Ralph Murphy and David Stark

City Showcase is working in partnership with SongLink, ASCAP and PRS For Music to host a series of two 'City Showcase Sessions' masterclasses. The first will be held on Tuesday January 18th and the second on February 15th, at the Apple Store upstairs theatre in Regent Street from 7pm - 9pm (free admission, limited seating). In the first session the panel of experts - Ralph Murphy (ASCAP Nashville), David Stark (SongLink), Sean Devine (ASCAP London), Jules Parker (songwriter and PRS for Music) and Bill Padley (producer & songwriter) will give a hands-on songwriting and production masterclass with examples. Subjects that will be touched upon include song structure, lyrics, how songs work on radio, the production process what to expect from a producer, co-writes - how to organise the songwriting process, pitching a song, performance - getting the most out of your song. The sessions will be extremely 'muso' albeit we will touch on the business of music also. The aim is to help get a better understanding of the craft and how to progress a career in music.

After the first session, City Showcase members will be encouraged to use what they have learned by writing new works either alone or, ideally, collaborating. We will be inviting all genres of musician to the event and encourage cross pollination of ideas and creativity. At the second session, Members will be invited to perform these new works and discuss them with the panel. We would strongly encourage people signing up to attend BOTH sessions. Everyone is invited to attend these workshops for free. However, please note that City Showcase members only will be invited to collaborate and perform at the second session. Full membership details on the website.

City Showcase Sessions
at The Apple Store
Regent Street, London W1
http://www.cityshowcase.co.uk.

PS: City Showcase is also inviting music lovers to shape the bill for its centre-piece event, Spotlight London in the West End from May 4-8th. Fans are being asked to nominate their favourite artist or band to perform at the five day event. If you've always thought you could do a better job than the professional A&R people, get your favourites on the bill and come and see them play.Fans should email talent@cityshowcase.co.uk with details of the new artist they're nominating including a link to a website or Myspace page. The City Showcase public talent search continues until January 31st and the 2011 line-up will be announced in the early Spring. E-mail: talent@cityshowcase.co.uk