Workshops and 2x4s
The Professional Development Workshop series, organized by Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present, Future, launched in 2022 to offer resources for artists to help move them forward in their career. That year, we hosted 4 workshops on Sunday afternoons in the Beachland Tavern on important topics such as crafting Artist Bios, EPKs, Professional Rights Organizations (PROs) and Marketing and Advertising as an Independent Musician. These workshops were also live streamed through our Facebook and YouTube pages for those who couldn’t attend in person.
NEW! In 2023, we’ve expanded our Professional Development series to include 2×4 Songwriter Showcases, all housed in the newly renovated Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd).
- Each month we will present a workshop for an hour followed by a 2×4 songwriter showcase. Workshop topics will include music technology, music business, networking, and professional development.
- The 2×4 showcase will feature 2 songs by 4 artists, so each event will feature four different local artists sharing two songs apiece. Our stage is small and our listening room is intimate. Acts will primarily be solo artists, with the occasional duo or trio. To apply to perform at a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase, email 2×4@clevelandrocksppf.org.
The Professional Development Workshop Series is made possible with support from:
2023 Schedule
Workshops are held on the third Monday of the month from 7-9pm at the Cleveland Rocks Shop (15801 Waterloo Rd.). Each workshop will focus on a different music-related topic with discussions from 7-8pm, followed by a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase from 8-9pm featuring 4 different artists. To apply to perform at a 2×4 Songwriter Showcase, email 2×4@clevelandrocksppf.org.
Monday, March 20, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
*** This is a free event but space is limited. Reserve your ticket above to lock in a seat. ***
Workshop: Microphone Choices for Musicians and Vocalists
Learn about various microphones and test a few out in our space, The Cleveland Rocks Shop, before listening to our songwriter showcase ‘The 2×4’. We will have several microphones to discuss and try out. Mics will be hooked up to listen to, some with headphones some with speakers, so you can compare them on a voice or instrument. Ask questions, try out dynamic and condenser mics, listen to mics with different pickup patterns, and compare mics from different manufacturers like Shure, Telefunken, Beyerdynamic, Audix, and AKG.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase
Chris Tuma – ReverbNation | Facebook
Waylon Fingers – Website | Apple Music | Spotify | Facebook
Kevin McCarthy – Website | Facebook
Warren Bendler – Facebook
Chris Tuma
Waylon Fingers
Kevin McCarthy
Warren Bendler
Monday, April 17, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
*** This is a free event but space is limited. Reserve your ticket above to lock in a seat. ***
Workshop: Effect Pedal Experience with EarthQuaker Devices
EarthQuaker Devices is bringing their ‘Experience Station’ to The Cleveland Rocks Shop. We will have several pedals for you to try out. There will be a guitar, bass, keyboard, and microphone available to connect with the pedals, or bring your own to hook up and listen to the effects. Try the Astral Destiny, Disaster Transport SR, Acapulco Gold, The Bellows, and more! Plus, one lucky guest is going to win a free pedal to take home! Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately after the pedal experience workshop.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase
Dan Bode (Moko Bovo) – ReverbNation
Yes Lisa (Life Magnetic) – Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
David Novak (SkinTone Guitar Picks) – Facebook
Alison and JC (AJ & The Woods) – Website | Facebook | Instagram
Dan Bode
Yes Lisa
David Novak
Alison and JC
Monday, May 15, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: EPK Create It and Bring Visibility to It
Details to come.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase: TBA
Monday, June 19th, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: TBA
Details to come.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase: TBA
Past Workshops
Often the first piece of information available to the public and offers you a chance to frame your music and give audiences a reason to want to learn more. Our panelists of journalists and writers will guidance on what makes a good bio and also offer critique for those attendees who bring one. Bridget Caswell, a local photographer, will be available to take free headshots during the event.
Workshop: Marketing & Advertising for Independent Musicians
Sunday, June 12, 2022
2-4pm • Beachland Tavern
The Professional Development Workshop Series is made possible with support from: