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Have you ever had a song that you couldn’t get out of your head? An award-winning local musician is presenting a day-long introduction to the craft and joy of songwriting at Okanagan College in Salmon Arm and Revelstoke.

Joanne Stacey has spent most of her life working in the music business as a performer, musician, recording artist, and songwriter. On Feb. 25 in Salmon Arm and again on March 11 in Revelstoke, Stacey will be pouring that lifetime of music industry experience and songwriting expertise into a new course: Songwriting 101.

“This course will cover everything from harnessing the creative process to understanding the basic elements of song construction and components of form, to the importance of melody and groove. There will be a hands-on song challenge and students can expect to experience the fun of co-writing with peers that day as well,” says Stacey.

Songwriting 101 will run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the day-long session costs just $149 + tax. Those interested can register in advance:

• Salmon Arm - Call (250) 832-2126 or email sacampus@okanagan.bc.ca.
• Revelstoke - Call (236) 420-6706 (dial 0 for office) or email sstocker@okanagan.bc.ca.

An award-winning vocalist and songwriter, Stacey has had many independent cuts and has performed her music in BC and Alberta, Canada; Nashville, TN; Germany and the United Kingdom. For the past 20 years, she has been working with students of all ages as a vocal, performance, songwriting and music business coach.

In addition to learning new skills that day, students will also have a chance to bring existing song lyrics and receive feedback from Stacey. She will also do a QandA on the music business and offer tips on recording, how to get a publisher and understanding copyright and other key considerations for the business of songwriting.

The course is a new offering from Okanagan College’s Continuing Studies and Corporate Training Department, which offers part-time programs that help people develop enhanced skills for their career. These range from courses where students can earn certificates to leadership and business-skills as well as many general interest courses.

The certificate and course offerings are detailed in the Continuing Studies Winter/Spring brochure, which is now available in communities around the Okanagan and Shuswap and is for people to view course selections.