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image of music noteAbout SAW

Who We Are:

The Songwriters' Association of Washington (SAW) is a non-profit organization established in 1979 to benefit aspiring and professional songwriters.

Click Here for more information about the History of SAW.


Our Mission:

* Strengthen the craft of Songwriting
* Foster the talents of our members
* Provide an active forum for songwriters and their work
* Celebrate the power of music

What We Do:

Meet the Board of Directors

Mid-Atlantic Song Contest
SAW proudly sponsors the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (MASC) each year. MASC, which is one of the longest-running contests in the nation and which attracts entries from around the world, offers amateur songwriters an opportunity to enter their songs in a wide variety of categories. Prizes are awarded to the first and second place (gold and silver) winners in each category, with a panel of music industry professionals choosing three top prize winners from among those entries. All category winners are invited to perform their winning songs at the Awards Gala held in Washington, D.C. in November-December, culminating with the three top winners being announced that night. The top songs from each category are compiled and released on a "Winner's CD," copies of which are given to each winner and distributed to a variety of music industry decision-makers. The entry deadline for MASC is July-August, with entry forms available from SAW's website (or you can request one by mail) in early April.

"SAW Notes" Newsletter
SAW publishes SAW Notes, a monthly newsletter which includes feature articles on the craft and business of songwriting, tip sheets on who's looking for songs, songwriter interviews, information on SAW events, free Classified Ads, and local and national news regarding the world of songwriting.

Open Mics, Song Swaps, and Showcases
SAW hosts a monthly open mic night in Springfield , Virginia and a song swap in Vienna, Virginia.. These are great opportunities to "get out there" and have your music heard in a live setting. Periodically, area venues sponsor SAW writers showcases. The Association acts as a clearinghouse for members who wish to be included in these events.

Seminars and Workshops
SAW sponsors workshops and seminars featuring guest songwriters, musicians, producers, and other music industry professionals. Recent presentors have included Pat Pattison, Bob Franke, Suede, and Mary Sue Twohy. SAW is a proud co-sponsor of Paul Reisler's annual Song Camp in the Country.

What would you expect to pay for all of this and more? $200? $100? Nope. It's just $35 per year to join SAW ($ 20 for students.)


Songwriters' Association of Washington
4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, PMB 106-137, Washington, D.C. 20016
(301) 654-8434

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