We have extended the application deadline for the workshop with Nashville Publishers that will take place in Effingham, Illinois March 14 - 16. Songwriters now have until Feb 17 to send in songs for consideration. Details below.

NASHVILLE MUSIC PROS SEEK NEW SONGWRITERS

Songwriters with dreams of a full time writing career are being given a chance to further those dreams. A group of professionals from the Nashville music industry will be travelling this year searching for fresh, new talent and are now accepting applications for a workshop to be held in Effingham, Illinois March 14 - 16. Fifteen writers who show exceptional talent will be chosen to spend the weekend getting to know and learning from these professionals.

The group will include two of Nashville's most successful song publishers, Scott Gunter of Almo Irving Music and Chris Oglesby of BMG Publishing, who between them are responsible for getting hundreds of songs recorded by major label artists including hits like "This Kiss" and "The Good Stuff." They will be joined by Pat Rolfe, a member representative from ASCAP who has helped dozens of writers land full time jobs as songwriters.

The workshop will be hosted by hit songwriter Barbara Cloyd who wrote "I Guess You Had to Be There" for Lorrie Morgan. Cloyd also books acts and hosts the open mic at the legendary songwriters' mecca The Bluebird Cafe where she has discovered and opened doors for several now-successful songwriters and artists.

The workshop will begin on Friday evening with an informal get-together and song swap. Saturday will be spent listening to songs from each of the participants and discussing the craft and business of commercial songwriting. At the end of the day each writer will receive individual attention from one of the staff members. On Sunday morning writers will again present songs and the worshop will wrap up with a lunchtime question/answer session.

The cost of the workshop is $165 which includes breakfast both days and lunch on Sunday. Some financial assistance is available. It will be held at Days Inn, 1412 W. Fayette Ave in Effingham. Rooms are $45/night single, $51/night double. Writers may secure other lodging and those wishing to save money can be paired with a roommate upon request.

To apply send 3 songs on CD or cassette with lyric sheets and a $10 non-refundable application fee to Barbara Cloyd's Songwriting Workshop, PO Box 121497, Nashville, TN 37212. Applications must be received by Feb 17, 2003. All applicants will be sent a reply no later than Feb 21. For more information visit www.barbaracloyd.com or call 615-383-1461.