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No matter what point you are at in your songwriting career, there is always something else you can learn.

When I began pursuing a career in songwriting back in the '80s, I found very few resources to help me. But I did find one book that got me started on my way. It was THE SONGWRITERS MARKET book that was published every year by Readers Digest books. It was filled with current listings of publishers and record companies. It also had small quotes on music business from well known writers. This is where I got the names and addresses to start pitching my songs for the first time.

But on a recent trip to a local bookstore in the mall I found that there are many books on writing music, lyrics, resource information and general music business. If you have never taken advantage of these materials, I would advise you to do so.

If you have never attended GMA week in Nashville or the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, I would encourage you to make plans to attend as soon as you can. On my first trip to NQC in 1987, I met industry people that I still work with today. I first met Ivan Parker on that trip, and Ivan is still recording my songs. You must build good business relationships if you want to succeed in music business.

You might find it beneficial to participate in some of the Gospel Music Schools that are offered each year. In Nashville, July 12-16, Treveca Nazarene College will host the Steve Hurst School of Music. Steve offers an entire songwriting program for students. You can find more information on the Steve Hurst School of Music at http://www.stevehurst.com

On July19-30 Treveca will host yet another music school. At the Ben Speer's Stamps Baxter School, songwriting is offered in a classroom setting and in private songwriting sessions. The private session teachers for this year are Harold Lane, and myself.

On Aug 14th, the Nashville Songwriters Association International will host a 1 day Christian music seminar at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville. Speakers will include Gerald Crabb (BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year), Jerry Salley (SESAC Country Songwriter of the Year), Dottie Rambo, Niles Borop, Jeff Pearson, Brian Copeland (from Daywind Publishing), and others. This one day seminar will include an open co-writing session between Dottie Rambo, Gerald Crabb and Jerry Salley. If you have never witnessed professional writers in action, this will be your chance to watch how it works, in an Unplugged format. For more information on this event call the NSAI office at 615-256-3354 or go to http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com

Until next time, keep on writing!

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