“Join — Learn — Collaborate — Grow”
The Dallas Songwriters Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to providing learning opportunities about the craft and business of songwriting. All styles of music are welcome, and membership includes writers of all ages.
The faces behind the songs
What we do
Monthly meetings with guest speakers, song critiques, performance showcases, open mics, contests, and a monthly newsletter — all open to writers of every style and age.
Guest speakers from all fields of the music industry share knowledge every month. Open to members and guests.
See events →Performance showcases and open mics streamed live to Facebook and YouTube and open to the public.
Find a showcase →Submit a song and receive constructive feedback from peers and industry professionals.
Submit a song →Annual international song contest, Rising Star youth contest, quarterly lyric contest, and monthly song critique.
View contests →Annual recognition of outstanding contributors to the Dallas songwriting community.
Learn more →DSA publishes a monthly newsletter keeping members informed and connected.
Read newsletter →Our story
The songwriter group originated within the Texas Music Association in the early 1980s — a group of writers meeting monthly to critique one another’s writing, share information, and promote the craft of songwriting.
In 1987 the Dallas Songwriters Association was formally established. In 1990 it became a separate entity from the Texas Music Association as a non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing learning opportunities about the craft and business of songwriting.
Published or unpublished, with cuts or without, no matter the style of music — our membership includes writers of all ages. We strive to learn from one another, stretch our creative boundaries, and support the next generation of songwriting talent.
Provide a practical orientation on common standards and expectations of the music industry.
Help members develop the competencies required to excel in the songwriting profession.
Serve as a forum for networking among peers and with industry experts to generate career opportunities.
Act as a non-political advocate for songwriters, maintaining ties with peer organizations nationally.
What’s happening
Monthly gatherings, open mics, showcases, and critique sessions across the DFW area and online.
Guest speakers from all fields of the music industry share knowledge every month. Open to members and guests.
Get details →Perform originals in a welcoming, low-pressure setting. Sign-ups open at 6:30 PM. Members & guests welcome.
Get details →Members perform originals in a live-streamed showcase open to the public.
Get details →Informal songwriters round in Plano. Share a song, hear new ones, connect with fellow writers.
Get details →The Journey of a Song — writers perform in the round and share the stories behind their music.
Get details →Submit a song and get constructive feedback from peers and industry pros.
Submit a song →Hosted by Arthur Rekerdres of DSA. Originals and covers welcome.
Get details →Recurring songwriters round at Love & War in Texas. Check the DSA blog for current schedule.
DSA Events blog →Stay current: DSA Events blog · Songwriters Notes newsletter
Compete & get recognized
DSA offers contests to meet our mission of providing a benchmark for competency in songwriting and to recognize outstanding talent.
DSA’s flagship competition. All genres welcome. Contact DSA for current entry details, deadlines, and prizes.
Enter Contest →Open to songwriters 18 & under. Celebrating the next generation of Texas songwriting talent. All genres accepted.
Contact Us →No music required — just your words. Held four times per year. Contact DSA for current round details.
Enter Contest →Submit a song for group critique. Receive detailed, constructive feedback from peers and industry professionals.
Each year we recognize outstanding contributors to the Dallas songwriting community. Nominations open annually — any DSA member may nominate a deserving songwriter or music industry professional.
Submit a Nomination →Become a member
DSA is open to all songwriters — published or unpublished, with cuts or without, all styles and all ages. Membership connects you to workshops, critiques, contests, showcases, and a community that gets it.
🔒 Secure checkout powered by Stripe. Existing members — your subscription continues as-is, no action needed.
Questions about membership? Contact us and we’ll help.
DSA Shop
Join or renew your membership, enter contests, submit song critiques, donate, and shop for DSA gear.
Submit your song for constructive critique from peers and industry professionals.
Enter DSA’s international songwriting competition. Contact DSA for current deadlines and details.
Quarterly competition. No music needed — just your words. Contact DSA for current round details.
DSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your donation supports workshops, contests, and community programs for DFW songwriters.
Get your brand in front of the DFW songwriting community. Contact us to discuss partnership options.
Every little bit keeps DSA going. Toss a few dollars our way via PayPal — thank you! 💚
Leadership
DSA is run by a member-elected Board of Directors assisted by committee members.
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Get in touch
Questions about membership, events, song critique, contests, or sponsorship — reach out and we’ll get back to you.
Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas
Meeting locations vary — check the Events blog for current venues.
Monthly workshops typically held the 2nd Thursday. Check the DSA Events blog for current dates and locations.
Purchase a critique entry via the shop. Include a link to your audio file (SoundCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc).
DSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Donate here or contact us to discuss larger gifts and sponsorships.
Ready to join?
Join a 35-year-old community of DFW songwriters. All styles, all ages, all welcome.
Join the DSA →