RELIVE THE CRAFT SESSIONS
Home Studio Set-Up 101
Routing & Template Essentials
Virtual Studio Technology (VST) (pt.2)
Virtual Studio Technology (VST)
Vocal Chains
Analog Recording
Art on a Deadline
Home Studio Set-Up 101
This session breaks down the essentials of building a functional and reliable home studio. The program focuses on practical, budget-conscious choices alongside scalable solutions that grow with your needs. Attendees will gain clarity on how to optimize their setup for recording, writing, and producing, helping them create a workspace that supports creativity, consistency, and great results.
Featuring: Tim Palmer, Patrick Conlon, Shelby Lock, and Dani Deahl (moderator)
Routing & Template Essentials
Featuring: Chris Shaw, Trina Shoemaker, Don Hulio, and Jacob Sciba (moderator), this session breaks down the essentials of building a functional and reliable home studio. The program focuses on practical, budget-conscious choices alongside scalable solutions that grow with your needs.
VIRTUAL STUDIO TECHNOLOGY (pt. 2)
Speakers Ep1Sonics, Emmaculate, Ivan Meshcheriakov, Andy Reed (moderator), and Shake & Bake (moderator) revisited a hot topic from the 2025 Series taking a dive deeper into Virtual Studio Technology (VSTs). Part 2 takes a deeper look at the tools and techniques driving music production workflows.
VSTs
Curated by Session Speaker, Isaac Duarte, check out this list of free VSTs from The Sound Gallery.
Free music production software - Komplete Start is your gateway to music creation, offering a comprehensive collection of free plugins for producers and songwriters.
VOCAL CHAINS
Look back on Craft Sessions: Vocal Chains. Speakers Matt Boudreau, Ainjel Emme, Rashad Hussein, and moderator Add-2 take a deep dive into the art of how vocal chains can shape and enhance your sound.
Through expert insights and practical demonstrations, see how to experiment with different setups and techniques to enhance clarity, presence, and balance in your vocal production.
ANALOG RECORDING
Live from VSOP Studios in Chicago, IL - featuring speakers Matt Hennessy, Rick Barnes, and moderated by Michael Freeman.
Discover the art of capturing warmth and depth through analog tape, outboard gear, and vintage consoles. Whether you're looking to refine your recording techniques or gain a deeper understanding of analog workflows, this session will equip you with practical knowledge and skills to elevate your projects and bring a classic analog touch to your productions.
ART ON A DEADLINE: FUSING URGENCY WITH INSPIRATION
Look back on Craft Sessions: Art on a Deadline: Fusing Urgency with Inspiration! This insightful discussion explores how tight timelines, last-minute changes, and looming deadlines have sparked some of the most inspired work.
Featuring: Lisa Kaplan (moderator), J. Ivy, Viet Cuong, and Ayanna Woods
CRAFT SESSION SERIES: ABOUT
The Craft Sessions are a series of workshops designed to “share the sauce” offering insider knowledge and practical tools to enhance your craft.
Developed collaboratively by the Producers & Engineers and Songwriters & Composers Committees, the Craft Session Series aims to provide a consistent space for members to explore technique, craft, and connection.
2026 CRAFT SESSION SERIES: WHAT TO EXPECT
Virtual Studio Technology (pt. 2)
Presented by the Producers & Engineers Wing
January 14, 2026
7-8:30 PM
Virtual
We’re revisiting a hot topic from the 2025 Series and will dive deeper into Virtual Studio Technology (VSTs). Part 2 takes a deeper look at the tools and techniques driving music production workflows. This session will explore practical ways to get more out of your virtual instruments and plugins, from advanced sound-design approaches to tips that keep sessions running smoothly. Attendees will learn strategies for managing complex projects and integrating new VSTs into their existing setups. This program is designed to help you expand your toolkit, refine your process, and elevate the quality of your productions.
Routing & Template Essentials
Presented in collaboration with the Chicago Chapter & Texas Chapter Producers & Engineers Wing
February 18, 2026
7-8:30 PM
Virtual
This session explores the core routing strategies and template-building techniques that keep production work efficient and consistent. Speakers will break down practical approaches to organizing your sessions, including signal-flow fundamentals, bus and aux routing, gain staging, and time-saving template structures for tracking, production, and mixing. Participants will learn how to simplify their setup and reduce technical hiccups by building smart, reusable systems. Whether you’re refining your workflow or setting the foundation for bigger projects, this session offers essential tools to help you stay organized and focused on making great music.
Home Studio Set-Up 101
Presented in collaboration with the Chicago Chapter & Texas Chapter Producers & Engineers Wing and Songwriters & Composers Wing
March 18, 2026
7-8:30 PM
Virtual
This session breaks down the essentials of building a functional and reliable home studio. The program focuses on practical, budget-conscious choices alongside scalable solutions that grow with your needs. Attendees will gain clarity on how to optimize their setup for recording, writing, and producing, helping them create a workspace that supports creativity, consistency, and great results.
Chicago Creators Summit
April 2026
11-7 PM
In-person in Chicago
The Creators Summit is the acclaimed program aimed at educating and empowering music professionals in Chicago - the hub for Midwest creatives.
An exciting half-day event designed to empower artists, creatives, and industry professionals - this dynamic experience features a series of learning sessions, hands-on workshops, and insightful discussions, all led by top music industry experts. Focused on key areas like wellness, financial stability, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the Creators Summit aims to provide the essential knowledge and tools to elevate careers and drive success in today’s ever-evolving industry.
Navigating A.I.—Laws, Risks, and Opportunities
Presented by the Songwriters & Composers Wing
June 2026
TBD
Virtual
This session takes a closer look at the growing role of artificial intelligence in music and what it means for creators. Participants will explore the legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content, understand potential risks, and uncover opportunities for using AI as a creative tool. The program covers key considerations for copyright, licensing, and ethical use, while offering practical guidance for integrating AI into the songwriting and composition process. If you're curious about experimenting with AI or looking to protect your work, this session provides essential insights to help you navigate this rapidly evolving technology with confidence.
Sync Smarter
Presented by the Songwriters & Composers Wing
July 2026
TBD
Virtual
This session provides practical strategies for getting your music placed in film, TV, advertising, and other media. Participants will learn how to navigate the sync licensing process, understand what music supervisors are looking for, and explore best practices for presenting and positioning their work for opportunities. The program also covers tips for metadata, copyright considerations, and building relationships that can lead to placements. Learn actionable insights to help you get your music in front of the right ears and maximize your opportunities.
