Hello Ronnie,

Nice to hear from you. I believe I can help fill in some blanks for you on NSAI. I have been involved with them since 1988, first as a general member and for the past 20 years as a professional member, mentor and consultant.
Actually, NSAI is responsible for my move to Nashville and if you look over my career, almost everything that ever happened to me musically is a direct or indirect result of NSAI.

On the organization itself, it was started in the 70's by Kris Kristofferson and several other writers who felt they did not have proper representation. Then, like today, songwriters were always the ones who started everything but were the last to get paid. NSAI is the only Worldwide organization for songwriters. (All due respect to Just Plain Folks, which also has an International presence, NSAI is the only one that does direct lobbying in Congress for songwriter's rights.) They both do similar work. NSAI has their central office in Nashville on Music Row, but also have chapter workshops in every state, most towns and some in Canada and the UK.

It is run by songwriters for songwriters and does a lot of BEHIND the scenes work that songwriters benefit from, and never realize it. It has a "Adopt a shop" mentor capacity, and professionals give their time and efforts to help people up the ladder. It is one of the only organizations in any business that will actually help train newer people to take the jobs of those existing in the business. We believe a "rising tide lifts all boats." Giving to others actually comes back multi fold.

My introduction to NSAI came while I was living in Birmingham, Ala. deciding what to do with my career after my 80;'s band, 24 KARAT, broke up. The meeting, at a local recording studio, featured a Nashville producer, Barry Beckett, as featured speaker who opened up my eyes as to Nashville and the country music industry. It also introduced me to RON MUIR, the man who became my mentor. Working with him over the next few months, him taking me to Nashville, showing me around, teaching me about songwriting. learning the ropes of Nashville and recording my first project led to my getting a SHELBY LYNNE cut, my first night in town.

Over the years I've participated in nearly every thing NSAI does, from visiting 75 of the 110 chapter workshops in the US and several in Canada. My songwriting mentoring business, ":tours of Nashville" workshop and seminar program all come from that as well as the writing of over 3000 songs with around 2500 people worldwide.
My involvement, led to helping in the careers of Warner Brothers Recording Act, FRANKIE BALLARD, The Voice's Meghan Lindsey, and America's Got Talent ALICIA MICHILLI, and literally thousands of other people.

It has provided me with an avenue to build a business and encourage others.And If it weren't for NSAI, I wouldn't be here. It was members of the Orange County, California chapter of NSAI who were mutual members of JPF that encouraged me to be involved here.

It is part of "being something larger than yourself." Membership dues fund trips to Washington DC, to lobby members of Congress each year. Much of recent legislation favoring songwriters come directly from NSAI and the head, Bart Herbison, who was a Washington Legislative assistant to Congressman Bob Clement. That experience comes in handy when dealing with the Legislature .I went to Congress myself as part of a delegation in 2006, so I've seen that first hand.

For me, being involved helps songwriters everywhere and I am happy to pay my dues each year.
They listen to songs, provide mentors, have an office on music row which can be utilized by the membership and offer opportunities in almost every area. The local chapter workshops alone are worth the cost.

Having said all that, understand it can't do everything. It doesn't give deals, promote writers to publishers, or record labels. The only ones that can do that are the writers themselves and this is a heavily hands on business.
You get out what you put in. Sometimes it is indirect but to me it is nothing but a positive.

I would encourage you to find out about a local workshop near you, attend and meet people. Let it go where it will from there. you have to take the first step. You can then make up your own mind.
That is about all I can tell you about it.

If you want to know anything else, just ask here or contact me personally.

Good luck and happy holidays.

MAB