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HERE'S THE SCHEDULE FOR OUR 2022 WORKSHOP
THURSDAY EVENING - OCTOBER 6
5-7 p.m.
5 p.m. - Shuttle leaves Holiday Inn Express, Spring Hill for Thompson Station Church
5 p.m. - Check In at Registration - Worship Center lobby
6 p.m. - Master Class Concert - Worship Center
7 p.m. - Worship and announcements
7:30 p.m. - Compass Groups- Leaders will be announced
8 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 1
LIVE CO-WRITE - B211
Jason Cox, Lee Black, Jeff Bumgardner
Join this trio of Dove Award winners to watch a professional co-write in real time. When you combine their awards, Jason, Lee, and Jeff have an incredible 38 #1 songs and 13 Dove Awards.
PANEL: How To Make The Most of This Weekend - B207
DENNIS DEARING - MODERATOR
Zane King, Melissa Bishop, Donna King
These four Write About Jesus veteran clinicians will share their best tips for doing more than just “getting through” the weekend. They know the best way to leave the workshop Saturday motivated and inspired on your songwriting journey.
PANEL: Why You Didn’t Get The Cut - B111
BRYAN WARD - MODERATOR
Dusty Wells, Holly Zabka, Joel Lindsey, Jess Loper
What do you do when you pitch songs that you think are just perfect for the artist, only to get a quick rejection, or worse… no answer at all. What do you do when you listen to the radio and think, “I’ve got songs that are way better than that.” These clinicians help artists choose their songs, and they have the clues about how you can do better in your efforts to land cuts.
PANEL: Co-writing successfully in every possible situation - B109
SUE SMITH - MODERATOR
Belinda Smith, Cliff Duren, Tony Wood
“So you just go in a room and write a song?” These clinicians have all answered this question. They’ve written through storms, both literal and figurative. They’ve written with old friends and people they’ve never laid eyes on before. They’ve written on assignment and not, in windowless little rooms, and in high-rise penthouses, and occasionally from a hospital bed. If you need to know how to write successfully, whatever the setting, time, or people in the room, this is your class.
9 p.m. - Dismiss, shuttle returns to the Holiday Inn Express, Spring Hill
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 7
8 a.m. - Shuttle leaves the hotel for Thompson Station Church
8 a.m. - Breakfast
9 a.m. - Worship, announcements, devotions
10 a.m. - CLASS SESSION 2
PANEL: Finding Your Next Great Idea - B207
RICK SHELTON MODERATOR
Gina Boe, Jason Cox, Donna King, Dave Clark
Pro writers will admit that one of the biggest challenges they face is generating a steady flow of ideas that can be developed into great songs. If you’ve ever faced the blank page without an idea, or if finding it harder and harder to go into your co-writes because your idea bank is empty, get some new strategies from Gina, Jason, Donna and Dave.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENRES - Holly Zabka, Joel Lindsey
Publishers will tell you that one of the deadliest mistakes they see aspiring writers make is that they are writing songs that don’t really fit well into any genre. If you have trouble knowing the difference between genres, Holly and Joel will take one idea and talk about how it might be written to fit into worship, pop, ccm, southern gospel, even country.
WRITING GREAT MELODIES - Keyboard - LEE BLACK - B211
Are your melodies starting to all sound the same? Are they unsingable, uninteresting, or worst of all, unsigned and uncut? Let Lee Black give you his tips on the way to make them memorable and inspiring instead.
WHAT MAKES A LYRIC GREAT - Sue C. Smith - B109
When it comes to a great lyric, it’s more than just “you know it when you hear it.” Sue will give you examples of lyrics that are powerful, moving, fresh, unexpected, different, and iconic. Then she’ll share some strategies for elevating your lyrics rise to a whole new level.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Kenna West - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - - B203
ONE ON ONES - Dusty Wells, Dennis Dearing - Dining Room
11 a.m. - CLASS SESSION 3
PANEL: How To Get Your Foot in the Door—And Stay - B207
DONNA KING (MODERATOR)
Jeff Bumgardner, Holly Zabka, Tony Wood
If you’ve had trouble meeting and connecting with anyone who can help you take the next step in your songwriting journey, here’s help! Jeff and Tony are both highly awarded writers, though one lives in Nashville and one never has. What did they do that eventually led to writing deals, #1 songs, and Dove Awards? Holly has built a writing staff that is considered one of the very best. How did she find those writers— or how did they find her?
WRITING GREAT MELODIES (GUITAR) - ZANE KING, JASON COX- B211
Why are some melodies moving, compelling, interesting, fresh, memorable, and singable? How can you improve your melodic sense? When should you pick up the guitar, and how do you go about finding a fresh melody with the chords you know?
LYRIC STRUCTURE: WHY IT MATTERS AND HOW TO DO IT BETTER - DAVE CLARK - B207
Dave is known as a writer whose songs sound almost effortless, but they still are built on the ability to craft a great lyric. He’ll share some tips for writing songs that are timeless, beautiful, and impacting, and they all begin with great structure.
THE ART OF STORYTELLING - JIMMY YEARY - B111
Jimmy will take the class through a series of simple questions, and from their answers, during the class hour, he’ll write a song, giving everyone insight into the songwriting process along the way. It’s all about finding the story and telling it well.
OPEN CRITIQUING - JOE DAN CORNETT - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - JESS LOPER - B203
NOON - ALUMNI CAFE - DINING ROOM
12:15 p.m. - LUNCH
1:15 - CLASS SESSION 4
LYRICS THAT GO BEYOND THE BASICS - TONY WOOD - B109
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. Highly recommended for first-time registrants.
MAKING A DEMO THAT WORKS - DENNIS DEARING - B205
Whether you have access to a studio or not, whether you play or sing, how can you make a demo that will be effective for pitching to a publisher or artist?
SONG PAINTING - JOEL LINDSEY - B211
Joel will show how to take the images and emotions of a lyric and, like an artist, paint with melodies to make an unforgettable impression on the listener.
WHERE TO START WITH A WORSHIP SONG - KRISSY NORDHOFF - B207
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. Highly recommended for first-time registrants.
OPEN CRITIQUING - ZANE KING - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - JAMES TEALY - B203
ONE ON ONES - JESS LOPER, RICK SHELTON, BRYAN WARD - Dining Room
2:15 P.M. - CLASS SESSION 5
PANEL: What I look for in a writer and a song - B207
HOLLY ZABKA (MODERATOR)
JESS LOPER, RICK SHELTON, JOEL LINDSEY, JAMES TEALY
What kind of people are publishers looking to for their staff songwriting deals? What kinds of songs get them excited to start the pitching process?
PSALMING AND YOUR WORSHIP SONGS - KRISSY NORDHOFF - B211
A discussion of how songs can overflow from your personal worship time. How do you get started and how can this habit can grow you as a worshiper and a writer?
COME WITH NOTHING, LEAVE WITH HOOKS - BELINDA SMITH - B205
With Belinda’s help, you can start generating dozens of new ideas and turn that little spark of creativity into a roaring inferno.
THE NASHVILLE NUMBER SYSTEM - BRYAN WARD - B109
Learn how this simple shorthand used by the pros can help you understand chord progressions, melodies, and rhythms, and ultimately help you write better songs.
HOPE DESERVES AN ANTHEM: Writing your way through life’s hardest seasons - B111 - GINA BOE
One of our highest callings as songwriters is to put hope-filled truths out into the world. So how do we do that, especially when life takes us through difficult seasons? This class will offer insight into how to stay creative during times of crisis, and how to use our gifts to offer hope to a desperate world.
OPEN CRITIQUING - CLIFF DUREN - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - KENNA WEST - B203
ONE ON ONES - DUSTY WELLS - DINNG ROOM
3:15 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 6
Writing a hit radio single - KENNA WEST AND JASON COX - B211
This writing duo has been responsible for a steady stream of radio singles and even #1 songs in that last few years. In this class, they’ll talk about their approach and their process in writing songs that are what radio audiences love to hear.
Rightly Dividing the Word - JAMES TEALY - B205
People shouldn’t get their theology from songs, but some do. So songwriters have a sacred duty to be accurate and faithful to what the Word says. How do you make sure you’re doing it well.
Writing a Modern Hymn - LEE BLACK - B207
Lee’s recent release of a new album of modern hymns (Beloved) is the result of his love of this song form and his desire to provide it to local church bodies. If you love new hymns and would like to write them, Lee has helpful suggestions.
Writing for Film and TV - JESS LOPER - B111
Jess is in an expert in getting placement in both film and TV, and she’ll share some secrets about breaking into that market.
Open Critiquing - DONNA KING - B201
Open Critiquing - DUSTY WELLS - B203
ONE ON ONES - ZANE KING, HOLLY ZABKA - DINING ROOM
4:30 p.m. - GATHER FOR A GROUP PICTURE IN THE LOBBY OF THE WORSHIP CENTER
4:45 p.m. - COMPASS GROUPS
5:30 p.m. - ALUMNI CAFE
5:45 p.m. - DINNER
7 p.m. - WRITERS IN THE ROUND CONCERT - WORSHIP CENTER
9:30 p.m. - SHUTTLE RETURNS TO THE HOTEL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
8 a.m. - SHUTTLE LEAVES HOTEL FOR THE CHURCH
8 a.m. - BREAKFAST - DINING ROOM
9 a.m. - WORSHIP, ANNOUNCEMENTS, DEVOTIONS
10 a.m. - SONGWRITING COMPETITION
1. Worship, GROUP 2 - HOLLY ZABKA/JESS LOPER - B205
2. Worship, GROUP 2 - BRYAN WARD/CLIFF DUREN - B207
3. POP/ROCK/AC GROUP 1 - TONY WOOD/DENNIS DEARING - B211
4. POP/ROCK/AC GROUP 2 - JOEL LINDSEY/GINA BOE - B201
5. Southern Gospel GROUP 1 - JOE DAN CORNETT/BELINDA SMITH - B203
6. Southern Gospel GROUP 2 - KENNA WEST/JASON COX - B101
7. Country /Inspirational Country - JIMMY YEARY/DONNA KING - B109
8. Print/Choral - JEFF BUMGARDNER/DAVE CLARK - B111
9. Special Occasion/Kids/Novelty - ZANE KING/DUSTY WELLS - B103
NOON - ALUMNI CAFE - DINING ROOM
12:15 - LUNCH - DINING ROOM
1:15 - CLASS SESSION 7
THE WORLD OF THE POP/AC/CCM SONG - TONY WOOD/JESS LOPER - B207
Learn the key characteristics of songs that fit these markets. Who should you be listening to both in the Christian world and in the secular arena as well. Discover what is required of the lyric and of the melody in each genre.
7 HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WRITERS - BRYAN WARD - B111
Bryan will show you 7 habits you can begin and establish that will increase your productivity and spark your creativity.
THE ART OF PITCHING - KENNA WEST - B109
What thought and planning go in to making a pitch to an artist or for a project? Can an unsigned writer pitch songs? How do you know who, when, and how?
CHORDS AND GROOVES - CLIFF DUREN - B211
It’s easy to get stuck using the same chords on every song you write. The same can be true for tempos and time signatures. In this session, Cliff will offer ideas on how to break out into some new areas musically.
OPEN CRITIQUING - JOE DAN CORNETT - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - JIMMY YEARY - B203
ONE ONE ONES - JOEL LINDSEY - DINING ROOM
2:15 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 8
WRITING FOR THE COUNTRY MARKET - JIMMY YEARY - B211
Can a Christian songwriter successfully cross over into writing country songs? How is the lyrical and musical language of country different from Christian music? How can you have a foot in both worlds and maintain your integrity?
WRITING FOR KIDS - CHRISTY SEMSEN - B207
If your passion is writing for the kids at your church, special guest teacher Christy Semsen has lots of information to share about how to capture the energy and interest of your kids and create something that will minister to kids and the adults they sing to.
DEMO DERBY - ZANE AND DONNA KING - 205
Some tips on how not to destroy your new song with the demo you create! Covering the ins and outs of demo production, Zane and Donna will help you “make your song” with a great demo, instead of “breaking” it.
HOW TO WRITE A MUSICAL - JEFF BUMGARDNER/CLIFF DUREN/SUE C. SMITH - B109
These three writers have been responsible for creating all kinds of musicals for churches all over the world. There are things you must pay attention to if you’re writing a musical for your own choir or to capture the attention of a publisher. Jeff, Cliff and Sue will share their approaches to this exciting area of songwriting.
SOCIAL MEDIA 101: BUILDING YOUR SONGWRITER BRAND - MARY ALICE LOVELACE - B111
Here’s a class in the basics of when, where, what, why, and how much you should be posting. Learn a little about the platforms available to you and the best ways to use them to increase your visibility as a songwriter, as well as create the impact you want to have on the world.
OPEN CRITIQUING - JESS LOPER - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING- KENNA WEST - B203
ONE ONE ONES - DENNIS DEARING, BRYAN WARD
3:15 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 9
MAKING IT SOUTHERN GOSPEL - KENNA WEST - B207
To outsiders, it sounds so basic... so simple. Those who write southern gospel can explain the differences in writing a song for groups as diverse as The Inspirations, Signature Sound, The Isaacs, or Karen Peck and New River. Discover the themes, the language, and the melodies that make this genre rewarding to write.
WRITING FOR THE CUT - LEE BLACK - B211
How do you go about targeting a particular artist and writing for a specific slot on their next album? Lee has had 4 #1 songs in the last year. He’ll share some secrets to getting the cut you want.
WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST KNOW ABOUT MUSIC BUSINESS - JOE DAN CORNETT - B109
Every songwriter needs to know the basics of publishing, royalties, licenses, contracts, and all the other things that make the business side of the songwriting life a challenge. Joe Dan will share vital information to every songwriter. Highly recommended if you have not attended a music business class before.
THE STATE OF THE SONG - DAVE CLARK - B211
Where is the Christian music industry headed, especially with regard to the kinds of songs that are being written and will be needed in the future? Where is the bar set when it comes to competing for cuts? How much should your writing be influenced by industry trends? Dave will speak from a great depth of experience.
OPEN CRITIQUING - DONNA KING - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING- BRYAN WARD - B203
ONE ON ONES - ZANE KING, DUSTY WELLS - DINING ROOM
4:30 p.m. - Compass Groups
Final Judging - private
5 p.m. - Kids Write About Jesus showcase - Dining Room
5:30 p.m. - DINNER
6:30 p.m. - ANNOUNCEMENTS, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AWARDS
7:30 p.m. - Shuttle returns to the hotel
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
5-7 p.m.
5 p.m. - Shuttle leaves Holiday Inn Express, Spring Hill for Thompson Station Church
5 p.m. - Check In at Registration - Worship Center lobby
6 p.m. - Master Class Concert - Worship Center
7 p.m. - Worship and announcements
7:30 p.m. - Compass Groups- Leaders will be announced
8 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 1
LIVE CO-WRITE - B211
Jason Cox, Lee Black, Jeff Bumgardner
Join this trio of Dove Award winners to watch a professional co-write in real time. When you combine their awards, Jason, Lee, and Jeff have an incredible 38 #1 songs and 13 Dove Awards.
PANEL: How To Make The Most of This Weekend - B207
DENNIS DEARING - MODERATOR
Zane King, Melissa Bishop, Donna King
These four Write About Jesus veteran clinicians will share their best tips for doing more than just “getting through” the weekend. They know the best way to leave the workshop Saturday motivated and inspired on your songwriting journey.
PANEL: Why You Didn’t Get The Cut - B111
BRYAN WARD - MODERATOR
Dusty Wells, Holly Zabka, Joel Lindsey, Jess Loper
What do you do when you pitch songs that you think are just perfect for the artist, only to get a quick rejection, or worse… no answer at all. What do you do when you listen to the radio and think, “I’ve got songs that are way better than that.” These clinicians help artists choose their songs, and they have the clues about how you can do better in your efforts to land cuts.
PANEL: Co-writing successfully in every possible situation - B109
SUE SMITH - MODERATOR
Belinda Smith, Cliff Duren, Tony Wood
“So you just go in a room and write a song?” These clinicians have all answered this question. They’ve written through storms, both literal and figurative. They’ve written with old friends and people they’ve never laid eyes on before. They’ve written on assignment and not, in windowless little rooms, and in high-rise penthouses, and occasionally from a hospital bed. If you need to know how to write successfully, whatever the setting, time, or people in the room, this is your class.
9 p.m. - Dismiss, shuttle returns to the Holiday Inn Express, Spring Hill
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 7
8 a.m. - Shuttle leaves the hotel for Thompson Station Church
8 a.m. - Breakfast
9 a.m. - Worship, announcements, devotions
10 a.m. - CLASS SESSION 2
PANEL: Finding Your Next Great Idea - B207
RICK SHELTON MODERATOR
Gina Boe, Jason Cox, Donna King, Dave Clark
Pro writers will admit that one of the biggest challenges they face is generating a steady flow of ideas that can be developed into great songs. If you’ve ever faced the blank page without an idea, or if finding it harder and harder to go into your co-writes because your idea bank is empty, get some new strategies from Gina, Jason, Donna and Dave.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENRES - Holly Zabka, Joel Lindsey
Publishers will tell you that one of the deadliest mistakes they see aspiring writers make is that they are writing songs that don’t really fit well into any genre. If you have trouble knowing the difference between genres, Holly and Joel will take one idea and talk about how it might be written to fit into worship, pop, ccm, southern gospel, even country.
WRITING GREAT MELODIES - Keyboard - LEE BLACK - B211
Are your melodies starting to all sound the same? Are they unsingable, uninteresting, or worst of all, unsigned and uncut? Let Lee Black give you his tips on the way to make them memorable and inspiring instead.
WHAT MAKES A LYRIC GREAT - Sue C. Smith - B109
When it comes to a great lyric, it’s more than just “you know it when you hear it.” Sue will give you examples of lyrics that are powerful, moving, fresh, unexpected, different, and iconic. Then she’ll share some strategies for elevating your lyrics rise to a whole new level.
OPEN CRITIQUING - Kenna West - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - - B203
ONE ON ONES - Dusty Wells, Dennis Dearing - Dining Room
11 a.m. - CLASS SESSION 3
PANEL: How To Get Your Foot in the Door—And Stay - B207
DONNA KING (MODERATOR)
Jeff Bumgardner, Holly Zabka, Tony Wood
If you’ve had trouble meeting and connecting with anyone who can help you take the next step in your songwriting journey, here’s help! Jeff and Tony are both highly awarded writers, though one lives in Nashville and one never has. What did they do that eventually led to writing deals, #1 songs, and Dove Awards? Holly has built a writing staff that is considered one of the very best. How did she find those writers— or how did they find her?
WRITING GREAT MELODIES (GUITAR) - ZANE KING, JASON COX- B211
Why are some melodies moving, compelling, interesting, fresh, memorable, and singable? How can you improve your melodic sense? When should you pick up the guitar, and how do you go about finding a fresh melody with the chords you know?
LYRIC STRUCTURE: WHY IT MATTERS AND HOW TO DO IT BETTER - DAVE CLARK - B207
Dave is known as a writer whose songs sound almost effortless, but they still are built on the ability to craft a great lyric. He’ll share some tips for writing songs that are timeless, beautiful, and impacting, and they all begin with great structure.
THE ART OF STORYTELLING - JIMMY YEARY - B111
Jimmy will take the class through a series of simple questions, and from their answers, during the class hour, he’ll write a song, giving everyone insight into the songwriting process along the way. It’s all about finding the story and telling it well.
OPEN CRITIQUING - JOE DAN CORNETT - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - JESS LOPER - B203
NOON - ALUMNI CAFE - DINING ROOM
12:15 p.m. - LUNCH
1:15 - CLASS SESSION 4
LYRICS THAT GO BEYOND THE BASICS - TONY WOOD - B109
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. Highly recommended for first-time registrants.
MAKING A DEMO THAT WORKS - DENNIS DEARING - B205
Whether you have access to a studio or not, whether you play or sing, how can you make a demo that will be effective for pitching to a publisher or artist?
SONG PAINTING - JOEL LINDSEY - B211
Joel will show how to take the images and emotions of a lyric and, like an artist, paint with melodies to make an unforgettable impression on the listener.
WHERE TO START WITH A WORSHIP SONG - KRISSY NORDHOFF - B207
One of Nashville’s most respected lyricists in any genre, Tony’s had 31 #1 songs, and is the winner of 5 Dove Awards. His lyric writing classes are considered some of the very best anywhere. Highly recommended for first-time registrants.
OPEN CRITIQUING - ZANE KING - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - JAMES TEALY - B203
ONE ON ONES - JESS LOPER, RICK SHELTON, BRYAN WARD - Dining Room
2:15 P.M. - CLASS SESSION 5
PANEL: What I look for in a writer and a song - B207
HOLLY ZABKA (MODERATOR)
JESS LOPER, RICK SHELTON, JOEL LINDSEY, JAMES TEALY
What kind of people are publishers looking to for their staff songwriting deals? What kinds of songs get them excited to start the pitching process?
PSALMING AND YOUR WORSHIP SONGS - KRISSY NORDHOFF - B211
A discussion of how songs can overflow from your personal worship time. How do you get started and how can this habit can grow you as a worshiper and a writer?
COME WITH NOTHING, LEAVE WITH HOOKS - BELINDA SMITH - B205
With Belinda’s help, you can start generating dozens of new ideas and turn that little spark of creativity into a roaring inferno.
THE NASHVILLE NUMBER SYSTEM - BRYAN WARD - B109
Learn how this simple shorthand used by the pros can help you understand chord progressions, melodies, and rhythms, and ultimately help you write better songs.
HOPE DESERVES AN ANTHEM: Writing your way through life’s hardest seasons - B111 - GINA BOE
One of our highest callings as songwriters is to put hope-filled truths out into the world. So how do we do that, especially when life takes us through difficult seasons? This class will offer insight into how to stay creative during times of crisis, and how to use our gifts to offer hope to a desperate world.
OPEN CRITIQUING - CLIFF DUREN - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - KENNA WEST - B203
ONE ON ONES - DUSTY WELLS - DINNG ROOM
3:15 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 6
Writing a hit radio single - KENNA WEST AND JASON COX - B211
This writing duo has been responsible for a steady stream of radio singles and even #1 songs in that last few years. In this class, they’ll talk about their approach and their process in writing songs that are what radio audiences love to hear.
Rightly Dividing the Word - JAMES TEALY - B205
People shouldn’t get their theology from songs, but some do. So songwriters have a sacred duty to be accurate and faithful to what the Word says. How do you make sure you’re doing it well.
Writing a Modern Hymn - LEE BLACK - B207
Lee’s recent release of a new album of modern hymns (Beloved) is the result of his love of this song form and his desire to provide it to local church bodies. If you love new hymns and would like to write them, Lee has helpful suggestions.
Writing for Film and TV - JESS LOPER - B111
Jess is in an expert in getting placement in both film and TV, and she’ll share some secrets about breaking into that market.
Open Critiquing - DONNA KING - B201
Open Critiquing - DUSTY WELLS - B203
ONE ON ONES - ZANE KING, HOLLY ZABKA - DINING ROOM
4:30 p.m. - GATHER FOR A GROUP PICTURE IN THE LOBBY OF THE WORSHIP CENTER
4:45 p.m. - COMPASS GROUPS
5:30 p.m. - ALUMNI CAFE
5:45 p.m. - DINNER
7 p.m. - WRITERS IN THE ROUND CONCERT - WORSHIP CENTER
9:30 p.m. - SHUTTLE RETURNS TO THE HOTEL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
8 a.m. - SHUTTLE LEAVES HOTEL FOR THE CHURCH
8 a.m. - BREAKFAST - DINING ROOM
9 a.m. - WORSHIP, ANNOUNCEMENTS, DEVOTIONS
10 a.m. - SONGWRITING COMPETITION
1. Worship, GROUP 2 - HOLLY ZABKA/JESS LOPER - B205
2. Worship, GROUP 2 - BRYAN WARD/CLIFF DUREN - B207
3. POP/ROCK/AC GROUP 1 - TONY WOOD/DENNIS DEARING - B211
4. POP/ROCK/AC GROUP 2 - JOEL LINDSEY/GINA BOE - B201
5. Southern Gospel GROUP 1 - JOE DAN CORNETT/BELINDA SMITH - B203
6. Southern Gospel GROUP 2 - KENNA WEST/JASON COX - B101
7. Country /Inspirational Country - JIMMY YEARY/DONNA KING - B109
8. Print/Choral - JEFF BUMGARDNER/DAVE CLARK - B111
9. Special Occasion/Kids/Novelty - ZANE KING/DUSTY WELLS - B103
NOON - ALUMNI CAFE - DINING ROOM
12:15 - LUNCH - DINING ROOM
1:15 - CLASS SESSION 7
THE WORLD OF THE POP/AC/CCM SONG - TONY WOOD/JESS LOPER - B207
Learn the key characteristics of songs that fit these markets. Who should you be listening to both in the Christian world and in the secular arena as well. Discover what is required of the lyric and of the melody in each genre.
7 HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WRITERS - BRYAN WARD - B111
Bryan will show you 7 habits you can begin and establish that will increase your productivity and spark your creativity.
THE ART OF PITCHING - KENNA WEST - B109
What thought and planning go in to making a pitch to an artist or for a project? Can an unsigned writer pitch songs? How do you know who, when, and how?
CHORDS AND GROOVES - CLIFF DUREN - B211
It’s easy to get stuck using the same chords on every song you write. The same can be true for tempos and time signatures. In this session, Cliff will offer ideas on how to break out into some new areas musically.
OPEN CRITIQUING - JOE DAN CORNETT - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING - JIMMY YEARY - B203
ONE ONE ONES - JOEL LINDSEY - DINING ROOM
2:15 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 8
WRITING FOR THE COUNTRY MARKET - JIMMY YEARY - B211
Can a Christian songwriter successfully cross over into writing country songs? How is the lyrical and musical language of country different from Christian music? How can you have a foot in both worlds and maintain your integrity?
WRITING FOR KIDS - CHRISTY SEMSEN - B207
If your passion is writing for the kids at your church, special guest teacher Christy Semsen has lots of information to share about how to capture the energy and interest of your kids and create something that will minister to kids and the adults they sing to.
DEMO DERBY - ZANE AND DONNA KING - 205
Some tips on how not to destroy your new song with the demo you create! Covering the ins and outs of demo production, Zane and Donna will help you “make your song” with a great demo, instead of “breaking” it.
HOW TO WRITE A MUSICAL - JEFF BUMGARDNER/CLIFF DUREN/SUE C. SMITH - B109
These three writers have been responsible for creating all kinds of musicals for churches all over the world. There are things you must pay attention to if you’re writing a musical for your own choir or to capture the attention of a publisher. Jeff, Cliff and Sue will share their approaches to this exciting area of songwriting.
SOCIAL MEDIA 101: BUILDING YOUR SONGWRITER BRAND - MARY ALICE LOVELACE - B111
Here’s a class in the basics of when, where, what, why, and how much you should be posting. Learn a little about the platforms available to you and the best ways to use them to increase your visibility as a songwriter, as well as create the impact you want to have on the world.
OPEN CRITIQUING - JESS LOPER - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING- KENNA WEST - B203
ONE ONE ONES - DENNIS DEARING, BRYAN WARD
3:15 p.m. - CLASS SESSION 9
MAKING IT SOUTHERN GOSPEL - KENNA WEST - B207
To outsiders, it sounds so basic... so simple. Those who write southern gospel can explain the differences in writing a song for groups as diverse as The Inspirations, Signature Sound, The Isaacs, or Karen Peck and New River. Discover the themes, the language, and the melodies that make this genre rewarding to write.
WRITING FOR THE CUT - LEE BLACK - B211
How do you go about targeting a particular artist and writing for a specific slot on their next album? Lee has had 4 #1 songs in the last year. He’ll share some secrets to getting the cut you want.
WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST KNOW ABOUT MUSIC BUSINESS - JOE DAN CORNETT - B109
Every songwriter needs to know the basics of publishing, royalties, licenses, contracts, and all the other things that make the business side of the songwriting life a challenge. Joe Dan will share vital information to every songwriter. Highly recommended if you have not attended a music business class before.
THE STATE OF THE SONG - DAVE CLARK - B211
Where is the Christian music industry headed, especially with regard to the kinds of songs that are being written and will be needed in the future? Where is the bar set when it comes to competing for cuts? How much should your writing be influenced by industry trends? Dave will speak from a great depth of experience.
OPEN CRITIQUING - DONNA KING - B201
OPEN CRITIQUING- BRYAN WARD - B203
ONE ON ONES - ZANE KING, DUSTY WELLS - DINING ROOM
4:30 p.m. - Compass Groups
Final Judging - private
5 p.m. - Kids Write About Jesus showcase - Dining Room
5:30 p.m. - DINNER
6:30 p.m. - ANNOUNCEMENTS, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, AWARDS
7:30 p.m. - Shuttle returns to the hotel
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Our mission statement is: To equip and inspire the community of Christian songwriters.
In pursuit of that mission, we host a 3-DAY workshop in October each year, where registrants are taught by some of the top songwriters, publishers, producers, and music business professionals in the Christian music industry. The workshop began in 2000, and 2022 will mark our 23nd consecutive year of providing help and community for thousands of songwriters who have attended from all over the United States and from several foreign countries.
Our sponsoring organization is One Accord Gospel Productions, Inc., a 501c3 organization.
In pursuit of that mission, we host a 3-DAY workshop in October each year, where registrants are taught by some of the top songwriters, publishers, producers, and music business professionals in the Christian music industry. The workshop began in 2000, and 2022 will mark our 23nd consecutive year of providing help and community for thousands of songwriters who have attended from all over the United States and from several foreign countries.
Our sponsoring organization is One Accord Gospel Productions, Inc., a 501c3 organization.