Winter 2005 Session

Workshops

USCAD Introduction to Contemporary Songwriting I
Saturdays & Sundays, March 24-25; March 31-April 1; April 7-8, 2006 from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 1:00-5:00 p.m. Instructor: Kim Fontaine. For more information check out uscad.usask.ca/index.html.
This introductory course will appeal to all levels of songwriters. The focus will be on contemporary songwriting and will relate to all popular music styles. Students will study foundations of songwriting including lyrics, melodies (hooks), rhythmical grooves and song structure. You will work toward developing your own creative style and will learn various techniques to help you overcome creative barriers. Music industry professionals will be brought in to share their insights on the recording process and how to publish/market your material. These sessions will be highly interactive and will require a great deal of student participation. The ability to sing or play a musical instrument is an asset, but not necessarily a requirement. This course will run in the Spring:

USCAD Advanced Songwriting II
Saturdays, May 6-June 24, 2006 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Instructor: Kim Fontaine. For more information check out uscad.usask.ca/index.html.
Prerequisite - USCAD Songwriting I or previous songwriting experience. Based on fundamentals studied in USCAD Introduction to Contemporary Songwriting I, the Advanced Songwriting II program will be comprised of weekly assignments and peer evaluations. Students will be invited to perform their work for the class and participants will be asked to provide constructive feedback. Evaluations will be based on the quality of songs rather than performances. Students have the choice of working collaboratively and/or independently. The final class will be held at a local venue and will feature a showcase event for students who wish to perform their work for an audience. The ability to sing or play a musical instrument is an asset but not necessarily a requirement. This course will run in the Spring:

Bill Henderson/Roy Forbes Songwriters Workshops
April 8-9, 2006
The George Ryga Centre, Summerland, BC
Submissions are being accepted now for the 11th Annual Bill Henderson/Roy Forbes Songwriters Intensive/Workshop & Showcase. Songwriters should register immediately by submitting a tape/CD of their music (no more than 2 songs), with 2 sets of typewritten lyrics plus a $30 submission fee (payable by cheque or MO to The George Ryga Centre). Full price of the workshop is $250 - in the event that your work is selected. There will also be a full day workshop on April 1 at a cost of $125. Submissions are evaluated in the order which they are received so it's advisable to submit early. (participants are selected from all across Canada). Mail to: Henderson/Forbes Songwriters Workshop, c/o The George Ryga Centre, 5109 Caldwell Rd., Summerland BC, VOH 1Z4. Produced by Ken Smedley.

Ken Hamm Acoustic Guitar Work Shop in Slide & Fingerstyle Techniques
February 4-5, 2006
The George Ryga Centre in Summerland, BC
Ken Smedley and The George Ryga Centre are pleased to announce that Ken Hamm, legendary acoustic Delta-blues picker and slide guitar master is offering a unique 2 day workshop designed to include guitar players of all skill levels. This is a special opportunity for guitar players to work one-on-one with Ken and learn - or improve their finger-picking and slide-playing using standard and open tunings. This unique workshop is accessible to all players - no matter if you're a raw beginner or an advanced performer, Ken Hamm's interactive style will be tailored to your level of playing accomplishment. Registration is limited and interested participants should register immediately to avoid disappointment. To register for this workshop, submit: a brief description of your level of playing, with an indication of what you hope to learn, along with a $30 registration fee (payable by cheque or MO to The George Ryga Centre) and mail to: Guitar Workshop, c/o The George Ryga Centre, 5109 Caldwell Rd., Summerland BC, VOH 1Z4. For more info, visit www.kenhamm.com.

from the Winter 2005 issue of the Session