FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (9/06)
Contact: Kelsey Johnson, Centenary News Service, at 318-841-7265, or Dr. Ross Smith, Hurley School of Music, at 318-869-5071

Oct. 7 Public Seminar at Centenary to Address “The Craft and Business of Songwriting”

SHREVEPORT, LA —The Hurley School of Music at Centenary College will hold a seminar, “The Craft and Business of Songwriting,” Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. led by bestselling author and songwriting consultant John Braheny.

Braheny and wife JoAnn will teach area songwriters some of the skills necessary to be successful in the music industry. They will discuss different techniques professionals use to make their songs stand out from the crowd. Participants will learn what to submit and how to find out who is looking for new music.

The Brahenys will also show participants how to market themselves, their bands and their songs through digital downloads and using unique services like Taxi.com, Web Radio, podcasting and online social sites like MySpace Music.

Braheny began his career as a performer, writer and recording artist. He co-founded and ran the legendary Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase for more than 20 years, introducing hit songwriters and artists to the industry, including Diane Warren, writer of over 100 Top Ten hits, including Celine Dion’s “Because You Love Me.” He is a consultant and screener for TAXI, the world’s leading independent A&R company and has taught at UCLA, The Musicians’ Institute in Los Angeles and has conducted seminars across the nation.

Participants who bring a tape or CD and lyric sheets of an original song will receive a free critique session at the seminar.

To be considered for performance on the Songwriters’ Stage at the Red River Revel, participants must preregister with $25 payment and include a tape or CD of their original songs.

Individual private consultation and critique sessions with Braheny will be available for $100 an hour on Sunday, Oct. 8.

This event is cosponsored by Ren Ten Music, LLC. Cost per participant is $25. To preregister, contact Dr. Ross E. Smith at resmith@centenary.edu or 318-869-5071. Walk-ins are welcome as long as there’s space available.

For more information about Braheny, visit http://www.johnbraheny.com .

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