Next Level Music Conference set for May 6, 7

Workshops in songwriting, recording May 6 and 7|

The Next Level Music Industry Conference returns for its second year on May 6 to 7. Next Level is designed to support and advance musicians in Sonoma County and to provide them with expertise and training to move their careers forward. The early bird deadline is April 27. Registration is open at CreativeSonoma.org/NextLevel.

This year’s presenters include Tony Magee, founder of Lagunitas Brewing Co. and touring musician; Los Angeles songwriter Sam Hollander, whose credits include songs for One Direction, Train, Katy Perry, the Fray, and Carole King; Seattle engineer/producer Glenn Lorbecki who has recorded for the White Stripes, Dave Matthews, Green Day, Dizzy Gillespie and Coldplay. Other presenters are Sheila Groves Tracey, Thomas Cussins, Patrick Malone, and many more.

Conference attendees can also submit proposals to win one of five $2,500 grants to help them take their careers to the next level.

“The level of music activity in a community is such a great indicator of its vibrancy,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Shirlee Zane. “The Next Level conference is an important tool to advance music as a contributor to our quality of life and our economy.”

This year’s schedule includes half-day pre-conferences on Saturday, May 6, on songwriting and recording, held at the Prairie Sun Recording Studio in Rohnert Park. Selected participants in the recording session will leave with a professionally produced recording of one of their demo tracks. Participants in the songwriting session will take away newly crafted versions of their original songs.

The full conference is scheduled for Sunday, May 7, at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa. Panels and workshops will cover topics such as booking and gigging, managing your digital tools and career, legal issues for musicians, tools for protecting your intellectual property and more.

Additional presenters include Maggie Vail (CASH Music), Eric Steuer (Creative Commons) and David Helfant (Arpeggio Entertainment).

Representatives from local organizations that provide services to musicians including Balanced Breakfast, Culture Pop, Notable Talent, Rocking Causes, SoCo Dance Beat and Symmetry, will also attend.

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