Celebrate NZ Music Month With Jason Blume

Dreamer’s Moon Music

JBSongdoc@aol.com

March 20, 2009

Celebrate New Zealand Music Month With Hit Songwriter Jason Blume

Hit songwriter/best selling author/music publisher Jason Blume will present 2-day songwriting seminars in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland in conjunction with New Zealand Music Month. Best known for his work with Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, Blume states, “I can’t teach people to be talented—but there are reasons why some melodies and lyrics make an emotional connection with listeners—and those are things I can teach. I’m ecstatic that three of my students have had #1 singles in the past year.”

“The seminar will include many of the tools and techniques that I observe in successful songs in various styles and genres – but will also give attendees an opportunity to ‘try on’ those tools during creative exercises. It gives me a chance to work hands-on with each of the attendees and help them express themselves in ways that connect with their listeners.”

Blume jokes, “It’s true that I was Britney’s first collaborator—but please don’t hold that against me! I’ve had success in many genres—including pop, rock, country, Christian, and even children’s music. My goal is not to tell artists and writers what to write, but to help them express what’s in their hearts in a way that resonates with millions of listeners.”

“New Zealand holds a special place in my heart because besides being such an astoundingly beautiful country with such warm people, back in the ‘90s I had a #1 single here. The song was “I’ll Never Stop Loving You,” and it was recorded by a fourteen year-old kid named J’Son. While it was successful internationally, New Zealand is the only country where the single went to #1. So, thanks, New Zealand! FYI, that same song was included on Britney’s first album.”

The author of 6 Steps to Songwriting Success; Inside Songwriting; and This Business of Songwriting (all published by Billboard Books), Blume states, “My songs are on albums that have sold more than 50,000,000 copies but I’ve found my true passion is teaching songwriting and encouraging people to pursue their passions—regardless of what they might be. When I started out, I was so poor, I lived in one room—no kitchen—and a bathroom down the hall that I shared with junkies and prostitutes. I ate cat food when it was all I could afford. It took eleven years for my first break—and a total of sixteen years before I had hit songs. So I know the value of perseverance.”

The 2-day seminars will be are appropriate for songwriters and recording artists at any level -- and for those interested in learning about the craft and business of songwriting.

Topics will include: Identifying Common Denominators in Successful Songs; Writing Lyrics that Connect with Your Listeners; Crafting Melodies Listeners Can't Forget; Secrets of Successful Demos; Getting Your Songs Published & Recorded; Placing Your Songs Internationally – and in TV/Film; Creative Exercises to Help You Jump-Start a Great New Song; and Constructive Critiques of selected participants’ work.

COST: $250 waged; $190 APRA members; $175 unwaged and students. For registration and additional info contact Gini Parslow by email at gini@ihug.co.nz; or by phone at 021-590-788.

Blume will perform and be interviewed on “Good Morning,” Tuesday, May 12th. You can hear samples of his music at www.myspace.com/jasonblumesongwriter.

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