The MusicPro ’26 Artists’ Conference has announced the first slate of sessions for its upcoming three-day gathering, set for March 27–29, 2026 at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Hosted by the Give A Note Foundation, the nonprofit event aims to connect independent and emerging artists with the tools, people, and conversations needed to navigate an increasingly crowded music industry.
Give A Note CEO Dendy Jarrett points to a sobering reality facing artists today: “With music creators posting approximately 120,000 new songs to streaming services every day, and media having become so fragmented as to make it extraordinarily difficult to stand out, the competitive landscape for emerging and independent artists is really hard to traverse.” MusicPro ’26, he says, is designed to serve as a bridge—bringing artists together with companies, educators, and industry leaders who are actively working to help creators cut through the noise.
Taking place during Musicians Institute’s spring break, the conference will make full use of the campus’s recording studios, performance venues, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Jarrett describes MI as an ideal host, noting that every room is fully equipped and staffed by technicians who know the gear inside and out. In addition to career development, MusicPro ’26 also serves as a fundraiser for Give A Note, with all attendee and sponsor fees supporting music education initiatives nationwide.
The first announced sessions reflect the conference’s wide-ranging scope, blending inspiration with hands-on guidance. Featured conversations include talks with guitarist and producer Neil Giraldo, known for his long-running collaboration with Pat Benatar, and David Paich, co-founder and keyboardist of Toto. Industry-focused discussions will cover topics like music technology, A.I.’s impact on the industry, artist management, royalties, crowdfunding, and navigating legal issues as an independent musician.
Creative development also takes center stage, with sessions such as BMI’s “Speed Dating for Songwriters®,” rhythm and harmony workshops led by PRS Guitars CEO Paul Reed Smith, and the MusicPro ’26 Songwriting Workshop hosted by veteran music executive Judy Stakee. Artists can also attend live podcast recordings, mentoring sessions, and office hours with industry professionals, alongside networking receptions designed to encourage meaningful connections rather than surface-level exchanges.
Additional highlights include a screening of the documentary The Immediate Family with director Denny Tedesco, discussions on overcoming stage fright and peak performance, insights into playlisting and festival bookings, and a Song Camp and listening party presented by The Salt Lick Incubator with Jordyn Simone.
Jarrett emphasizes that the current list of sessions is only the beginning. “The 30 sessions on the website is just the start,” he says. “There really isn’t anything like this—a gathering for dedicated music professionals, or those working to become professionals. And the sponsors are all involved in unique ways. Everyone is participating and wants to meet and help.”
Sessions announced include:
- A Conversation with Neil Giraldo (Giraldo-Benatar)A Conversation with David Paich (Toto)
- Rhythm, Melody, & Harmony, with PRS Guitars CEO Paul Reed Smith
- Making Art with Tech Tools, with Craig Anderton
- BMI's "Speed Dating for Songwriters"
- The Reality of TV Talent Shows, with American Idol's Peter Cohen
- How AI Is Reshaping The Music Industry, with RIAA Chair and CEO Mitch Glazer
- Crowdfunding Your Career, with GoFundMe's Trevor Cragg
- The Immediate Family film screening, with Denny Tedesco
- Is That Even Legal?, with Airhug Radio CEO/Berklee law professor Deborah Kidd
- The Creativity, Excitement, Emotion podcast live, with David Andrew Wiebe
- Fighting Stage Fright and Winning, with Dr. David Fish
- The Next Level: Elevating Your Music Performance, with Caleb Chapman
- Artist Management For Indies, with former Jonas Entertainment CEO Phil Guerini and Neal Spielberg
- Your Morning Coffee podcast live, with Jay Gilbert
- Could Voice Acting Pay More Than Singing?, with David Goldberg
- The Salt Lick Incubator Song Camp and Listening Party, with Jordyn Simone
- Managing Royalties, Registration & Payments, with F. Reid Shippen, Chris McMurtry and Rachel Bepko
- The New MIDI 2, with the MIDI Association's Athan Billias
- The Metrics of Music, with Jeff Green
- The MusicPro ’26 Songwriting Workshop, with Judy Stakee
More sessions and special events are expected to be announced in the coming months. For the full list of programming and registration details, visit musicpro26.com.
MusicPro ’26 is supported by a broad group of industry sponsors including MusicPro Insurance, Pandora AMP, SoundExchange, BMI, RIAA, Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Pearl Musical Instrument Co., DistroKid, Bandzoogle, GoFundMe, and media partners such as American Songwriter and Music Connection. The event is produced by Westchester Media.
