Our Team
DSA is an organization that has been around for over 32 years, and we’ve been involved in the heart of the Dallas music industry. We provide our members with exceptional education, business and industry information, and exclusive performance opportunities.
DSA Mission Statement
Enhance the personal growth and professionalism of our members through the following means:
- Provide practical guidance for songwriters/artists on common standards and expectations within the music industry.
- Sharpen required competencies for excelling in the songwriting profession.
- Serve as a forum for networking among peers and with industry experts to generate career opportunities.
- Serve as a nonpolitical advocate for songwriters and performers in liaison with peer organizations throughout the country.
Our President, Michael Brandenberger
DSA President, Michael Brandenberger has been involved in music for over 40 years playing blues and jazz guitar since his high school days in San Antonio. His most recent band in Dallas was Big Daddy and the Swell-Tones who made the Hole In The Wall their home base up until its demise. He only started writing songs several years ago but has had songs placed on internet radio stations. The Dallas Songwriters Association has given him many opportunities to play his original songs at open mics plus the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, the Wildflower Festival and the House of Blues.
Our Board of Directors
Barbara McMillen
Founding President Emeritus & Director of Administration
Bobby Montgomrey
Executive Vice President & Programs Director
Harry Hewlett
Craig Langford
Director of Workshop & Showcase
Rickey Gene Wright
Director of Workshop & Showcase
Buck Morgan
Director of PR & Communications
Ben Halim
Vice President of Music Technology & tools
Jessica Ewy
Secretary & Operations Advisor
Phillip Casteel
Treasurer & Financial Advisor
Joe Milton
Director & At Large Representative
Jack Allday
Director & At Large Representative
Don Wall
Director of Public Relations
Ken Duren
Director & At Large Representative
Alexis Tapp
Director of Membership & Lyrics Contest
Gene Schillaci
Director of Lyrics Contest