Wayne Kirkpatrick
The Gospel Music Association’s
Academy of Gospel Music Arts will host a regional conference in Nashville on
November 17 and 18. The seminar will feature Rocketown artists Wayne
Kirkpatrick, Billy Sprague and Gordon Kennedy, along with other industry
experts, for two days of educational seminars and talent competition
designed for aspiring Christian artists and songwriters. Reunion Records’
Michael W. Smith has also been confirmed to participate in the Academy’s
Nashville seminar.
The seminars and competitions are open to anyone interested in learning
more about a career in the Christian music industry. The registration
deadline to enter the songwriting and performing competitions is October 23.
Registration to attend the seminar is open until November 17. Detailed
registration and lodging information can be obtained at www.gospelmusic.org
or by calling 615-242-0303.
Jars of Clay
The Gospel Music Association’s AGMA was launched in 1995 for the purpose of
educating, encouraging and supporting the growth and development of the next
generation of Christian artists. At the seminar, aspiring songwriters and
performers receive in-depth instruction from Gospel music industry
professionals – from practical business concerns to improving artistic
skills. Each regional Academy hosts talent competitions for artists and
songwriters – Spotlight 2001 and Song of 2001. Regional winners compete for
overall International Titles at the International Finals Competition in
Estes Park, Colorado in August 2001. Essential Records’ Jars of Clay and
Sparrow Records’ Nichole Nordeman are recent Academy winners who launched
their successful careers by participating in the Academy.
The AGMA Nashville seminar begins on Friday, November 17 for two days of
intensive training with tracks for songwriters and performers. The seminars
will be held at Christ Church, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd., in Nashville.
Friday evening concludes with a teaching concert presented by the Artists In
Residence, Kirkpatrick, Sprague and Kennedy. The three acclaimed
songwriters release an album together with Phil Madeira on October 17 called
Coming From Somewhere Else on Rocketown Records. After additional seminars
on Saturday, that evening will feature semi-final competition for
songwriters and performers. The Saturday night semi-final competition will
be open to the public for $5 per person with tickets available at the door.
Founded in 1964, the 5,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to
educating the public and the music industry concerning the mission and role
of gospel music in today’s world. The Gospel Music Association also produces
the Dove Awards, which recognizes achievement in all genres of Gospel music
and is the premiere television awards show for the contemporary Christian
and gospel music industry.
