Natalia Zukerman

Moira Smiley’s four-hour masterclass will not only prepare us for NERFA’s community/group sing(s), but also offer fresh, embodied tools for creating and sharing music. These tools come from Moira’s work with wildly diverse artists like Tune-Yards, Solas, the Lomax & Folklife Projects, a lifelong study of traditional folksongs, countless university residencies, and choral music commissions. Her original songwriting and arranging are informed by percussive movement, expansive vocal techniques, and balancing personal, solo creation with communal, improvisation, embodied creation with others. This Wednesday (November 20th from 2:00PM to 6:00PM) class is an opportunity to deepen your musical expression, embody your stories, and build confidence to take on leadership with authenticity. Using traditional forms while fostering new, musical discoveries, you will learn new techniques that will open your mind and voice to a vast array of expressions. Moira’s endless curiosity and grounded energy has led her to be described as a “musician’s musician.” Beloved and wildly talented, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to spend time with a singular artist who will help broaden your technique through a transformative and joy-filled, musical experience.  Register Now

Get ready, because Melissa Ferrick is coming to NERFA! Known for being one of the most prolific, generous, and hardworking artists in the business, Ferrick  is nothing short of legendary. After opening for Morrissey in both the U.S. and UK, Ferrick landed a deal with Atlantic Records at just 21 years old, dropping her debut and sophomore albums under their banner. From 1996 to 1999, she cranked out three more albums with the indie label W.A.R. Records. Then, in 2000, Ferrick launched her own independent label, Right On Records, taking the reins of her musical destiny. Fast forward to the 2010s,  when she published two more critically acclaimed records with NY-based MPress Records. Over the past twenty-five years, she’s unleashed a whopping seventeen albums, earning a ton of awards for her songwriting, production, and electrifying performances. She’s shared the stage with legends like Morrissey, Joan Armatrading, Weezer, Tegan and Sara, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, k.d. lang, and many more. But Melissa’s talents don’t stop there. As a Professor of the Practice at Northeastern University, she teaches the next generation of music business pros about everything from songwriting and demo production to the psychology of creativity. Before that, she spent six years shaping minds at Berklee College of Music. Oh, and did we mention she’s got an Ed.M from Harvard? Yeah, she’s that impressive. Melissa also runs the Drive Music Agency (DMA), a booking agency and consulting company that’s all about empowering indie artists. DMA helps musicians with everything from publishing and royalties to touring and creative development, connecting like-minded creators with industry experts. NERFA is beyond excited to have Melissa Ferrick sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion. Her keynote address promises to be nothing short of inspiring. Don’t miss out on hearing from one of contemporary music’s most influential figures! Register Now