Amateur Songwriters Set To Camp In Dumaguete City

CEBU, Philippines - Sixty songwriters from all over the country are set to join the 1^st Elements National Songwriting Camp come November 14-18 in Dumaguete City.

In the five-day workshop, the songwriters will be taught how to compose songs, based on genre, rhythm and style. They will also be taught the ropes in the industry such as acquiring copyrights and licenses, as well as other tools and techniques in navigating the entire business. There will be case studies, interactive outdoor sessions, group activities and one-on-one consultations to further develop the topics.

Auditions have been held nationwide to choose the participants for the camp. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be allotted 20 slots each.

Twinky Lagdameo, chief operations officer of 7101 Music Nation, an organization aimed to develop local artistry, said that they came up with the event to emphasize the need for quality songwriters.

“Ang dami nang contest sa TV on singing. As Jim Paredes always say, the songwriters are the heart of the music. It’s about time to train them as well,” she said.

The songwriting camp will be facilitated by no less the Maestro of OPM, Ryan Cayabyab, who is also the artistic director of 7101 Music Nation. Along with him are several of the country’s most renowned songwriters and musicians such as Jim Paredes, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, Chito Miranda, Rico Blanco, to name a few.

Ryan Cayabyab hopes to inspire and challenge the songwriters to experiment. “Do not be afraid to experiment. What makes you unique is you. Kung iba ka mag-isip,” Cayabyab said.

The entire camp will culminate with an inspirational talk from Gary Valenciano, on writing a song with a purpose.

The 60 participants of the camp will be revealed on September 22.