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ASCAP WORKSHOPS
The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop focuses on the discovery, development and education of a select, advanced group of songwriters. The workshop features prominent guest speakers giving advice on topics including A&R, music publishing, artist management, legal issues, etc. Participants will also write and demo-record a new song during the course of the workshop. Past workshop speakers have included songwriter Andy Marvel (Jessica Simpson, Diana King, etc.) and A&R guru and producer Steven Ferrera (American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Natalie Imbruglia, etc.).
The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop in New York is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture and encourage songwriters. The ASCAP Foundation funds this workshop through a bequest from lyricist Paul Cunningham, president of ASCAP from 1956-1959. In 1981 The ASCAP Foundation received a bequest from his wife Florence Bennett Cunningham who instructed that the royalties from her husband's works were to be used to aid worthy American composers of musical compositions.
In connection with Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop, The ASCAP Foundation also has a cash award, thanks to the generosity of Patty Allen, wife of the late ASCAP songwriter member, Bob Allen, writer of such classic Pop songs as “Chances Are,” “It’s Not for Me to Say” and the seasonal favorite, “Home for the Holidays.” The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award is presented annually to an ASCAP songwriter participating in ASCAP’s New York Extended Songwriting Workshop who upholds the high standard set by Bob Allen in the writing of popular songs.
How to apply: Submit a CD containing two original songs with typed or neatly written lyrics, along with a brief resume or bio and a written explanation as to why you would like to participate in the workshop. Materials should be sent to the following address:
Attention: The ASCAP Foundation Paul Cunningham Songwriters Workshop
ASCAP
1 Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
There is no fee or charge to participate in the workshop; however, chosen participants will be responsible for their own transportation, housing and all other living expenses. The workshop is open to all composers regardless of their current performing rights affiliation. Please also note that materials submitted to ASCAP for consideration will not be returned.
Workshop dates: September 22 and 23, 2009
Deadline: September 14, 2009
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The ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation 2010 Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop is now accepting submissions. Geared toward advanced songwriters, the Workshop will take place at ASCAP's Los Angeles office beginning in mid-October for a series of eight sessions.
Re-named in 1995 to honor ASCAP's late Board member and industry pioneer Lester Sill, the Workshop will feature prominent guests from various facets of the music business. ASCAP executives Brendan Okrent and Etan Rosenbloom will oversee the series, which is designed to enrich participants' knowledge of the industry, help them establish contacts and confidence, and expand their collaborative partnerships. Past guests have included Sir George Martin, Don Was, Rick Nowels, Glen Ballard, Jackson Browne, Linda Perry, Billy Steinberg, John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi, Ben Harper, Jonatha Brooke, Matthew Wilder, John Rzeznik, Greg Wells and numerous others.
Songwriters interested in applying are required to submit the following:
- A CD containing two original songs
- Typed or neatly written lyric sheets for the included songs
- A brief resume or bio
- A brief written explanation as to why they would like to participate in the Workshop
- E-mail and telephone number
- Optional: Website or MySpace page addresses, if available
Please send materials to:
ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop
7920 Sunset Blvd / 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046
All entries must be received no later than Friday, August 27th. Materials will not be returned. Accepted applicants will be notified no later than September 30th, and all other applicants will be notified of their status shortly thereafter. Please do not contact the ASCAP offices inquiring about your acceptance status. Only a limited number of applicants can be selected as participants.
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The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Pop Songwriters Workshop in Nashville occurs every fall for six consecutive weekly evening sessions. This workshop focuses on the development and education of promising new pop songwriters. Each session will feature prominent music industry guest speakers giving advice on topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues.
How to apply: Submissions are now open for the 2009 workshop. Submit two original songs (may be co-written) on a CD with typed lyrics and a brief bio/resume. The CD MUST be labeled, including the song titles, applicant's name, address, phone number and e-mail. Materials should be sent to the Nashville ASCAP office:
Attention: The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop
ASCAP
Attn: The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop
Two Music Square West
Nashville, TN 37203
Deadline for submissions: Submissions must be postmarked by September 4th, 2009.
Dates: Six weeks beginning in the fall.
For more information, call the Nashville ASCAP office at (615) 742-5000.
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The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop occurs every spring for six consecutive weekly evening sessions. This workshop focuses on the development and education of promising new Country songwriters. Each session will feature prominent music industry guest speakers giving advice on the art and craft of successful songwriting techniques as well as business related topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues. Past workshop hosts have included hit writers such as Walt Aldridge ("There's No Getting Over Me", "Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde"), Bonnie Baker ("This Woman Needs", "Ordinary Life"), Rivers Rutherford ("Real Good Man", "If You Ever Stop Loving Me"), and Steven Dale Jones ("He Gets That From Me", "One More Day").
Dates: Spring 2010. Exact dates will be released only to selected participants upon notification of admission. Those who are not selected will be notified via written notice. For more information, call (615) 742-5000.
How to apply: Application submissions MUST include: Two original songs (may be co-written) on a CD, typed lyrics and a brief bio/resume. The CD must be labeled, including song titles, writer's name, address, phone number and E-mail. The submission should be dropped off or mailed to:
Attention: ASCAP The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop
ASCAP
Two Music Square West
Nashville, TN 37203
Submissions will not be returned.
Deadline for submission: TBA
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The ASCAP Foundation Christian Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Christian Songwriters Workshop returns for six consecutive Monday evening sessions beginning in September. Each session will feature prominent Christian music industry songwriters and guest speakers providing enrichment in the art and craft of successful songwriting techniques as well as business related topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues. Professional feedback will be given on registrants' songs.
Confirmed presenters include the co-writers of ASCAP's Christian Song of the Year, Matthew West and Sam Mizell. Also featured will be skilled music executives from EMI, Word, INO Records and others. Industry veteran Cindy Wilt-Colville will facilitate the workshop.
The workshop is provided by the ASCAP Foundation free of charge to promising new songwriters who are ASCAP members or non-members. Attendance is limited so interested songwriters are encouraged to act quickly to submit their works for consideration. The exact dates will be given to those selected.
How to apply: Submissions must contain the following: Two original songs (may be co-written) on a CD only, include typed lyrics and a brief bio/resume. CD must be labeled, including song titles, writer's name, address, phone number and email; mailed or dropped off to the Nashville office:
Attention: 2009 ASCAP Foundation Christian Songwriters Workshop
ASCAP
Two Music Square West
Nashville, TN 37203
Submissions will not be returned.
Deadline for submissions: No later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2009.
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ASCAP's Music Business 101 for Songwriters
This is a series of informational and educational sessions with different music business guest speakers, covering topics such as performing rights, publishing, A&R, breaking into the business, and a variety of other related topics. Geared towards new and up-and-coming writers, these sessions provide ample time for audience questions.
All Music Business 101 events are free and open to the public
Dates: Held at various times throughout the year in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville* and Miami.
For further information, dates and times, please check the ASCAP events calendar: www.ascap.com/calendar/.
*For Nashville specific dates and information, request to be added to the Nashville Workshop email list by sending an email to NashvilleWorkshops@ascap.com with "Add to workshop list" in the subject heading. Please do not send other correspondence to this address, as you will not receive a response.
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The Wordshop The Wordshop is a series of seminars focusing on the art and craft of lyric writing in popular music. Sponsored in part by The ASCAP Foundation, future Wordshop sessions will continue to explore the diversity of lyrical structure, craft and interpretation in the many different genres of popular music.
Dates: Please refer to ASCAP's Events Calendar www.ascap.com/calendar or call the Los Angeles ASCAP office at (323) 883-1000. To be placed on an email list, please send a request to: lamusicbiz@ascap.com.
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ASCAP Writers Series
The ASCAP Writer Series is a quarterly workshop designed to provide motivation and direction to upcoming writer members. Attendees will meet with a highly successful professional writer once a month over a three month period. Each session will provide exposure to a wide variety of industry topics, different successful songwriting methods, as well as an on-the-spot critiquing session. Due to the intimacy of this workshop, space is limited to 10 ASCAP member attendees per quarter.
Dates: Held quarterly in Nashville.
How to apply: Submit two original songs on CD with typed lyrics to Chad Green c/o ASCAP, 2 Music Square West, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information contact the Nashville ASCAP office at (615)742-5000.
Deadline for submissions: First month of each quarter for following quarter participation. (Example: Submit in January for possible inclusion in 2nd quarter series.)
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ASCAP Television & Film Scoring Workshop with Richard Bellis
ASCAP offers a "one-of-a-kind" experience for aspiring film and television composers.
12 selected participants will have an opportunity to record their original composition with an "A list" of Hollywood professionals, including a 60-piece orchestra of LA's finest on a major studio film scoring stage, a legendary scoring mixer, professional music editors, copyists and composers acting as coaches and mentors. In addition, there are "From the Horse's Mouth" sessions with studio executives, agents, attorneys and music supervisors.
Dates: Please check back next year for 2011 workshop dates
The workshop is intended for composers who are pursuing Film, Television, Game and Media music as a career. It is not for hobbyists nor is it for professionals who have an active composing career already established.
NEW ONLINE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS!
The composer must submit the following items:
- Submission Form (Word)
Please fill in the linked form and attach it to your email submission.
- Background Information
Please attach a document to your email which includes a biography, your educational history and credits. Please do not list this information in the text of your email.
- The Music Submission
The music you submit should demonstrate your ability to write for orchestra with a dramatic sensitivity to picture. The purpose of these requirements is not to limit your creativity but to provide you with a real-world scenario similar to that in which you might find yourself when "pitching" for a particular project.
Submissions must be in MP3 format and may include up to 5 tracks:
three MANDATORY tracks (picked from the "Genre Tracks" list below) and two OPTIONAL ("Wildcard") tracks of your choosing.
Genre Tracks: Three MANDATORY tracks chosen from the following list of 5 genres:
Romantic Comedy, Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller, Epic, Main Title Sequence
Genre tracks must be no longer than 90sec each.
Wildcard Tracks: Two optional Wildcard tracks of your choosing. Wildcard tracks can be up to 3 minutes in length. The Wildcard submissions allow room for you to submit music that may not fit into the other Genre categories or that otherwise round out your submission.
Participants may not use "ghost" writers or orchestrators. We will NOT review any videos or other audio/visual material. On occasion, further materials, such as a score, may be requested.
Send your completed Submission Form, Background Info and MP3s to:
ASCAPFSW2010@gmail.com
Please include your full name in the Subject line of your email.
You will receive an auto-reply when your submission is received.
Submission Deadline: 2010 submissions are now closed. Please check back next year.
The workshop will be held during a four-week period beginning in mid-July, exact dates TBA. Chosen participants will be notified in mid-May.
There is NO fee or charge to participate in the workshop; however, chosen participants will be responsible for their own transportation, housing and all other living expenses.
The workshop is open to all composers regardless of their current performing rights affiliation.
For more information, please contact our Los Angeles Film & TV Music Dept. at (323) 883-1000.
Partial funding provided by the ASCAP Foundation.
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Composer to Composer Series
The Composer to Composer series consists of evenings co-sponsored by ASCAP and the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL). Each evening is devoted to a well-known film composer, who is invited to share his or her experience and perspectives with an audience of composers, music industry executives and film music enthusiasts. Composer to Composer evenings are held at various venues in Los Angeles. An admission fee is charged at the door. SCL members admitted for free.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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ASCAP East Coast Film and TV Events
ASCAP will present a series of informational and educational events for composers and songwriters who wish to enter the field of film and TV.
Events include panels of industry professionals sharing their experiences, insights and advice, composer/filmmaker screenings and discussions, and artist showcases to the film industry.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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ASCAP Musical Theatre Events
ASCAP will present a series of informational and educational events for composers and songwriters who wish to pursue Musical Theatre.
Events include, but are not limited to, musical theatre workshops, showcases and panels of industry professionals sharing their experiences, insights and advice.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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The ASCAP Foundation/Musical Theatre Workshop in New York
Directed by Stephen Schwartz
The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshop directed by Academy Award-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt, Godspell, Pippin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture new American musicals.
DATES: April 14, 15, 21, 22, 26, and 27, 2010
TIME: All sessions begin at 7PM sharp
LOCATION: ASCAP Building (Broadway between 63rd and 64th Streets) in New York
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING (Submissions will not be returned):
• CD of four (4) songs with lyric sheets
• A brief description of each song as to its plot placement
• A brief synopsis of the musical (one page or less).
• Biographical information for each composer, lyricist & book writer. (Please include address/phone number/email)
SEND YOUR PACKAGE TO:
Michael A. Kerker
ASCAP/Musical Theatre Workshop
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90046
NOTE: While this workshop is in New York, submissions must go to the Los Angeles office
DEADLINE: Submissions must be received by Friday, February 26, 2010
PLEASE NOTE:
- Submit 4 songs only. If you send us a full recording, we will only listen to the first 4 songs.
- Submissions do not need to be produced in a studio. We are looking for talent and potential, not production values.
- If your musical is selected, you will need to present 50 consecutive minutes from the musical at the workshop. The 50-minute selection must include book and songs.
- Those who have been accepted into the workshop will receive a phone call by Friday, March 19, 2010.
- Those who will be invited to audit the workshop will receive an email invitation.
- Please do not call to ask if you have been selected.
QUESTIONS: Please call 323-883-1000.
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ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in Los Angeles
Directed by Stephen Schwartz
The ASCAP Foundation and Walt Disney Feature Animation have formed The ASCAP Foundation Disney Musical Theatre Workshop. Directed by Academy Award-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt, Godspell, Pippin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), the workshop is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture new American musicals.
DATES: TBA
TIME: TBA
LOCATION: Disney Feature Animation Studio Lot in Burbank, CA
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING (Submissions will not be returned):
• CD of four (4) songs with lyric sheets
• A brief description of each song as to its plot placement
• A brief synopsis of the musical.
• Biographical information for each composer, lyricist & book writer. (Please include address/phone number/email)
SEND YOUR PACKAGE TO:
Michael A. Kerker
ASCAP
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard, Third Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Attn: Disney Musical Theatre Workshop
DEADLINE: Submissions for the 2010 workshop are closed. Please check back for more information on the 2011 workshop.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please submit 4 songs only. If you send us a full recording, we will only listen to the first 4 songs.
- Submissions do not need to be produced in a studio. We are looking for talent and potential, not production values.
- If your musical is selected, you will need to present 50 consecutive minutes from the musical at the workshop. The 50-minute selection must include book and songs.
- Those who have been accepted into the workshop will be contacted directly.
- Those who will be invited to audit the workshop will receive an email invitation.
For further information, call 323-883-1000.
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The 2010 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshop
In Memory of Buddy Baker
Following in the vision and legacy of Buddy Baker, the 2010 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshop will continue to present the rich traditions of classical Hollywood film scoring. Dedicated sessions will address the creative process, orchestrating, conducting, and MIDI mockups. Participants will choose a clip from a selection of rough cuts, representing a variety of genres.
The workshop will culminate in a full day of recording sessions, featuring New York City's top-tier studio musicians. Previous workshops included players from the NY Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and have been recorded by such top flight engineers as Lawrence Manchester and Jim Anderson.
Participants leave with a professional digital demo of their work. The workshop continues to be taught by some of today's most creative composers and orchestrators, this year spearheaded by the distinguished composer and ASCAP Board member, Bruce Broughton (Silverado). Summer core faculty member Mark Snow (X-Files) and NYU Film Scoring faculty member Ira Newborn (Naked Gun) will be featured. Other participating NYU faculty include Sonny Kompanek, Mike Patterson, David Spear, Mark Suozzo, Tim Starned and Ron Sadoff.
The ASCAP Foundation and the Society of Composers and Lyricists, with SCL President and veteran composer Dan Foliart (7th Heaven), will headline additional presentations on the art and business of film music. For the benefit of auditors and participants, all faculty and participant interactions, lectures, and comments will be amplified and projected onto large screens. Auditors will attend all proceedings, including the live recording sessions and critiques. All sessions of the workshop will take place in the Frederick Loewe Theatre at New York University's Steinhardt School.
For further information, contact Ron Sadoff at 212-998-5779 or ron.sadoff@nyu.edu.
Dates: May 18-27 at NYU's Steinhardt School
Deadline for applications: April 1st, 2010
For detailed information and a downloadable application, please visit steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/scoring/ascap
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ASCAP/Columbia University Film Scoring Workshop in NYC
Sponsored by the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund, AFM Local 802 and RMA with support from ASCAP Foundation
ASCAP and Columbia University Film School have launched a film scoring workshop!
Taught by Alex Steyermark (Columbia faculty; director, One Last Thing, Prey For Rock & Roll; music supervisor for directors Ang Lee, Spike Lee, etc.), this workshop takes place during the spring semester at Columbia University, New York City, culminating at the annual Columbia Film School Film Festival.
Columbia University Film School opens the workshop to 65 graduate film school students who have the opportunity to submit their films. Four films, approximately 10-20 minutes in length, will be selected. ASCAP will curate a list of 20-30 appropriate film composers who will submit to be hired by the six filmmakers.
Steyermark will walk the filmmaker through the process of looking at the film with music in mind, determining how they envision the music in their film, and making an appropriate selection of film composer. He will then guide the filmmaker-composer pair through the process of spotting the film, mocking-up the score, and the director-composer collaboration. He will prepare the directors and composers for a studio recording & mixing session with 11 players.
Each of these four films will be submitted to the annual Columbia University Film School Film Festival, for screenings in NYC and LA.
This event is Carbon Neutral. By purchasing carbon offsets through Native Energy - to offset the carbon emissions this event will create from venue energy use and transportation - we are helping to build truly new renewable energy projects that will displace energy that otherwise has to come from burning fossil fuels.
Dates: Held annually at Columbia University, spring semester. Workshop meets once per week from approximately late January until mid-April. Seriously interested parties should contact Sue Devine at sdevine@ascap.com for more information.
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The ASCAP Foundation Concert Music Workshops
Program Administered by ASCAP's Concert Music Department
The ASCAP Foundation Concert Music Workshops target areas of interest to the membership and are presented in New York and, from time to time, other locations where ASCAP Concert members reside.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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