MEET THE INDUSTRY EXPERTS

2026 Speakers

Songwriters, publishers, music industry professionals, and creative leaders coming together to share their experience and knowledge.

Jeffrey Steele

Jeffrey Steele

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Jeffrey Steele is a seven-time GRAMMY®-nominated, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame songwriter whose catalog has generated more than 65 million radio and television airplays and major hits for artists including Keith Urban, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry, Jimmy Buffett, and many more.

A two-time BMI Songwriter of the Year, three-time NSAI Songwriter of the Year, and recipient of more than 35 BMI Country and Pop Awards, Steele has written iconic songs such as "What Hurts the Most," "My Wish," "The Cowboy in Me," "These Days," and "Raise 'Em Up."

He has also earned Golden Globe and Critics' Choice nominations for "I Thought I Lost You" from Disney/Pixar's Bolt. Named one of Billboard's Top 5 Songwriters for eight consecutive years, Steele continues to create music that brings people together, with his upcoming single "A Voice" and a new full-length album reflecting his enduring belief in music as a force for hope, unity, and healing.

Kashus Culpepper

Kashus Culpepper

Artist & Songwriter

Alabama-born artist-writer Kashus Culpepper encompasses the sound of the South, blending country, soul, blues, folk, and rock into a sound that is uniquely his own.

A student and reverent purveyor of Southern music, Culpepper found his voice in church as young as five years old. It wasn't until 2020 that he went from listener to performer, picking up a guitar and learning cover songs to play at barrack bonfires in Rota, Spain during his deployment with the Navy.

Covers soon became originals, and once he returned to the U.S., Kash played dive bars up and down the Mississippi Gulf Coast, building a following with his fresh-yet-reminiscent sound. He eventually sold out headline club shows throughout the South before formally releasing a single and finding a musical home at Big Loud Records.

Culpepper has joined Leon Bridges, Sierra Ferrell, and Darius Rucker on tour, with additional dates alongside Niall Horan, Eric Church, Shaboozey, Jelly Roll, Thomas Rhett, and Wyatt Flores.

Named to the 2026 Shazam Fast Forward Class, WXPN's Artist to Watch, 2026 Nashville Scene Artist to Watch, GRAMMY.com's 25 Artists to Watch, Apple Music's 25 Artists for '25, Opry NextStage Class of 2025, and numerous other artist-to-watch lists, Culpepper's debut album Act I and Act I: Summer Nights are out now.

Victoria Banks

Victoria Banks

Songwriter • Belmont University

An Instructor of Songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville, Victoria Banks has been labeled “one of the best songwriters in the business” by Nashville's MusicRow magazine.

Victoria has won ASCAP, SOCAN, and Covenant awards, has been nominated for 11 Canadian Country Music Awards, and was named both Female Artist and Songwriter of the Year in 2010.

She wrote Sara Evans' hit “Saints & Angels,” Reba McEntire's “I Can't,” Jessica Simpson's Billboard record-breaking country debut “Come on Over,” two songs on Sister Sadie's 2025 Grammy-nominated bluegrass album No Fear, and numerous cuts on Mickey Guyton's 2022 Grammy-nominated country album Remember Her Name.

She has had cuts by over 100 artists including Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Terri Clark, and Isaac Slade of The Fray, plus screen placements including Breakthrough, Nashville, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars.

Victoria has served as a Corporate Songwriting Consultant for over 50 organizations and serves on the board of directors of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Mechanical Licensing Collective's DRC Advisory Committee.

Shaun Melby

Shaun Melby

CFP® • Melby Money

I'm Shaun Melby. I write about money for the generation that was never taught any of this.

I'm a fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional based in Nashville, Tennessee. I've spent the last 15+ years in the financial industry, including nearly a decade managing money for country music artists.

I started Melby Money to fix what I think is the biggest problem in personal finance: most of the people who need a financial education the most have never had access to one that actually speaks their language.

If you've ever read a finance article that left you feeling more confused than when you started, or sat through advice that assumed you already understood half the terms, that's the gap I'm trying to close.

Euge Sosa Barboza

Euge Sosa Barboza

Sony Music Publishing

Proudly representing Uruguay, Euge Sosa Barboza is a Latin percussionist and music industry professional working at Sony Music Publishing.

Bringing an academic and artistic foundation to the music industry, Sosa combines her passion for music with her professional experience in the global music business.

Her core mission is to help independent artists organize their royalties and better understand the business behind their music.

Sarah Hudspeth

Sarah Hudspeth

Creative Manager • Black River Publishing

Sarah Hudspeth is the Creative Manager at Black River Publishing, where she fosters the careers of new and existing songwriters.

She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Music Business from Belmont University in 2022.

Before stepping into her current role, Sarah was the Creative Coordinator, Office Coordinator, and Publishing Intern for the company.

Casey LeVasseur

Casey LeVasseur

A&R & Artist Management • 3 Ring Circus Music & Records

Casey LeVasseur is no stranger to the music industry. She spent much of her childhood in the crowds of local dives, studios, and publishing houses, learning the craft and business from some of the industry's best producers, managers, and writers.

Her list of teachers and mentors includes her father, Hall of Fame songwriter Jeffrey Steele. She is head of A&R and Artist Management at 3 Ring Circus Music & Records in Nashville, TN.

Casey has played an active role in the development of several hit writers and has had a hand in song placements from Miley Cyrus to Keith Urban, Eric Church, and others.

LeVasseur and Steele also jointly operate the Jeffrey Steele Academy, a teaching community for aspiring writers.

She is passionate about discovering new artists with unique sounds and eclectic personalities. When she isn't developing artists and writers, she is creating and performing. LeVasseur's storyteller writing and sound can be heard as part of the duo Silence x Noise with fellow dreamer Kurtis John.

Jeff Cohen

Jeff Cohen

Songwriter • Producer • Publisher

Jeff Cohen is a six-time BMI Award-winning, Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and publisher based in Nashville whose songs have appeared on more than 25 million albums sold, over 100 TV and film placements, and more than 10 million video games.

His catalog includes hit songs recorded by artists such as The Band Perry, Big & Rich, Evan and Jaron, The Shires, Laura Bell Bundy, Sugarland, Josh Groban, Mandy Moore, Macy Gray, and many others.

His work has been featured in television series including Paw Patrol, Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, The Simpsons, and American Idol, as well as films such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Princess Diaries, Stuart Little 2, and Aquamarine.

A frequent collaborator with acclaimed writers including Jamie Hartman, Kara DioGuardi, Liz Rose, and Kristian Bush, Jeff also serves on the boards of NSAI and Inspired Nation Foundation, founded the acclaimed band Pancho’s Lament and The Gotham Songwriter Festival, and previously worked as a BMI executive, helping develop artists including Jeff Buckley, Lisa Loeb, Ben Folds, Wilco, Ani DiFranco, and Joan Osborne.

Bobby Curlee Jr.

Bobby Curlee Jr.

Founder • IndieMusicMaker.com

Bobby Curlee Jr. is the founder of IndieMusicMaker.com, where he helps independent artists grow their careers through the intersection of music, technology, and marketing.

A graduate of the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, Bobby has spent more than 25 years leading digital marketing, streaming, and content initiatives for companies including BMI, Sony, Nissan, and Amazon Web Services.

Today, he is passionate about equipping songwriters and independent artists with the tools, strategies, and industry knowledge they need to build sustainable careers in today's ever-evolving music business.

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View our 2026 Workshop Schedule!

2 Days. One Immersive Experience.
Explore everything happening at the 2026 Shoals Songwriter Workshop.
Download the full schedule and start planning your experience.

What's included in my ticket?

2 Pitch-to-Publisher Sessions

Present your music directly to world-renowned publishers and receive valuable industry feedback and opportunities.

LIVE Music Industry Masterclasses

Gain insights into sync licensing, royalties, publishing, songwriting, and today's music business from experienced industry professionals.

Find Your Next Co-Writer

Build meaningful relationships with fellow songwriters and discover collaborators who inspire your next great song.

FREE Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival Pass

Your workshop registration also includes a FREE pass to the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival (November 6–8, 2026), giving you access to even more live music, networking, and unforgettable performances.

Festival Performance Opportunity

Attendees who are interested will have the opportunity for a chance to perform during this year's Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival and share their music with a live audience.

Complimentary Breakfast & Coffee

Enjoy complimentary breakfast and fresh coffee each morning before sessions begin. (Lunch is on your own.)

PRICING

Choose Your Workshop Registration

"I'll be there!"

In-person registration

$225

  • Access to 2 LIVE Pitch-to-Publisher Sessions

  • Access to all LIVE Music Industry Masterclasses

  • Co-Writer Networking Exercises + Hangouts

  • Complimentary Breakfast & Coffee (Lunch on Your Own)

  • Songwriter Welcome Bag

  • Bonus: Registration includes (1) Complimentary Weekend Pass to Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival (Nov 6-8, 2026 - $250+ Value)

"I CAN WATCH AT HOME!"

Virtual registration

$47

  • Live Virtual Access to All Masterclasses

  • Participate in Two Live Pitch-to-Publisher Sessions

  • Interactive Co-Writing Networking Activities

  • Real-Time Online Co-Writer Community Chat

  • On-Demand Replay Access to All Masterclasses

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in attending? Check out our frequently asked questions to see if this workshop is right for you.

Question 1: What are the dates of the workshop?

The workshop will take place on November 6th-7th, 2026. In-person and virtual tickets are available here.

Question 2: Where is the workshop held?

The workshop will take place at University of North Alabama's "The Mane Room" located at 310 North Pine Street Florence, AL 35630.

Question 3: Who is this workshop for?

The Shoals Songwriter Workshop is designed for songwriters who want to grow beyond writing songs in their bedroom. If you're ready to sharpen your skills, build meaningful industry relationships, and learn how today's music business really works, this workshop is for you.

Question 4: What's included in my ticket?

Your ticket includes 2-Day Workshop Admission,Multiple Music Industry Masterclasses, Two Pitch-to-Publisher Sessions, Complimentary Breakfast & Coffee, a Songwriter Welcome Bag, a FREE Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival Pass, and networking opportunities with fellow songwriters and industry professionals.

Question 8: Is lodging included with my ticket?

No. Lodging is not included with your registration. However, we've partnered with the Renaissance Shoals Hotel & Spa to offer attendees a special discounted group rate. Booking details will be provided after you register.

Question 5: How do the Pitch-to-Publisher sessions work?

Each attendee will have the opportunity to pitch songs directly to respected music publishers in scheduled sessions. Once you purchase your ticket, you'll receive an email to submit your song(s).

Question 6: Will I receive feedback on my songs?

Yes! In addition to publisher pitches, you'll have opportunities to learn from industry professionals, ask questions, and connect with experienced songwriters throughout the workshop.

Question 7: Can I perform at the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival?

Two attendees will be selected to perform during this year's Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival. After purchasing your ticket, you'll receive instructions on how to submit your original music for consideration.

Question 8: Can I attend if I don't sing?

Absolutely. This workshop is designed for songwriters, producers, lyricists, and anyone interested in the songwriting process even if you don't perform.

Question 9: Will there be networking opportunities?

Yes! One of the biggest benefits of the workshop is meeting fellow songwriters, publishers, producers, and industry professionals. We intentionally create opportunities to build lasting creative relationships.

Question 10: How long has the Shoals Songwriter Workshop been held?

The Shoals Songwriter Workshop is organized by the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. This is our 5th annual year of the workshop.

Question 12: I have another question.

Have another question? Email our team at [email protected].

2026 Partners

PRICING

Choose Your Workshop Registration

"I'll be there!"

In-person registration

$225

  • Access to 2 LIVE Pitch-to-Publisher Sessions

  • Access to all LIVE Music Industry Masterclasses

  • Co-Writer Networking Exercises + Hangouts

  • Complimentary Breakfast & Coffee (Lunch on Your Own)

  • Songwriter Welcome Bag

  • Bonus: Registration includes (1) Complimentary Weekend Pass to Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival (Nov 6-8, 2026 - $250+ Value)

"I CAN WATCH AT HOME!"

Virtual registration

$47

  • Live Virtual Access to All Masterclasses

  • Participate in Two Live Pitch-to-Publisher Sessions

  • Interactive Co-Writing Networking Activities

  • Real-Time Online Co-Writer Community Chat

  • On-Demand Replay Access to All Masterclasses

Questions?

Email us at [email protected].

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CONNECT WITH US

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