The ASCAP Foundation Jerry Ragovoy Songwriters Workshop
The Jerry Ragovoy Songwriters Workshop focuses on the discovery, development and education of a select, advanced group of songwriters. The workshop features prominent guest speakers, giving advice on topics including A&R, music publishing, artist management, legal issues, etc.
There is no fee to participate in the workshop; however, chosen participants will be responsible for their own transportation, housing and all other living expenses and must be able to attend all three sessions.
Deadline and dates to be announced.
In connection with Jerry Ragovoy Songwriters Workshop, there is the ASCAP Foundation Jerry Ragovoy Award, to be presented to an outstanding participant. This award is given thanks to the generosity of Beverly Ragovoy, the wife of the late Jerry Ragovoy.
Details on how to apply will be announced soon.
About Jerry Ragovoy
Jerry Ragovoy (1930 -2011) wrote or co-wrote such classic hits as "Piece of My Heart," "Time Is on My Side," "Cry Baby," "Get It While You Can," "Stay with Me Baby" and "Pata Pata." Born in Philadelphia, he began his career in the early '50s as a music buyer for an appliance store. A few years later, he was employed as an arranger for recordings by teen idol Frankie Avalon on Philadelphia’s Chancellor label. By the early 1960's, Ragovoy had moved to New York where he began collaborating with fellow soul music songwriter-producer Bert Berns among others. Over the years, Ragovoy songs have been hits for Garnett Mimms, Howard Tate, Lorraine Ellison, Miriam Makeba, the Rolling Stones and, most notably, Janis Joplin. Dozens of other artists have recorded his songs including Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, Ben E. King, Manfred Mann, Ry Cooder, the Who and the Pointer Sisters. Ragovoy was also a noted producer who worked with such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Dionne Warwick, Barry White and Paul Butterfield.
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The ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop
Geared towards advanced songwriters, the ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop takes place at ASCAP’s Los Angeles office each fall for a series of eight sessions.
Re-named in 1995 to honor ASCAP’s late Board member and industry pioneer Lester Sill, the Workshop will feature prominent guests from various facets of the music business and is designed to enrich participants’ knowledge of the industry, help them establish contacts and confidence, and expand their collaborative partnerships. Past guests have included Sir George Martin, Don Was, Rick Nowels, Glen Ballard, Greg Wells, Jackson Browne, Linda Perry, Billy Steinberg, John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi, Michelle Shocked, Ben Harper, Jonatha Brooke, Matthew Wilder and numerous others.
Songwriters interested in applying are required to submit the following:
- Two recent, original songs that represent your songwriting ability. These must be in a digital format readable by iTunes (MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF). Please limit the file sizes to ten megabytes per song. CDs and other physical media will not be accepted.
- Lyric for the two songs (MS Word or PDF format)
- A brief resume or bio (MS Word or PDF format)
- A brief written explanation as to why you would like to participate in the Workshop (MS Word or PDF format)
- E-mail, telephone number and city of residence
- A link to a website where we can hear more of your music (optional)
Please e-mail all materials to: lestersillworkshop@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: The deadline for the 2012 Lester Sill Workshop has passed.
Accepted applicants will be notified by mid-October, and all other applicants will be notified of their status shortly thereafter. Please do not contact the ASCAP offices inquiring about your acceptance status. Only a limited number of applicants can be selected as participants.
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The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Nashville Pop Songwriters Workshop occurs every fall for three consecutive evening sessions. The workshop is part of an ongoing series designed to focus on the development and education of promising new pop songwriters. The class will be led by prominent songwriter and producer Jamie Moore and will provide advice on topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues.
Writers interested in applying to participate should submit the following to this email address: ascappopworkshop@gmail.com
- MP3's of two original songs with lyric sheets
- A brief biography including address, phone number and e-mail
The workshop will be held at the ASCAP offices in Nashville, TN.
Deadline for submissions: Please check back for information on the 2013 workshop.
For more information, call the Nashville ASCAP office at (615) 742-5000.
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The ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop is set for this fall, with industry veteran Cindy Wilt Colville once again facilitating the three session workshop in Nashville, TN. This workshop is part of an ongoing series designed to focus on the development and education of promising new songwriters. Sessions will include intensives on the craft of songwriting by professional songwriters, developing an eye for objectively looking at your songs, expanding your sources of inspiration, nurturing a creative community, marketing your songs and an overview of music publishing.
How to apply: Applicants who are available to attend all 3 sessions will be accepted, but space is limited and applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the workshop is at capacity.
Writers interested in applying to participate should submit the following to this email address: ascapchristianworkshop@gmail.com
- MP3's of two (2) original songs with lyric sheets
- A brief biography including address, phone number and e-mail
Deadline for submissions: Please check back for information on the 2013 workshop.
Here's what writers that attended past workshops had to say about their experience:
"The ASCAP Workshop was a great opportunity for me to grow as a songwriter. They made the most of our time together. I'm still blown away by the quality program and their willingness to invest in my ministry. Thank You ASCAP!"
"This was by far the most positive experience I have had in the history of my career as a singer/songwriter. The workshop offered information, practical application, and substance straight from the heart of passionate, successful songwriters and Christian music business professionals."
"What a life-changing experience. From beginning to end, it was jam-packed with information, insights and inspiration. I walked into that boardroom as an eager student, and I walked out as a better songwriter. After completing the workshop, I feel I can serve God better with the gifts He has given me."
About Cindy Wilt Colville: Cindy Wilt Colville is a 27 year veteran of the Christian music industry, whose passion is developing creative and skilled songwriters. As a creative music publisher and songwriting consultant she provides a variety of services, including song catalog assessment and career consultation, songwriter development, workshop and retreat leadership, and advocacy and support for all types of songwriter communities. Her client roster includes songwriters, worship leaders, independent artists and churches around the country. Visit her website at www.cindywiltcolville.com.
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The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop
The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop is part of an ongoing series of workshops designed to focus on the development and education of promising new Country songwriters. Conducted by veteran songwriter Bonnie Baker, each session will feature prominent music industry guest speakers giving advice on the art and craft of successful songwriting techniques as well as business-related topics including A&R, music publishing and legal issues.
How to apply: Writers interested in applying to participate in The ASCAP Foundation Country Songwriters Workshop should submit the following to this email address: ascapcountryworkshop2012@gmail.com
- MP3's of two (2) original songs with lyric sheets
- A brief biography including address/phone number/e-mail
If selected, participants must be able to attend ALL classes.
Deadline: Please check back for information on the 2013 workshop.
For more information, call the Nashville ASCAP office at (615) 742-5000.
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ASCAP's Music Business 101 for Songwriters
This is a series of informational and educational sessions with different music business guest speakers, covering topics such as performing rights, publishing, A&R, breaking into the business, and a variety of other related topics. Geared towards new and up-and-coming writers, these sessions provide ample time for audience questions.
All Music Business 101 events are free and open to the public
Dates: Held at various times throughout the year in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and Miami.
For further information, dates and times, please check the ASCAP events calendar: www.ascap.com/calendar/.
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ASCAP Television & Film Scoring Workshop with Richard Bellis
ASCAP offers a "one-of-a-kind" experience for aspiring film and television composers.
12 selected participants will have an opportunity to record their original composition with an "A list" of Hollywood professionals, including a 60-piece orchestra of LA's finest on a major studio film scoring stage, a legendary scoring mixer, professional music editors, copyists and composers acting as coaches and mentors. In addition, there are "From the Horse's Mouth" sessions with studio executives, agents, attorneys and music supervisors.
Dates: July 2013
The workshop is intended for composers who are pursuing Film, Television, Game and Media music as a career. It is not for hobbyists nor is it for professionals who have an active composing career already established.
NEW ONLINE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS!
The composer must submit the following items:
- Submission Form (Word)
Please fill in the linked form and attach it to your email submission.
Tips for Submission 
- Background Information
Please attach a document to your email which includes a biography, your educational history and credits. Please do not list this information in the text of your email.
- The Music Submission
The music you submit should demonstrate your ability to write for orchestra with a dramatic sensitivity to picture. The purpose of these requirements is not to limit your creativity but to provide you with a real-world scenario similar to that in which you might find yourself when "pitching" for a particular project.
Submissions must be in MP3 format and may include up to 5 tracks:
three MANDATORY tracks (picked from the "Genre Tracks" list below) and two OPTIONAL ("Wildcard") tracks of your choosing.
Genre Tracks: Three MANDATORY tracks chosen from the following list of 5 genres:
Romantic Comedy, Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller, Epic, Main Title Sequence
Genre tracks must be no longer than 90sec each.
Wildcard Tracks: Two optional Wildcard tracks of your choosing. Wildcard tracks can be up to 3 minutes in length. The Wildcard submissions allow room for you to submit music that may not fit into the other Genre categories or that otherwise round out your submission.
Participants may not use "ghost" writers or orchestrators. We will NOT review any videos or other audio/visual material. On occasion, further materials, such as a score, may be requested.
Send your completed Submission Form, Background Info and MP3s to:
ASCAPFSW2013@gmail.com
Please include your full name in the Subject line of your email.
You will receive an auto-reply when your submission is received.
Submission Deadline: April 1, 2013
There is NO fee or charge to participate in the workshop; however, chosen participants will be responsible for their own transportation, housing and all other living expenses.
The workshop is open to all composers regardless of their current performing rights affiliation.
For more information, please contact our Los Angeles Film & TV Music Dept. at (323) 883-1000.
Partial funding provided by the ASCAP Foundation.
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Composer to Composer Series
The Composer to Composer series consists of evenings co-sponsored by ASCAP and the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL). Each evening is devoted to a well-known film composer, who is invited to share his or her experience and perspectives with an audience of composers, music industry executives and film music enthusiasts. Composer to Composer evenings are held at various venues in Los Angeles. An admission fee is charged at the door. SCL members admitted for free.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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ASCAP East Coast Film and TV Events
ASCAP will present a series of informational and educational events for composers and songwriters who wish to enter the field of film and TV.
Events include panels of industry professionals sharing their experiences, insights and advice, composer/filmmaker screenings and discussions, and artist showcases to the film industry.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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ASCAP Musical Theatre Events
ASCAP will present a series of informational and educational events for composers and songwriters who wish to pursue Musical Theatre.
Events include, but are not limited to, musical theatre workshops, showcases and panels of industry professionals sharing their experiences, insights and advice.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar..
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2013 ASCAP MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP IN NEW YORK!!
Directed by Stephen Schwartz
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DATES:
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March 27, 28 and April 1, 2
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TIME:
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All sessions begin at 7PM Sharp.
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LOCATION:
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To be announced
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PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING (Submissions will not be returned):
- CD of four (4) songs from your musical
- Lyric sheets for each of the 4 songs
- A brief description of each song as to its plot placement
- A brief synopsis of the musical.
- Biographical information for each composer, lyricist & book writer.
- Contact information (Email address, phone number, and mailing address)
SEND YOUR PACKAGE TO:
Michael A. Kerker
ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop
ASCAP
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90046
NOTE: While this workshop is in New York, submissions must go to the Los Angeles office.
DEADLINE: Submissions must be received at ASCAP by Friday, February 15th.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Submit 4 songs only. If you send us a full recording, we will only listen to the first 4 songs.
- Submissions do not need to be produced in a studio. We are looking for talent and potential, not production values.
- If your musical is selected, you will need to present 50 consecutive minutes from the musical at the workshop. The 50-minute selection must include book and songs.
- Those who have been accepted to present material in the workshop will receive a phone call by March 1st, 2013.
- Those who will be invited to audit the workshop will receive an email invitation.
- Please do not call to ask if you have been selected.
QUESTIONS: Call 323-883-1000
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The ASCAP Foundation/DreamWorks Musical Theatre Workshop in Los Angeles
Directed by Stephen Schwartz
The winter 2013 Los Angeles Dreamworks Musical Theatre Workshop has been postponed. Please continue checking the website for rescheduled future dates.
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The 2012 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshop
In Memory of Buddy Baker
Following in the vision and legacy of Buddy Baker, the 2012 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshop will continue to present the rich traditions of classical Hollywood film scoring. Dedicated sessions will address the creative process, orchestrating, conducting, and MIDI mockups. Participants will choose a clip from a selection of rough cuts, representing a variety of genres.
The workshop will culminate in a full day of recording sessions, featuring New York City's top-tier studio musicians. Previous workshops included players from the NY Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and have been recorded by such top flight engineers as Paul Geluso and Lawrence Manchester.
Participants leave with a professional digital demo of their work. The workshop continues to be taught by some of today's most creative composers and orchestrators, this year spearheaded by Sean Calley (24, Medium). Veteran core faculty member Mark Snow (X-Files/Bluebloods) and NYU Film Scoring faculty member Ira Newborn (Naked Gun series) will be featured. Other participating NYU faculty include Sonny Kompanek, Mike Patterson, David Spear, Mark Suozzo, Tim Starnes and Ron Sadoff.
The ASCAP Foundation and the Society of Composers and Lyricists, with SCL President and veteran composer Dan Foliart (7th Heaven /The Secret Life of the American Teenager), will headline additional presentations on the art and business of film music. For the benefit of auditors and participants, all faculty and participant interactions, lectures, and comments will be amplified and projected onto large screens. Auditors will attend all proceedings, including the live recording sessions and critiques. All sessions of the workshop will take place in the Frederick Loewe Theatre at New York University's Steinhardt School.
For further information, contact Ron Sadoff at 212-998-5779 or ron.sadoff@nyu.edu.
Dates: May 22 - 31, 2012
Deadline for applications: The 2012 submission deadline has passed. Please check back for 2012 submission information.
For detailed information and a downloadable application, please visit steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/scoring/ascap
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ASCAP/Columbia University Film Scoring Workshop in NYC
Sponsored by the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund, AFM Local 802 and RMA with support from ASCAP Foundation
ASCAP and Columbia University Film School have launched a film scoring workshop!
Taught by Alex Steyermark (Columbia faculty; director, One Last Thing, Prey For Rock & Roll; music supervisor for directors Ang Lee, Spike Lee, etc.), this workshop takes place during the spring semester at Columbia University, New York City, culminating at the annual Columbia Film School Film Festival.
Columbia University Film School opens the workshop to 65 graduate film school students who have the opportunity to submit their films. Four films, approximately 10-20 minutes in length, will be selected. ASCAP will curate a list of 20-30 appropriate film composers who will submit to be hired by the six filmmakers.
Steyermark will walk the filmmaker through the process of looking at the film with music in mind, determining how they envision the music in their film, and making an appropriate selection of film composer. He will then guide the filmmaker-composer pair through the process of spotting the film, mocking-up the score, and the director-composer collaboration. He will prepare the directors and composers for a studio recording & mixing session with 11 players.
Each of these four films will be submitted to the annual Columbia University Film School Film Festival, for screenings in NYC and LA.
This event is Carbon Neutral. By purchasing carbon offsets through Native Energy - to offset the carbon emissions this event will create from venue energy use and transportation - we are helping to build truly new renewable energy projects that will displace energy that otherwise has to come from burning fossil fuels.
Dates: Held annually at Columbia University, spring semester. Workshop meets once per week from approximately late January until mid-April. Seriously interested parties should contact Sue Devine at sdevine@ascap.com for more information.
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The ASCAP Foundation Concert Music Workshops target areas of interest to the membership and are presented in New York and, from time to time, other locations where ASCAP Concert members reside.
Dates: Please refer to the Events Calendar on ASCAP's website, www.ascap.com/calendar.
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