Beyond the Charts: Insights from Radio Promoter Jerry Duncan
What makes a song connect — not just with listeners, but with the people who help share it with the world? In this special Q&A session, legendary Nashville radio promoter Jerry Duncan shares wisdom from over 50 years in the industry, including promoting more than 100 #1 singles for country radio.
Even if you’re not aiming for traditional country radio, Jerry’s insights on positioning songs, building relationships, and gaining momentum apply to every songwriter. Share timeless lessons on promotion and what makes music resonate with audiences — no matter where you are aiming to get your music.
This is a rare chance to get an inside scoop from someone who has helped to shape the path of modern country culture by sparking the embers of radio play for countless artists who would become major stars from Billy Ray Cyrus, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, and Morgan Wallen, and to walk away with strategies you can adapt to your own path.
Fall Retreat Workshops
Scriptwork for Songwriters : An Actor’s Perspective on Stage Performance (with Andy Strong)
Get your lyrics off the page and ready for the stage in this hands-on class. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to approach your songs like an actor approaches a script. We’ll explore time-tested performance techniques that help your songs resonate with intention.
Why this matters: Every songwriter eventually has to share their songs out loud — whether at a writer’s round, an open mic, or just in front of friends. This class helps you feel more confident in those moments and gives you tools to make your performances more memorable. By looking at your lyrics through the lens of performance, you may even discover new ways to edit and refine your writing.
Led by actor and producer Andy Strong, you’ll walk away with practical techniques to connect more powerfully with any audience.
WHAT YOU GET :
Introduction to performance technique.
Tools to connect with your audience.
Active approach to lyric writing.
Happy Hour Songwriting Challenge hosted by Lottie Moore
Presented in partnership with Artists in the Industry and our TOP SECRET beverage partner
What happens when you mix a drink with a dose of creativity? You get the Happy Hour Songwriting Challenge — part tasting, part songwriting sprint, and all fun.
Here’s how it works:
Kick things off with a guided tasting of a featured drink from our mystery beverage partner.
Use that flavor, vibe, or story as inspiration to write a song.
Share your creation with the group.
The winning team will record their song at SAE Institute, with the finished track featured in a social media campaign.
It’s the perfect mix of community, creativity, and a little friendly competition. Raise a glass, pick up your guitar, and let’s see what kind of music a good drink can inspire.
Pop Up Portraits with A Strong Photo
a guided experience that makes songwriters more confident on camera AND gives them pro visuals.
Every songwriter needs an image these days — whether it’s for social media, a press kit, or an album cover. But standing in front of a camera can feel uncomfortable and even overwhelming. This pop up gives you tools to make it easier.
You’ll learn how connecting with your breath, body, and audience can bring authenticity to photos and videos. Together, we’ll ask key questions to explore how a single image can help you tell your whole story.
Why this matters: Whether you love the camera or dread it, your photos and videos are often your first impression. This pop up helps you feel more confident in front of the lens and more intentional about the story your image tells.
With my background in both acting and photography, I offer some tools to help you present your best self — without losing the real you.
If you’d like to do a complimentary wardrobe consult with A Strong Photo beforehand, please contact here.
WHAT YOU GET :
Practical Performance Coaching you can take to your next photo or video session.
Optional Wardrobe and Style Consultation.
Kickoff Writer’s Round at Canoe Cove: Hosted by Oscar Jesús Bugarin
We’ll start our weekend off on Friday night with a writer’s round at canoe cove hosted by Oscar Jesús Bugarin from Calling Cadence.
Enjoy the beautiful sunset by the water while listening to stories and songs.