Everything you ever wanted to know about the workshop...

The Ultimate Songwriters Workshop is a brand new way to learn the craft of songwriting. Our goal is to bring several of our most helpful seminars into one location, while adding in some fun and excitement, too! The workshop is founded by Leslie Wright Productions, instructed by Barbara Cloyd (hit writer of "I Guess You Had to Be There" by Lorrie Morgan), and hosted at the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Read more about everyone on the "About Us" page!

The main focus of the workshop is to get a diverse group of songwriters together for one purpose...to write better songs. Barbara is amazing with her unique instruction methods, and you'll learn more in one day with her than you would in an entire year on your own. She has a very "hands on" approach and involves everyone. Be prepared...she doesn't sugarcoat it! She's fantastic, and if you're looking to really excel as a songwriter I can't recommend anyone better to give you some insight. Read more about Barbara here!

The workshop is hosted at the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down, which has held over 250 shows every year for the past 27 years. The Hoe-Down has been home to many artists who have gone on to become Nashville recording acts and hit songwriters. The theater will accommodate up to 600 songwriters and has a wonderful stage, sound, and lighting system for concerts. All that we ask is that there is no smoking or alcohol in the theater. Read more about the Hoe-Down here!

The location is in beautiful historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This town of about 2300 people hosts over 800,000 tourists every year....all without having a single stoplight in the entire town. If you've never been to Eureka Springs, you'll fall in love with it immediately. It's a step back in time, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, and known as "Little Switzerland". Stay in any one of the many motels, or hide out in a luxury cabin or bed and breakfast suite. The choices are endless, and the town is honored to have you as our guest! Read more about Eureka Springs here!

The workshop will feature Barbara Cloyd's "Ready for Row" seminar, which will give all songwriters the opportunity to hear a ton of helpful information on bringing songs to Nashville. She'll explain how things work and show you the right way to pitch your material so you have the best chance at being heard.

Barbara will pick 20 "Ultimate Songwriters" based on originality, creativity, and workmanship of the songs submitted by all participants. These winners will be notified by July 1, 2008. These writers will have two days of one-on-one sessions with Barbara, and will learn even more tricks of the trade. Two top publishers in Nashville will also be attending on the second of these two days. These 20 writers will play their submitted songs for the publishers and will hear valuable feedback. All other writers are encouraged to attend the session to hear what these publishers are saying! You'll learn a lot about your own songs from the feedback they give to these 20 writers about their songs.

While those two days are centered around the 20 writers...that doesn't mean there won't be plenty to do for the other participants! We've got all kinds of things planned from extra seminars, to jam sessions, to just hanging out and mingling with other songwriters! The choice is yours...we'll just provide the things to do!

Think that's enough to do? We're not done yet! We're going to let you have the deck out front of the Hoe-Down from 6pm to 7pm each night! You're welcome to come out and jam as much as you want on the outside deck.

Tuesday is going to be the most exciting day when our main headline songwriters perform for all participants! Catch Dave Berg, Jason Matthews, Matt Ramsey, and Sam and Annie Tate at 8pm! The writers will also be available for a question and answer session after the concert and will be glad to meet each and every one of you. Also, on Tuesday will be a lake party on beautiful Lake Leatherwood for anyone that wants to experience the Ozarks at its finest.

This unique workshop is unlike any you've ever been to. You'll be getting several workshops jam packed into one trip, get to perform your own songs on stage at the Hoe-Down, listen to successful songwriters, and make a ton of new friends that could end up being your partner on your next hit song! This is one event you WON'T want to miss!

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