University of Saskatchewan Emma Lake Songwriting Retreat

With Dean McTaggart, Kim Fontaine and Lyn Besse McGinnis

Financial support to take this program is available for SOCAN members through FACTOR's Songwriter's Workshop and Seminar Program. The next application deadline is June 7, 2012. To learn more visit http://www.factor.ca/ProgramDetails.aspx?ID=23

Focus on writing songs in an inspiring and creative setting. Get mentored through the process and collaborate with other songwriters. Group discussions cover topics such as structure and form, lyrics and how to set up a "hook," creative processes, production and recording, as well as industry related Q & A talks. Afternoons will provide opportunities to write and/or co-write, or schedule one-on-one coaching sessions with the facilitators. Evenings are open for jamming around the campfire or in the studio. All levels are welcome.

Dean McTaggart was twice nominated for Juno Songwriter of the Year and received numerous SOCAN and ASCAP awards. His career was launched in the 80s as the lead singer/songwriter for Canadian pop/rock band The Arrows. He later became a staff writer (TMP, BMG, & MCA) and continued to pen hits for established artists including:
* Heaven Help my Heart (top-ten hit for country superstar Wynonna Judd)
* Darkhorse (number one in Canada for Amanda Marshall and called a sure fire hit by Elton John on the Rosie O’Donnell show)
* Birmingham (top 20 worldwide for Amanda Marshall)
* hits for Anne Murray, Australian superstar Tina Arena, Terri Clark, Kelly Coffee, John Berry, Rita Coolidge, The Guess Who, Johnny Reid, John McDermitt, the Rankin Family, blues artist Shakura S’Aida, Danny Brooks and many others.

For details, visit http://www.emmalake.usask.ca/courses/current_courses.php

This workshop is made possible through support from the SOCAN Foundation (http://www.socanfoundation.ca/english/about.jsp)