ASCAP Holds Country, Christian Writers Workshops

Pictured (L-R): Stephen Gage, Courtney Drummey, Isaac Fox, Emily Hackett, Pat Alger, Jonathan Helfand, Robyn Collins, Jenny Ray and Blake Rackley

ASCAP hosted two songwriters workshops at its Music Row offices recently. The ASCAP Foundation Garth Brooks Country Songwriters Workshop, held Dec. 5 – 7, is part of an ongoing series designed to focus on the development and education of promising new country music songwriters.

Conducted by longtime ASCAP member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and veteran songwriter Pat Alger (“Unanswered Prayers,” “Thunder Rolls” – Garth Brooks), the sessions provided advice on the art and craft of songwriting techniques, as well as information on business-related topics including A&R and music publishing.

ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop was held Dec. 12 – 13, led by industry veteran Stacey Willbur with Centricity Publishing’s Justin Nicolet. This workshop is also part of an ongoing series designed to focus on the development and education of promising new songwriters. The sessions included intensives on the craft of songwriting, developing an eye for objectively looking at songs, expanding sources of inspiration, nurturing a creative community, marketing your songs and an overview of music publishing.

Pictured (L-R): (front) Emma Bartlett, Allison Rury, Madyson Williams, Kara Coats, Sam Nichols; (back) Stacey Willbur, Rachael Nemiroff, Colin Powers, Jason Earley, Caleb Crino, ASCAP’s Kele Currier, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Emily Falvey, Alyssa Newton and Justin Nicolet