Telluride American Songbook: Scholarships for Summer Workshops

01 Mar Telluride American Songbook: Scholarships for Summer Workshops

Yes, we want to live in the moment. But no, this can’t wait. This summer, the Telluride American Songbook Concert Series is offering two workshops, one on songwriting and another for singing. (Details below.) For adults wanting to attend, but in need of financial assistance, you can apply for aid (up to $300) through Telluride Arts’s Small Grant Program for Artists. The deadline is Monday, March 7, 2016.

National treasure, singer Marilyn Maye offers master singing class in town on July 3.

Michael Estwanik, founder, Telluride American Songbook Concerts, announces a great opportunity this summer for aspiring and accomplished Telluride area songwriters alike.

On July 1 and July 2, the unsinkable Marilyn Maye, an 88-year-old vocal powerhouse, returns to Telluride to perform at Denise Mongan’s Club Red at the Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village.

Another legendary singer, Ella Fitzgerald, once described Marilyn Maye as “The greatest white female singer in the world.” 

Many people still think she is.

In fact, most music critics consider Maye to be one of our “national treasures.” Maye is still performing to sold-out audiences around the world.

While in Telluride, Marilyn Maye is also offering a master singing class the afternoon of July 3.

Tuition is $200 and includes two tickets to one of her shows (a $50 value).

A few weeks later, another cabaret great, Amanda McBroom, performs at the historic Sheridan Opera House.

Amanda McBroom, cabaret singer and award-winning songwriter.

“We are very fortunate to have the great performer and songwriter, Amanda McBroom, appearing in concert on Sunday, July 17, 7 p.m. at the Sheridan Opera House and teaching a week-long songwriting workshop July 18 – 22,” said Estwanik. “Ms. McBroom is the composer of Bette Midler’s hit song ‘The Rose’ (from the Oscar-nominated film ‘The Rose’) which won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for a Grammy.”

McBroom has been described as “…the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match.”

In addition to Bette Midler, McBroom’s songs have been recorded by Judy Collins, Leanne Rimes, Barry Manilow, Barbara Cook, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Betty Buckley, Stephanie Mills, The Manhattan Transfer, Donny Osmond, West Life, Nana Mouskouri, the Chipmunks, and the Baby Dinosaurs in “Land Before Time.” (She wrote all the songs for 16 Universal Cartoon videos with longtime collaborator Michele Brourman). Ms. Brourman will be accompanying Ms. McBroom and co-teaching the workshop.

There will be two classes for young people offered through the Telluride Academy ; one evening class for adults. 

During the intimate daily workshops, each student will learn how to write both lyrics and melodies. In the spirit of celebrating the stunning landscapes of Telluride, one of the assignments will be to write a song about the environment. This song can be of any genre and message: rock, folk, pop, jazz, patriotic, satirical, humorous, inspirational, etc. Songs will be performed for friends and family the last day of class.

The Telluride Academy Classes offers two different classes: one for ages 11-14, 10 a.m.- noon; ages 15-18 is scheduled from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Tuition is $350 and includes two comp tickets for her Sunday evening concert (a $50 value).

Register now at www.tellurideacademy.org  (Students must be able to play either piano or guitar.)

For information about financial assistance, contact the Telluride Academy.

Adult classes will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. and also includes two concert tickets. Adult tuition is $250.

To register, contact Michaesongbook@gmail.com

Contact www.telluridearts.org for details about their Small Grants for Artists Program (up to $300).