perry, 3OH!3, Weezer, Mos Def, the Backstreet Boys, Daughtry, Carlos Santana and the Sugababes. After making a name for himself as the guitar player in the Saturday Night Live band for ten years, he left after the 2006-2007 season and transformed himself into the creative powerhouse he is today. Make an appointment with this “Dr.” if you want to learn how he crafts the most popular music of our time.  

Moderator: Kerry O'Neil

There was a time when writing and/or performing music consumed all of a songwriter’s focus. Today, however, songwriters need to develop business skills and strategies to maintain a fruitful career as well as gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Learn from this panel of savvy songwriters who are as creative in their business as in their music.

Meet your fellow music creators and panelists at a special networking reception on the terrace outside the Grand Ballroom.

Host: Josh Briggs - ASCAP

Enjoy some great live music from this diverse and successful group of ASCAP songwriters, who will treat the audience to acoustic performances of some of their best-loved songs and works featured in films.

Join us at night at the Renaissance Hotel Lobby Lounge (1st floor) and enjoy live performances from songwriters. Check your program book and hotel lobby area for details.

ASCAP and iStandard are excited to present for the third year this showcase opportunity at the EXPO specifically for producers and, for the first time, Rappers. Eight EXPO attendees, whose tracks were pre-selected by iStandard, will have their music played before a panel of prominent music industry tastemakers, who will then provide valuable constructive criticism for the benefit of the participants and the audience. Three rappers have been selected, via submissions from EXPO attendees, to perform as part of the showcase. The iStandard Producers Showcase has been held in 12 major U.S. cities. Prizes for the showcase winner courtesy of Native Instruments.

Get your official EXPO & ASCAP merch, pick up the latest music industry books, and purchase access to video content from this year's EXPO panels.

Learn about ASCAP Member Access and speak to an ASCAP Member Services representative. Also, you can pick up your registration bag here.

Moderator: Josh Briggs - ASCAP

At the 2010 ASCAP EXPO, Fransisca Hall's One-on-One Session led to her signing with EMI Music Publishing. Dreams do come true at the EXPO! Hear about what got Fransisca noticed and what has happened in the one year since then. Joining her will be her publisher, Amanda Berman, and two of her co-writers, Jimmy Harry and Evan Taubenfeld.

With a composing career spanning over 40 years, The Family Guy composer knows first-hand what it takes to break into, advance and thrive in the music business. With great humor and insight, Jones will discuss the common problems and challenges that are faced daily for composers so that you can get control over the whole process, not just the music.

Moderator: Emily White

Don’t get overwhelmed by all of the online resources available to music creators today. This panel will focus on the many online tools at your disposal, from mailing lists, websites and social networks to rights management platforms and marketing services. Find out what works best and why, and how to manage them properly to reach your goals.

Moderator: Jennifer Blakeman

Engage in honest talk and receive valuable advice from pop/rock industry experts in this song feedback session, during which a limited number of songs pre-submitted by registrants will be given feedback in front of an audience.

Moderator: John Houlihan

The essential panel for any songwriter/composer looking to gain more knowledge about music licensing. Don’t miss this unique discussion, offering tips and tricks for making headway into the lucrative production music world. Hear some real success stories and learn about the dynamic among music libraries, the songwriters/composers who write for them and the music supervisors who use them. 

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Composer and inventor, Christopher L. Stone, winner of ASCAP’s Most Performed Background Scores five years in a row and creator of the award-winning string sample library, 70 DVZ Strings, will demonstrate his latest creations: Brillanti Philharmonic Brass and Early Instruments and Notation Switchblade. Designed by a composer for composers, it is a Mac/PC compatible plug-in recorded in London. Brillanti has over 50 orchestral and antique instruments as well as many playing styles, effects and pattern generators. Powered by DVZ®, Brillanti is fully divisi capable: choose from 1-4 players on a single MIDI track. All sounds are loaded at once so that you can move seamlessly between articulations. Audio Impressions’ Notation Switchblade is a standalone program that perfectly translates MIDI generated tuplets to printed score, including all styles and articulations.

Musicians have taken many cues from The Beatles, as have producers, managers, engineers and the recording industry at large. Now, with the guidance of Richard Courtney and George Cassidy’s book Come Together, entrepreneurs can also garner insight and motivation from the most successful rock band of all time.  “I never thought anyone could come up with a new view of The Beatles story, but Richard and George have and give fresh insight to Beatles business.” - Tony Bramwell, Author of Magical Mystery Tour and VP of Apple Corps.

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

A powerful suite of songwriting tools
Best of Show Winner at MacWorld Expo and recipient of rave reviews in every major music magazine, MasterWriter is the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program. MasterWriter is used by some of the world's most successful songwriters, including Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Babyface Edmonds, Kenny Loggins, Jimmy Webb and Carole Bayer Sager. MasterWriter will take your songwriting to a new level. Witness this during the demo conducted by songwriter and founder, Barry DeVorzon. On-site discount offered plus a chance to win a free copy by attending.

Featured Guest: Kannon “Caviar” Cross, an award-winning composer and producer, who has worked with Macy Gray and T.I. Caviar will present the audience with his production skills in creating his successful signature sound, which made him the “to go to” producer for hit albums of people like T.I., Devin “the Dude” and R&B sensation Macy Gray. Creating beats, lyrics and flows are what Caviar will present the audience at the EXPO.

Learn how to optimize your computer based studio output
The Songwriter Studio is a consortium of five companies who make music tools for musicians.  The studio comprises every part of the audio and control signal path needed for complete music production. Focusrite and Line 6 audio interfaces connect to a computer running Propellerhead's Record/Reason music software controlled by Novation Midi controller keyboards and monitored by KRK Systems headphones and speakers. These products offer musicians high grade sound and super usability at reasonable prices.  This is recording done right.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Moderator: Kevin Lyman

Touring has long been a significant source of income for performing songwriters. But as many artists will tell you (or write a song about it), life on the road isn’t easy, and it isn’t for everybody. There are some valuable lessons to be learned from those who have learned the hard way how to tour smart. Hear tips on how to succeed on the road from this group of road veterans.

Co-Moderator: Marc Emert-Hutner - ASCAP
Co-Moderator: Michael Kerker - ASCAP

Songwriter/composers Stephen Trask and Peter Yanowitz both come from rock music backgrounds. Trask has also had success in the theatre as composer and lyricist of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and writing for several films. Yanowitz has had great success working with artists such as The Wallflowers and Natalie Merchant as well as with his own band, Morningwood. Now, they are collaborating on two musical theatre projects -- 54, which the two are writing with Jersey Boys book writer Rick Elice, and the musical adaptation of the movie Clueless. Trask and Yanowitz will share their experience working together and will explore what it takes to create and launch a musical on Broadway today.

Moderator: Seth Saltzman - ASCAP

ASCAP is the world leader in licensing your music and paying you royalties, but ASCAP also offers a world of services to its members. From Member Access (both online and through our iPhone app) to ASCAPlus Awards to workshops and showcases, ASCAP is a multifaceted membership organization. This panel of key ASCAP staff will detail our wide range of services and benefits, and explain what ASCAP is doing to create new revenue streams in the digital world. If you are not a member yet or are a member of another performing rights organization, come find out why ASCAP is the right choice!

Moderator: Brendan Okrent - ASCAP

This two-part panel series offers valuable information to writers interested in connecting with music publishers, who continue to shape the future of the music business in the digital era. This discussion among the creative heads of some of the industry's leading independent publishing companies will reveal who they are signing, how songwriters can best prepare to gain their attention, where the revenues are and how their approach to publishing differs today vs. years ago. The first panel, Side 1, "The Majors,” will be presented on Thursday, April 28th at 1:00pm in Hollywood Ballroom #2. By attending both panels you will learn how they differ, how they each make creative decisions and how emerging songwriters can get a seat at the table. 

Moderator: Nicole George - ASCAP

This panel of incredibly gifted women in R&B will share their experiences in navigating the music industry – the obstacles they overcame, the mistakes and smart choices they made, the opportunities they seized – on their way to achieving creative and career success.

Attendees were randomly pre-selected and confirmed to participate in this intimate and intensive master class with hit songwriter Desmond Child, who will explore the art of songwriting, lyrics, melody, structure and other elements integral to a well-crafted song.  As all participants have confirmed, there are no openings or waiting list spots available.

175 attendees who signed up for the Lunch Roundtables will meet with four different panelists in small group settings. This is the first time this event has been offered, and it sold out very quickly. There are no openings or waiting list spots available.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

How Does HFA Benefit Songwriters
Not sure what Harry Fox Agency does? Join Adam Tully, a talented musician and member of HFA's Publisher Services team, for an overview of how affiliating with the nation's leading music rights organization can benefit you, the songwriter. He will also talk about Songfile, the trailblazing online tool that makes licensing cover songs fast and easy. Adam will be on hand to answer questions to help you navigate the ever-changing music landscape.

Featured Guest: Dave Isaac, a multiple Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer, who has worked with Marcus Miller, Anita Baker, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Me’Shell Ndegeocello and Stevie Wonder. Dave will be presenting two projects from his work with Marcus Miller and show you how to get that “Marcus bass sound!" Dave has developed a video tutorial website (www.mixsensei.com) aimed at the music and audio industry in which he and other award-winning engineers/producers and musicians share all their knowledge.

Learn how to optimize your computer based studio output
The Songwriter Studio is a consortium of five companies who make music tools for musicians.  The studio comprises every part of the audio and control signal path needed for complete music production. Focusrite and Line 6 audio interfaces connect to a computer running Propellerhead's Record/Reason music software controlled by Novation Midi controller keyboards and monitored by KRK Systems headphones and speakers. These products offer musicians high grade sound and super usability at reasonable prices.  This is recording done right.

Elevate Your Music
From platinum-selling albums, worldwide concert tours and blockbuster films to music and movies made at home, Avid makes the gear that empowers you to unleash your creativity. Come experience our diverse audio product line firsthand—including world-class software, interfaces, studio monitors, keyboards, and other solutions at a variety of price points to suit every budget. As you watch, Avid product specialist Brian Carter will build out a song in real time using Pro Tools® 9 software, an M-Audio® Axiom® controller, Mbox® Pro audio interface, and more. Come see how you can elevate your music with Avid. After the main demonstration, Brian will sit down with acclaimed songwriters Stephen Bray (Madonna) and Tony Shepperd (Backstreet Boys, Kenny Loggins) and discuss the important role of Pro Tools in their creative process.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Recording and producing your songs with Ellis Hall and the Yamaha MOX

Ellis Hall is a multi-instrumentalist virtuoso and dynamic vocalist who has performed and recorded with a literal Who’s Who of musical elite, including Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, George Benson, Michael McDonald, John Mayer, Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, James Taylor, George Duke, Huey Lewis and the News, Taj Mahal, and his musical mentor Ray Charles. Combining MOTIF technology with new USB computer integration technology, the MOX series is the most powerful, mobile and affordable Yamaha music workstation ever. They are destined to bring MOTIF music production power to a whole new generation of players.

Moderator: Ariel Hyatt

Social media services such as Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, blogs and the like, combined with innovative online tools and technology, provide music creators with great opportunities to build and connect with an audience as well as market, promote, play and sell your music. But to use them effectively, you need vision and a strategy. Learn from some experts and music creators on how you can take complete control of advancing your music career by harnessing the power of these online channels and services.

Moderator: LeAnn Phelan - ASCAP

Engage in honest talk and receive valuable advice from country music industry experts in this song feedback session, during which a limited number of songs pre-submitted by registrants will be given feedback in front of an audience.

Eric Whitacre is one of the most popular and performed composers of our generation. His choral CD, Cloudburst, became an international bestseller, topping the classical charts and earning a Grammy nomination.  Conducting his own professional choir for his first recording after signing with Decca, the album Light & Gold went to number one on the classical charts on both sides of the Atlantic immediately following its release.  His Virtual Choir projects on YouTube have been shared by a vast audience worldwide, and his award-winning musical, Paradise Lost, featuring a huge chorus, 7 soloists, electronica, Taiko drummers and DJ, will get a new life this year with a performance in Los Angeles (Disney Hall, June 25).  Plans are in the works for a stage show and soundtrack recording. Learn from one of our most innovative and popular composers about writing some of the most performed pieces in our choral and band repertoire through to a major work for the London Symphony, working with Hans Zimmer for Disney and speaking at TED.com.

Grammy Award winner Jermaine Dupri first made a name for himself in 1992 when he signed and produced the quadruple-platinum teenage rappers Kriss Kross to his So So Def Record label. Throughout his career, he has helped further the careers of a roster of talented artists with his platinum songwriting and production, including Aaliyah, Bow Wow, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Chingy, Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Dru Hill, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Jagged Edge, Jay-Z, Elton John, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, MC Lyte, Monica, Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Run DMC, Jessica Simpson, TLC, Tyrese, Usher and Xscape, to name a few. Grammy Award winner Johntá Austin has written hits for Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey, among others, but is also a successful recording artist on his own. In this conversation, Austin and Dupri will provide insight into the art and business of writing and producing for some of the most successful musical artists of our time.

Moderator: Steven Gaydos

As Scream 4 rolls into theatres, the film series' composer and director will discuss their longtime creative collaboration in revolutionizing the modern horror genre experience and developing one of the most successful pop culture franchises of our time.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Websites for Music Creators
Bandzoogle is the most powerful website platform for music creators. It lets you build a full website without having to learn code or hire a web designer.  Bandzoogle also makes it easy to integrate marketing features to engage your fans, and commerce features allowing to you to sell your music and merch directly to them.  Come meet our experts, who will demo the site builder platform, discuss best practices for musician websites and show you many examples of websites that rock.

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

Sheila E. will no longer be appearing due to a scheduling conflict with performing with Prince in LA.
New Featured Guest: Ric’key Pageot. This multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, music director was born and raised in Montreal, Canada and presently lives in Los Angeles.  He became the youngest musical director ever hired by Cirque Du Soleil and led the band on their first arena production, Delirium, at the age of 28. They performed over 250 shows in the US and Europe. The large band consisted of an impressive group of eleven musicians and six lead singers, including Pageot's sensational singer and wife Dessy Di Lauro and Patti Labelle, Deborah Cox.  In 2009, Ric’key completed the international ‘Sticky & Sweet’ tour with none other than the queen of pop, Madonna,  playing keyboards and accordion during the concert and on the CD/DVD and has performed also with Diana Ross on her tour (More Today then Yesterday) He is now in the studio producing Dessy Di Lauro’s new up coming album, which first single "Why You Ragging Me?” has already won the Hollywood Music in Media Award for best R&B/Soul Song of the Year!Meanwhile Ric’key also found time to co-write and perform on Jill Scott’s upcoming Warner debut album!
At the ASCAP EXPO, Ric’key will be explaining his way of working and will present several of his musical projects as examples.

Learn how to optimize your computer based studio output
The Songwriter Studio is a consortium of five companies who make music tools for musicians.  The studio comprises every part of the audio and control signal path needed for complete music production. Focusrite and Line 6 audio interfaces connect to a computer running Propellerhead's Record/Reason music software controlled by Novation Midi controller keyboards and monitored by KRK Systems headphones and speakers. These products offer musicians high grade sound and super usability at reasonable prices.  This is recording done right.

Design Your Dream Home Music Production Studio
William Jenkins, Westlake/West L.A. Music Music’s Manger of Technical Services, will offer a straight forward, cost effective approach to designing your dream home music production studio. William will discuss how to select the proper equipment, speakers, room acoustic treatment, control surface/mixers, software, computer and microphones. Everything you need to know to get the most out of your investment.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Lindsey Buckingham's career began to take off when he and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac's core lineup of drummer Mick Fleetwood, bassist John McVie and keyboardist/singer Christine McVie in early 1974. The former blues band, with the addition of "Buckingham Nicks," immediately morphed into a pop hit-making wonder. The group's eponymous album contained smash singles, including Buckingham's "Monday Morning," "World Turning" and "I'm So Afraid." However, it was their next album, 1977's Rumours, which launched the group into the pop stratosphere, propelled by Lindsey's tunes "Go Your Own Way" and "Second Hand News." Rumours earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year and it remains one of the best selling albums of all time. Over the next several years, Buckingham was the principal producer on all of Fleetwood Mac's projects, including the experimental double album Tusk, Mirage and Tango in the Night. In the early '80s, Buckingham launched his solo career with Law and Order, which spawned the Top 10 hit "Trouble." Other solo hits included "Go Insane" and "Holiday Road." Buckingham's career has continued to flourish—his critically acclaimed Under the Skin, released in 2006, was followed by the exceptional DVD, Live at the Bass Performance Hall and 2008's Gift of Screws. His next solo project is scheduled for release later this year. As a member of Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

This is sure to be a fascinating interview. Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles achieved mainstream success in 2007 with her hit single “Love Song,” sold over 1 million records worldwide and was nominated for three Grammys. She will talk to Buckingham about his phenomenal career, both in a band and as a solo artist, his creative process and how he wrote some of the most monumental music of our time.

ASCAP is pleased to present the Attendee Showcase, featuring those independent songwriters who pre-submitted music via GigMaven and were chosen by our panel of experts to perform before the EXPO audience. EXPO panelist and Hawaiian contemporary folk rock singer-songwriter Anuhea will give a special guest performance.

Host: Brendan Okrent - ASCAP

Enjoy some great live music from this diverse and successful group of ASCAP songwriters, who will treat the audience to acoustic performances of some of their most iconic songs.

Join us at night at the Renaissance Hotel Lobby Lounge (1st floor) and enjoy live performances from songwriters. Check your program book and hotel lobby area for details.

Get your official EXPO & ASCAP merch, pick up the latest music industry books, and purchase access to video content from this year's EXPO panels.

Learn about ASCAP Member Access and speak to an ASCAP Member Services representative. Also, you can pick up your registration bag here.

Moderator: Paul Williams - President and Chairman of the Board - ASCAP

In this era of digital distribution of copyrighted works, the ability for music creators to make a living from their work is being challenged by digital piracy and new business models that are not generating fair
compensation (or any compensation) for songwriters and composers. Don't miss this important discussion of the key legislative and copyright issues that impact music creators.  What's at stake for the future?  How can music creators make their best case to members of Congress?  How can you become more involved in the legislative process?  If you care about your future in music, don't miss this session.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Demo the Bose L1® Portable Line Array Systems

More than just a speaker system – Bose® L1® portable line array systems offer a different approach to live sound. The Bose L1 Model II system delivers our widest and most uniform sound coverage.  Add the T1 ToneMatch® audio engine and you’ll get access to an extensive library of ToneMatch presets, custom EQ capability and a suite of studio-class effects and processing. Test drive both systems with Mark Chipeur of the Bose Live Sound Team. A mic, acoustic guitar and keyboard will be on hand, or you can bring your own.

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

A fresh approach for artists to reach stardom
Hitlab.com introduces a radical new technology that couples music theory with artificial-intelligence to identify and recognize a song’s potential for commercial success. With thousands of submissions, and Akon at the helm, Hitlab represents a fresh approach for artists to reach stardom. Join with members of the executive team for an intimate meet and greet and learn more about Hitlab.

A powerful suite of songwriting tools
Best of Show Winner at MacWorld Expo and recipient of rave reviews in every major music magazine, MasterWriter is the most powerful suite of songwriting tools ever assembled in one program. MasterWriter is used by some of the world's most successful songwriters, Gwen Stefani, Rob Thomas, Babyface Edmonds, Kenny Loggins, Jimmy Webb, and Carole Bayer Sager. MasterWriter will take your songwriting to a new level. Witness this during the demo conducted by songwriter and founder, Barry DeVorzon. On-site discount offered plus a chance to win a free copy by attending.

Featured Guest: Morris Hayes, a multi-talented, world-class keyboardist, songwriter, producer and visual artist, who has worked or performed with: Prince, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Sheila E., Carlos Santana and Lenny Kravitz, among many others. Morris Hayes will give insight into his world. Having performed with Prince at the 2007 Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show, arguably one of the best performances ever at the Super Bowl, Morris still has been focusing on using his talent and experience to create music for new up-and-coming artists and a wide range of established artists.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Tracy McKnight, Head of Film Music at Lionsgate, is one of the most experienced, talented and influential music supervisors in the industry. McKnight will reveal strategy, share personal anecdotes and shed light on how music is placed in film. A few attendees will have the chance to briefly participate in a one-on-one interview with Tracy for candid, instant feedback on how to "take a meeting" - if you can get one!

Moderator: Doug Wood

All legal agreements have terms and conditions - even when you post your music online. What are some of the common terms and conditions and what do they mean? If you are an emerging music creator, then you probably have some basic legal questions you need answered, starting with "When do I need an attorney?"  This panel will explore these basic legal questions and will give an overview of other issues covering publishing, administrative and co-publishing deals, as well as practical information about handling co-writes and shares, sampling and what else you should do to put your “legal” house in order.

Interviewer: Sue Drew - ASCAP

Songwriter/producer Antonina Armato has over 20 Top Ten singles to her name and has collaborated with artists on albums that have collectively sold over 50 million copies, including works by Mariah Carey, Quincy Jones, Selena Gomez, Sick Puppies, Miley Cyrus and others. She has also made significant contributions to film and TV projects, including Hannah Montana 1 and 2, High School Musical and the theme song for Reese Witherspoon’s Legally Blonde, among others. She is currently working with the American Idol contestants. This Master Session will have an interactive component where Armato will invite a random, limited number of attendees onstage to perform a song or play a recorded track. She will provide insight and constructive criticism for the benefit of the audience. Armato will also present her survival guide to the new music business, focusing on songwriting, producing and how to create your own platform for a breakthrough.

The legendary Bernie Worrell – composer, arranger, bandleader and keyboard synth pioneer – is best known for his association with two influential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands: Parliament/Funkadelic and Talking Heads. He has also put his creative stamp on the work of other artists such as Keith Richards, The Pretenders and Deee-Lite, among others, and is one of the most sampled musicians ever, with his timeless grooves and riffs propelling the music of De La Soul, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and others. He continues to perform with various groups, including Bill Laswell’s Method of Defiance and three of his own latest projects, which include rock/funk/fusion project, SociaLybrium, the dynamic duo of WesNWorrell as well as the Winter 2011 jazz album, Bernie Worrell: Standards. As drummer for the pioneering black rock band Living Colour, Will Calhoun has sold over four million albums and won two Grammy Awards. His unique blend of improvisational and hard rock drumming can be found on each of Living Colour’s four Epic releases.  A songwriter, producer and player, Will has also recorded and/or toured with a diverse range of artists, including Mos Def, Herb Alpert, B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Jaco Pastorius, Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Marcus Miller, Dr. John and many others. Calhoun will talk to Worrell about how he broke into the music business, pushed the envelope and evolved creatively in his craft.

Moderator: Jason Silberman - ASCAP

Engage in honest talk and receive valuable advice from industry experts from a variety of genres in this song feedback session, during which a limited number of songs pre-submitted by registrants will be given feedback in front of an audience.

Attendees were randomly pre-selected and confirmed to participate in this intimate and intensive master class with hit songwriter Desmond Child, who will explore the art of songwriting, lyrics, melody, structure and other elements integral to a well-crafted song.  As all participants have confirmed, there are no openings or waiting list spots available.

What It Is, Why It Pays, and How to Get Your Share
SoundExchange will explain how registering (free!) with them can earn you royalties for plays on satellite radio, Internet radio, cable TV music channels and other services that stream sound recordings. SoundExchange is a non-profit, and an important source of revenue for all artists (big and small) and labels (indie and major): they've distributed over $650 million to artists and labels so far. But thousands of artist and labels don't know they need to register, and millions in royalties haven't yet been claimed. Interactive and question-driven, this workshop will also cover need-to-know info on copyright, licensing, metadata, and legislation that will affect your career.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Ariel Hyatt’s new book The Musician's Roadmap to Facebook and Twitter is your complete guide to getting liked, followed and heard. It's 171 pages packed with practical information on how to use the two most effective social media platforms online today. In this era, no musician should be without this information.

Demo the Bose L1® Portable Line Array Systems
Using proprietary Bose® technology, L1® systems combine PA and monitors into a single, highly portable solution. You'll have the option of demoing the L1 Model II, the original L1 Model I or the L1 Compact system with our instruments or with yours.  Hear how you can fill the room with your sound in a way no ordinary speaker can.  The Bose Live Sound expert, Mark Chipeur, will be on hand to answer questions. 

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

How Does HFA Benefit Songwriters
Not sure what Harry Fox Agency does? Join Adam Tully, a talented musician and member of HFA's Publisher Services team, for an overview of how affiliating with the nation's leading music rights organization can benefit you, the songwriter. He will also talk about Songfile, the trailblazing online tool that makes licensing cover songs fast and easy. Adam will be on hand to answer questions to help you navigate the ever-changing music landscape.

A fresh approach for artists to reach stardom
Hitlab.com introduces a radical new technology that couples music theory with artificial-intelligence to identify and recognize a song’s potential for commercial success. With thousands of submissions, and Akon at the helm, Hitlab represents a fresh approach for artists to reach stardom. Join with members of the executive team for an intimate meet and greet and learn more about Hitlab.

Featured Guest: Dean “Sir” Gant, a multi-award winning producer, who has worked with Anita Baker, Peabo Bryson, Madonna, Outkast, Earth, Wind & Fire and many others. The producer in Sir Gant steered his selection of immensely talented guest artists, respectfully pairing their prowess with his on his project The Journey. Gant will delve into this project and his other iconic recordings.

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Moderator: Bobby Owsinski - Author, Producer, Music and Tech Advisor

Mead Killion – Founder -Etymotic Research; Jazz Pianist, Audiologist, Inventor

Ian Kuhn - Monitor Engineer - Dave Matthews Band, Smashing Pumpkins, Poi Dog Pondering

Hear from the inventor of the in-ear monitor and an experienced sound mixer who will discuss the benefits of using cost-effective, high performance in-ear monitors to hear better during live performance.  Many performers are also unaware of the simple steps they can take to ensure that a musician’s most valuable asset is preserved. The uninitiated and seasoned pro alike will learn how in-ear monitors can protect hearing for a lifetime. 

Interviewer: Jon Platt

Pharrell Williams is a songwriter, rapper, singer, record producer and fashion designer. As part of The Neptunes, Pharrell has produced numerous hit singles for various artists, earning three Grammy Awards for his work, including Producer of the Year. He has written and produced records for a Who’s Who of musical stars across the spectrum, including Nelly, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Kanye West, Daddy Yankee, Snoop Dogg, Madonna, Maroon 5, Shakira, The Hives and the Gorillaz, among others. Not content to work in one genre, he has created hip-hop, R&B, pop and funk-rock with his own group, N.E.R.D. A savvy businessman as well as an accomplished music creator, he is the co-founder of the clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream Footwear. In this session, explore with Pharrell what can be accomplished when you have talent, ambition, vision, a knack for collaboration, and the knowledge of how to focus those gifts into a smart and successful career. 

Two noted songwriting experts and authors, Ralph Murphy (Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting: The Book) and Jay Frank (FutureHit.DNA), will share their insights on how successful songs drive commerce to give you a competitive advantage in your own writing.

Moderator: Christopher Spahr - Sennheiser

Writing great music is important. But creating and capturing a great sound is equally important and this panel will explore various ways to do that in your personal studio. Learn professional studio techniques from an artist, a producer, an engineer and an acoustician, and how those techniques affect instruments and vocals in a variety of studio settings. You will also learn about mic selection, monitoring, acoustics and how choosing the right audio tools can elevate your art.  And when to leave the home studio and let a professional handle your project.

Moderator: Bruce Broughton

A diverse group of top TV composers will discuss the daily challenges of creating music for some of today’s most popular network and cable television shows, as well as their experience in creating music for other media. Learn what you can do to prepare for a career in one of music’s most demanding – and rewarding – genres.

Moderator: Don Passman, Esq.

While music continues to be delivered to wider audiences in innovative new ways in addition to the traditional ways, you may be wondering: where’s the money? This panel will explore the many different areas of today’s music business that generate income, from video games, film and TV to downloads and streams, advertising commercials and much more.

For close to a century, ASCAP has been a leader in the area of advocacy and grassroots efforts focused on protecting the rights of creators. As part of our ongoing effort to inform and educate key Washington policy makers and legislators about the issues that affect music creators, we are looking to capture testimonials from our members and fellow creators at this year’s EXPO. If you would like to have your voice heard by your respective Members of Congress and others, please stop by Room 325 (near the 3rd Floor elevators) to record a brief video and, in your own words, articulate what being a music creator means to you!

Websites for Music Creators
Bandzoogle is the most powerful website platform for music creators. It lets you build a full website without having to learn code or hire a web designer.  Bandzoogle also makes it easy to integrate marketing features to engage your fans, and commerce features allowing to you to sell your music and merch directly to them.  Come meet our experts, who will demo the site builder platform, discuss best practices for musician websites and show you many examples of websites that rock.

Demo the Bose L1® Portable Line Array Systems
Your songs are personal. The Bose® L1® portable line array systems are here for you to plug in and deliver your songs the way you hear them. Take this opportunity to find out what the buzz is about and have your questions about these systems answered. A keyboard, acoustic guitar and microphone are available, or feel free to bring your own.

Hear and Demo the In-Ear Gear
Enhance your composing, mixing, monitoring and producing by using the right earphone equipment. Meet the Etymotic Research specialists who designed the first in-ear monitors as well as the artists and engineers who've been using them for two decades. The only thing remaining when the right earphones are selected is to make sure they are comfortable. On-site ear impressions can be taken if customization is desired.

A fresh approach for artists to reach stardom
Hitlab.com introduces a radical new technology that couples music theory with artificial-intelligence to identify and recognize a song’s potential for commercial success. With thousands of submissions, and Akon at the helm, Hitlab represents a fresh approach for artists to reach stardom. Join with members of the executive team for an intimate meet and greet and learn more about Hitlab.

Featured Guest: Michael Bearden’s diverse musical skills have been used by the biggest names in music, including Mary J Blige, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Destiny's Child, D'Angelo, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, India Arie, Skakira, Brian McKnight, and Jennifer Lopez. A composer and keyboardist, he currently is the music director for Lopez Tonight. In this amazing session, there will be numerous examples of Michael Bearden’s musical career and it will include Q&A opportunities for the audience.            

Daily giveaways and very special pricing for all
Meet product reps and demo the latest gear from Yamaha, Steinberg, Roland, Audio Impressions, PreSonus, Kala Ukulele, UBass, IK Multimedia, Boss, Cakewalk and others.  Once in a lifetime discounts will be offered to EXPO attendees with product giveaways being announced daily.

Host: Sue Drew - ASCAP

This group represents some of modern music’s most successful songwriters from across the musical spectrum. In a fun, stripped-down, in-the-round setting, they will share the fascinating stories behind the creation of their best-loved and chart-topping songs and will perform them live. Feel free to sing along!

Join us at night at the Renaissance Hotel Lobby Lounge (1st floor) and enjoy live performances from songwriters. Check your program book and hotel lobby area for details.