Founded in 1980, the Minnesota Association of Songwriters is a volunteer, member supported, non-profit organization. Its mission is to inspire, educate and strengthen the songwriting and performance skills of its members through seminars, workshops, song-review meetings, showcases and networking opportunities, while encouraging collaboration and exploration of the creative process.
MAS meets twice monthly (except November and December) to learn about the craft of songwriting, to review each other's music and to exchange information about topics ranging from song contests and conferences to legal issues and internet concerns. Details about meetings and other MAS events are available on our web site: mnsongwriters.org
MAS members enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including:
- Two meetings per month
- Knowledgeable, face-to-face reviews at meetings
- Knowledgeable online reviews if you cannot regularly attend meetings
- Workshops on the craft of songwriting and related topics
- Video showcases aired on public-access cable TV channels (our Minnesingers show)
- Live, public performance showcases throughout the year
- Member music on our MAS Internet Radio show (click the PLAY button on the top of this page)
- Music streaming from the organization's web site
- Discounts with participating merchants
- Internet resources & personal listing
- Networking with fellow songwriters
At most monthly meetings, MAS members offer reviews of songs for at least an hour. Each song is reviewed by attending members of the organization and a discussion takes place with regard to structure, lyrical content and commerciality, among other items. Instrumentals are discussed with regard to instrument use and arrangement.
Music is experienced in as many different ways as there are people in the world, so members are open about what they hear and offer constructive criticism, keeping in mind the goals of the songwriter. Each member determines his or her own goals and objectives.
Our Mission is to inspire, educate and strengthen the songwriting and performance skills of its members through seminars, workshops, song-review meetings, showcases and networking opportunities, while encouraging collaboration and exploration of the creative process.
Awards Include:
2008 Recipient of a "Grass Roots" Award from BMI
2010 Recipient of a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council