Why would professional writers care about helping aspiring songwriters?
Every songwriter or music business professional on the Write About Jesus faculty has been invited because they have a lot knowledge about how to write songs and the ability to share it effectively and because they have a “servant” attitude about helping other people. All of us have had people who have helped us along the way in our careers. This is our way of “paying it forward.”
I’ve never written a song. Would Write About Jesus be good for me?
Yes. We regularly have registrants who are beginning songwriters. We offer basic classes in melody, lyric, structure and music business that will be helpful for those who are at the beginning of their songwriting journey.
I’ve written a lot of songs, and I’ve had some recorded. How would Write About Jesus help me?
Many of our registrants have had professional cuts. We offer advanced classes for them. But even major league baseball players start with the basics every year in spring training… and songwriting can be like that. Brushing up on basics can be very valuable. Beyond the classes, though, Write About Jesus is a tremendous opportunity to be inspired and reinvigorated, and it’s a perfect place to network with other songwriters and music business pros.
Are some classes “off limits” for first-year registrants? Do I have to “qualify” to take certain classes?
You are welcome to take any of the classes listed in your workshop notebook. Each class will be labeled to let you know if it is a basic or more advanced class. There are a few opportunities which are given to people who have attended the workshop previously. One of these is the chance to perform at “Alumni Café” before meals. Another is the opportunity to have a private consultation with one of our music business professionals.
How old or young do I need to be to register for the workshop?
Each year we have high school students who come to the workshop. We have had registrants as young as 10 who have attended with a parent. And we’ve had many registrants who would fall into the “senior” age group.
Do I have to enter the competition?
Entering the competition is optional. You pay for it with your registration. But if you don’t want to compete, that’s perfectly fine. We offer other classes while the competition is going on, or you are welcome to sit in on a competition group so that you can benefit from the critiques given on each song that is entered.
How much opportunity will there be for me to have my songs heard?
Each registrant can enter one song in the competition. Throughout the workshop, we have “open critiquing” sessions going on. So you would probably have the opportunity to have 2 songs heard and critiqued, possibly 3.
What kind of success have the winners of the competition experienced over the years?
We’ve had many registrants get label cuts after their Write About Jesus experience. We’ve had quite a few sign exclusive publishing deals. Two have won Dove Awards. Several others have been nominated for Doves or other songwriting awards. What we love is that these successes have come to our grand prize winners as well as to registrants who never won the grand prize.
If I’m flying, what airport will I fly in to?
You would fly into St. Louis, Missouri. The church where the workshop is held is about 25 minutes from the airport. See the “Hotel” page for a list of nearby accommodations.
Do I need to rent a car?
We are happy to pick you up at the airport and get you back there for a return flight. We will have an official workshop hotel that will provide a shuttle van to the workshop and back each day of the workshop.
Have another question about WAJ? Please contact us here.
