Congratulations to the 2008 JS Boot Camp Alumni! Many have already made demo’s of songs they have written at boot camp, including the 14 - way co-write “I Can’t” which the campers performed on stage with Jeffrey at 3rd & Lindsley. Many are taking steps to move out to Nashville to continue working and advancing in songwriting.
Some 2006 and 2007 Boot campers continue to make waves in Nashville signing their first deals and getting their first cuts! Congrats and keep it rolling guys!
For those accepted to this year boot camp please Click Here.
Here is what some of the attendees have to say about the event:
I have never met anyone as excited about music as Jeffrey Steele. His energy takes over the whole room in an instant and illuminates everyone it touches. He is one of those rare dynamic people who teaches an entire lesson in every sentence and makes a statement with every action. I have no idea why someone in his shoes would care about us emerging songwriters but he does. He really does. He is so sincere, so real, and has a genuine concern for all of us.
You can’t learn this kind of songwriting from a book; you have to be shown how to do it. Jeffrey, for some unknown reason, was willing to show us how to really understand and embrace this creative process like never before. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, the other 11 writers in our bootcamp are some of the most talented people I’ve ever met. Casey is an organizational genius and planned the weekend perfectly. She’s absolutely amazing and so genuine. I’m so blessed to be a part of this new “family.” We have lots of plans for exciting things to come!
In a world full of critiques and rejection, having Jeffrey who is at the very top of this songwriting mountain cheering for me, believing in me, and caring enough to help me with my dream was absolutely priceless.
Sherri Gough 2008 Boot Camp
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see country music and songwriting through the enthusiastic and generous eyes of a true pro who has not let the business or this crazy life take away his joy. What a gift to have been blessed with such amazing memories, friends and new ideas and attitudes about the songwriting process and the craft. I can’t imagine not having done Jeffrey’s Bootcamp now–it has reminded me why I got into this business to begin with and what I must take with me throughout the rest of my journey as an artist and songwriter. - Katrina Carlson 2008 Boot Camp
Jeffrey, I can’t thank you enough - I feel so fortunate to have spent this weekend with you and Casey and the great group of Boot Campers and the wonderful guests. We came out with some great songs and all fired up and raring to go - you are so inspiring!
Thank you for being so generous with your time and your talent and teaching us and writing with us and making this wonderful weekend possible! You are appreciated more than you know! - Nancy Anthis 2008 Boot Camp
Thank you! The Bootcamp was a blast! You and Jeff have a way of making every rookie feel truly special. Jeff not only shared his years of wisdom on what to do, and not to do in the biz, but showed by example how to make the necessary changes to one’s outlook on life so that real success can be made possible. Truly invaluable. Best wishes to you both! - Chirs Armes 2007 Bootcamp
I just wanted to say how unique and incredible the experience was for me. You and Jeff are absolutely one of a kind and make a great team. I am not sure I have ever met anyone I admired that met/exceeded my expectations the way Jeff did. Amazing guy. - Brian Alex 2007 Bootcamp
I have a few single song deals out there and just got an offer from a small independent plugger/publisher for a “demo deal” Which basically amounts to them paying for all the demos of songs they feel they want to represent the publishing on and pitch. At the beginning of 2008, they want to begin going through my catalog. As well, they will set me up with other staff writers. - 2006 Bootcamp Attendee Mellissa Bollea
Overall it was an incredible experience, Jeff was genuine, open, warm, straightforward, insightful and accessible. It was truly a one of those WOW experiences in life when reality exceeded my expectations. I think listening to Jeff jam for over an hour in such an intimate setting was worth the trip for me. It was a great opportunity to create friendships and network with some extremely talented people.
Jeff Harmon
Getting to talk with Jeffrey, learn from him, share with him, play for him, and write with him, was truly an exciting, amazing and inspiring experience. I was one of the lucky ones. I am humbled and grateful to have been a part of his first group. Thank you, Jeffrey and Sarah. Tod Barrett
Norman, OK
The kind of individual attention we received from Jeffrey and Sarah was incredible. I know we all had the same overwhelming sense that along our career paths, this was by far and continues to be, one of the BEST investments in ourselves we could have ever made. I know I speak for all of us when I say “Thank you” to everyone involved with putting such an incredible weekend together. We all feel extremely blessed.
Melissa Bollea
Tampa, Florida
From learning parts of the craft only insiders know to the songwriting experience with a legend in the making, you won’t learn this class from a book - it’s a must stop for the career songwriter!
Jeff Hurst