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. Workshop topics include music technology, business, networking, and professional development. We have invited guest speakers and panelists to lead these workshops, as well as offer demos and interactive experiences to attendees.
In our first year, we hosted 4 workshops on Sunday afternoons in the Beachland Tavern with discussions around 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.
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
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
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, Acapulco Gold, and more! Plus, one lucky guest is going to win a free pedal (new release – yet to be announced!) to take home. Stay for The 2×4 Songwriter Showcase immediately after the pedal experience workshop.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase
Lingua (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
Lingua
Yes Lisa
David Novak
Alison and JC
Monday, May 15, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: Practical Advice for Musicians with Kevin Borrowman
Kevin Borrowman is an educator, musician, business owner, product developer, manufacturer, programmer, inventor, sound man, recording engineer, and repairman. He owns Northern Lights & Sound, plays in the band Hollywood Mafia and teaches in the Recording Arts and Technology program at Cuyahoga Community College. Kevin has worked in research and development of professional audio equipment and invented the M24 Mixed Logic automated DAW controller.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase:
Kevin Borrowman
Alexis Julia
Madison Cummins
Bill Lestock
Guy Snowdon
Monday, June 19th, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: Revenue Strategies for Musicians with John Latimer
John Latimer is a songwriter, educator, publisher, and promoter of music. John founded the trailblazing music conference and showcase Undercurrents and manages a large catalog of works through his publishing company Latitunes. In this workshop, John will offer practical advice to local musicians who are looking to increase revenue by accessing different royalty streams and marketing opportunities.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase
John Latimer
Rebecca Wohlever
John McGrail
Richard Szekelyi
Sarah Arafat
Monday, July 17th, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: Perspectives on Home Recording Studios
A panel of recording artists and producers discuss their own style of working in their home studios. The presentation will feature details of their home studio equipment and techniques relating to their work. We will have panelists who specialize in recording hip-hop, rock, jazz, gospel, folk, and other genres. Learn from a few of the most productive home recordists in the Cleveland-area.
Panelists include:
- Eric Wilson is an award-winning rapper and producer, and owner of Scratchpaper Productions.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfH32rNuuBc- ZaezHnQaWKA - Aaron Smith is an international touring drummer endorsed by Pearl Drums.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR2iMgq-A2Ed9hapv- FHbmg - Ray Flanagan is a prolific recording artist who plays guitar and sings and just released two years of monthly singles.
https://rayflanagan.bandcamp.com - David Kennedy is a recording engineer and educator who often consults on home studio design and optimization.
https://kaboomcollective.org/collective/david-kennedy/
2×4 Songwriter Showcase:
Doug Nichols
Mal SanMarco
Afi Scruggs
Wesley Washington
Monday, August 21, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: Claim Your MLC Royalties
Are you a songwriter? Do you know about the MLC? Do you claim your royalties from the MLC? The MLC is a non-profit created by the US Copyright Office to issue blanket licenses for all US songwriters to the DSPs (digital service providers like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and collect all songwriting mechanical royalties for digital streaming. Has your music been streamed online anytime in the last two years? Then you probably have royalties waiting for you at the MLC. Find out how to claim them.
David Kennedy and Tracy Marie talk about how they registered and claimed their royalties from the MLC this year and how you can too. https://www.themlc.com
2×4 Songwriter Showcase:
Congito Jaffe
Seth Kindheart
Colleen Welsch
Chris Woten
Monday, September 18th, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: Resources to get started on your next project
What Resources Are Available And How To Find Them. Get familiar with local and national resources for getting music recorded and distributed.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase: Duos Edition!
Fox Ears
My Saint Catherine
Sunflurry
The Super Babes
Monday, October 16, 2023
7-9pm • Cleveland Rocks Shop
Workshop: Royalties
What are they? Where do they come from? How to collect them.
2×4 Songwriter Showcase: Hip Hop Edition!
San Goodee
Eric Wilson
Mixxed Rose
Domingo Kite
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:
