(L to R): Marcelo Zarvos, SHOF Board member and NY Education Committee Chair Harold Stephan, Nicole Zuratis and Doug Schadt
The Songwriters Hall of Fame Spring Master Sessions at Stuyvesant brought together three extraordinary music industry voices for an inspiring morning with NYC's brightest young songwriters. Hosted by Harold Stephan (SHOF Board member and NY Education Committee Chair), students heard from Marcelo Zarvos, the acclaimed Brazilian composer behind K-Pop Demon Hunters; Nicole Zuraitis, two-time Grammy winner and pioneering jazz vocalist; and Doug Schadt, known for his work with Maggie Rogers.
The panelists offered insightful feedback to five student performers from the All-City Modern Music Project and Sound Thinking NYC, including 2026 SHOF Songwriters of Tomorrow Scholarship winners Milo Bloom and Andrew Carrington (k.p.a. .Andre). Highlights included Nicole Zuraitis reflecting on her “secret education” playing weddings and background gigs across the city, reminding students, “Don’t say no to any type of music.” Marcelo Zarvos echoed that spirit while recounting his early career, emphasizing, “There is no small gig—only small-minded playing.” Doug Schadt spoke candidly about the art of co-writing and left students with a lasting reminder as they head to college: “Those people will keep popping up in your life forever. Be nice.”
As moderator, Harold Stephan connected each panelist’s journey to the students’ own creative paths, reinforcing that every performance is an opportunity to grow, be heard, and build confidence. It was a powerful morning of music, mentorship, and real-world industry insight— exactly the kind of connection the Songwriters Hall of Fame Master Sessions are designed to create. Thanks to Park Avenue Management for helping bring together the talent for this Master Session, and Sony Music Publishing’s Senior Manager, Creative A&R, Simone Dixon (SHOF NY Education Committee Director) for her indomitable spirit and guidance.
