MAS Critiques
At most monthly meetings, MAS members offer critiques of songs for at least an hour. Each song is critiqued by attending members of the group 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.
On the other hand, some songwriters are interested in the business of music, so commercial aspects of songwriting also play a part in the critique process, again, depending on the songwriter's objective. Songwriters interested in selling their songs are educated about what makes a song a hit, since every record label exists to make a profit. MAS teaches you how to employ techniques that might help make your song commercially successful.
Either way (commercially oriented or not), members offer each other opinions and advice during these sessions. Sometimes, critical commentary brings two or more songwriters together for a successful co-writing team.
Any and all music submitted for critiques is done so under the sole discretion of the artist and hereby releases the Minnesota Association of Songwriters from any and all liability arising out of or in connection with any tapes, songs, or recordings submitted to the organization, including but not limited to claims of copyright infringements by any third party on behalf of the artist. The artist hereby warrants and represents that all material submitted is the original creation of the artist.
Please rememer that if you are presenting a song for a critique, ask the group specifically what you would like to get out of it. Where are you struggling? What do you have questions about? Do you want help with song structure or melody, or is there a certain lyric about which you need feedback or suggestions? This structure allows members to listen more closely, to focus their attention, so that the songwriter gets the specific help he/she needs. Also, if your song has lyrics, please provide a copy of your lyrics for each member at the meeting (recommend you bring 20 copies of your lyrics).
