7107 Music Nation's Songwriting Camp

Songwriter doesn't come up often as an answer to the classic question of what one wants to be when they grow up. But that doesn't mean it isn't a viable option. There are those who find their hearts in songwriting, and with the right amount of talent and skill, go on to make successful careers out of it. Of course, there aren't many options for formal schooling when it comes to songwriting - and most parents would probably hesitate to shell out money for such a degree. Thanks to 7107 Music Nation, aspiring songwriters have the chance to attend an all-expenses paid music camp this November with 20 big names in the country's music industry.

Chief Executive Officer "Wannabe Music Honcho" Julio D. Sy, Jr., Artistic Director "Mad Maestro" Ryan Cayabyab and Chief Operating Officer "One Woman Band" Twinky D. Lagdameo formed the company just this year, envisioning the coming together of Filipino songwriters, musicians and artists from various genres or disciplines to celebrate our diversity as One Music Nation. Aligned with its mission to create platforms to develop and enhance the skills and natural talent of our songwriters, musicians and artists, 7107 Music Nation is launching its annual gathering this year. The 1st Elements National Songwriting Camp is open to Filipino citizens and residents from 18-35 years old. Original compositions will be screened, and 60 applicants equally distributed among Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be picked to attend the 5-day camp. Initial screening will be done online, then shortlisted applicants will called in for a live audition. The camp will be held in Bahura, a beach resort where the surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful, sure to make creative juices flow. Bahura is in Dumaguete City, home to the annual Dumaguete Writers Workshop. Campers will also spend a day at Balanan, a nearby mountain lake. The website says that campers only need to bring comfortable clothes, a healthy and open attitude, their thinking cap, the music in them, and no thoughts of a diet. It seems the 5 days will be satisfying, both to the tummy and the soul. The camp is privately funded by the Taos-Puso Foundation, and although they would like it to be open to everyone, logistics require a screening process. "What we're looking for really is talent and commitment," Lagdameo told GMANews.TV. Volunteers from the Silliman University School of Music will also be helping out during the camp. This way, they can unofficially be part of the workshops, which 7107 Music Nation will also make available online for those who will not be able to attend. Lagdameo says that they would really want to reach the northern and southern areas, but so far, most applicants have come from Metro Manila. Getting to the camp won't be a problem, since Dumaguete is strategically located, and besides, all expenses will be paid. The location choice is also an effort to promote Dumaguete, which has yet to be discovered despite its being accessible and beautiful. "It isn't the usual place for musicians to go to to, but we felt it's the beginning of a growing art scene," said Lagdameo, adding that Dumaguete is a good place to go to not just for the camp but for diving, the delicious food, and the scenery. Performers, songwriters, producers, directors make up the impressive list of speakers at the camp. The 20 artists who will teach at the camp are Gabby Alipe, Joey Ayala, Trina Belamide, Joey Benin, Rico Blanco, Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel, Jay Durias, Debbie Gaite, Gary Granada, Quark Henares, Ricky Ilacad, Jonathan Manalo, Jungee Marcelo, Chito Miranda, Louie Ocampo, Jim Paredes, Raul Sunico, Top Suzara, Angeli Valenciano, Gary Valenciano and Yael Yuzon. Campers will learn all about songwriting - from its history in the Philippines to commercial music structures, genres, styles and trends. Of course, the meat is still about songwriting in particular - the story in your head, words that fit a melody, meter, prosody, creating the character, the mood, and the lyrical theme of your song. Beyond that, there's preparing a song, why we write songs, songs as a form of human expression, and aesthetics. Legal matters and the business side will also be discussed, as well as music and technology, music television, and the responsibilities of being a songwriter. The application period is ongoing until August 30, 2010. For FAQs, please visit the official website at http://www.7101musicnation.com.ph/elements/faq. - GMANews.TV