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  • 2023 Songwriting Intensive

Gloria Gaither's Songwriting Intensive

UPDATE!

Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, we are heartbroken to have to say that the 2023 Gloria Gaither Songwriting Intensive is canceled for this year.

We are sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience this causes you. If you already registered, a refund will be made soon (if you have yet to see this transaction go through).

Again, our apologies.

Learn about the impact of the Gaither Songwriting Intensive.

MEET THE 2023 CLINICIANS

Kenna West headshot     KENNA WEST

Kenna Turner West is a recording artist, multi-Dove Award-winning songwriter, and five-time Songwriter of the Year—co-writing hit songs such as “Say Amen,” “Revival,” “Small Town Someone,” and “Even Me.” Her many successes have come as no surprise to her friends in the music industry; some might even say that it “runs in the family." Kenna’s father is bass singer Ken Turner, who sang for many years with the legendary Blackwood Brothers Quartet. Her mother-in-law is country music icon Dottie West, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

With roots that are firmly planted in gospel music, Kenna’s career began in 1983 as a vocalist. In time, however, God began to open a new facet of ministry for the singer. “I had been writing songs for years,” she recalls, “but it was more like journaling with rhyme. Yet there was a season of time around 1997 or 1998, when we were losing my grandmother to dementia and my mom was diagnosed with a tumor near her brain, that I began to see life intersecting with Scripture. The verses that God was using to bring me peace and comfort suddenly began to take on a melody, and I’d write it down. Then one night at church, a friend encouraged me to record some of the songs, so I did; then another friend who worked for a record company gave the songs to the publisher at the label, and within a week, the trajectory of my life had completely changed.”

Kenna got her first cut shortly thereafter (“A Taste of Grace”), followed by her first radio single (“We’re Not Gonna Bow”), which reached #1 on the national charts as well as earning the new songwriter her first of eleven Dove Award nominations.

Twenty years later, Kenna has penned over a thousand songs and has garnered over 100 “Song of the Year” nominations, along with 27 “Song of the Year” wins and eight BMI Awards. As a staff writer for Curb/Word Music Publishing in Nashville, her songs have appeared on GRAMMY® Award-winning projects by both Jason Crabb and Hillary Scott (of Lady A), as well as eight GRAMMY® nominated recordings. You can also find her work on projects by artists such as The Martins, The Isaacs, Michael English, The Crabb Family, Finding Favour, Charles Billingsley, Take 6, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Booth Brothers, Wes Hampton and Adam Crabb of the Gaither Vocal Band, Triumphant Quartet, Travis Cottrell, Jimmy Fortune (of The Statler Brothers), The Collingsworth Family, Brian Free & Assurance, Marty Raybon (of Shenandoah), Joseph Habedank, Karen Peck & New River, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Nelons, Selah, The Blackwood Brothers, Mac Powell (of Third Day), and many more.

Additionally, Kenna has created six musicals for the church, including Word Music’s best-selling “We Are Witnesses,” along with the Dove Award-nominated projects, “Love Won” and “Christmas Is in The Heart.”

In 2020, Kenna signed as an artist with Crossroads Music Group and released her long-awaited project, “A Reason for Hope,” in the summer of 2021. “I am so excited about this new chapter of life,” she shares. “It is as if everything that the Lord has allowed me to do for Him over the last 38 years has led to this moment.”

Kenna’s career in gospel music has indeed come full circle. The author and board-certified Biblical counselor—who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in theology—continues to blend music, devotional teaching, and humor into a ministry that reaches across the nation and around the world with the good news of the Gospel. Whether she is writing songs on Music Row or ministering alongside noted Christian leaders at venues ranging from The Pentagon to NASCAR chapels to the local church, Kenna’s life has a singular call: to creatively communicate the Living Hope found in Jesus Christ.

“It’s all I have wanted to do since I became a Believer,” she confesses, “and I feel so incredibly blessed that God is still allowing me to do just that.”

Tony Wood headshot     TONY WOOD

Tony Wood is a five-time Dove Award winner, nominee for Songwriter of the Year and writer of 34 #1 songs. Artists recording some of his 900 songs include Michael W. Smith, Francesca Battistelli, Matt Redman, Zach Williams, For King & Country, Gaither Vocal Band, Mandisa, Joseph Habedank, Toby Mac, Jason Crabb, Big Daddy Weave, Triumphant Qt., 7eventh Time Down, We Are Messengers, Booth Brothers, Point of Grace, 4-HIM, Big Daddy Weave, Karen Peck & New River, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, SELAH, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs and many others. Tony is a staff writer for WORD Music Publishing. You can follow him on Instagram at tonywood_exit71 and at www.tonywoodonline.com (where you can read a more descriptive “beginnings story” from one of Tony’s speeches).

Jackie Patillo Headshot     JACKIE PATILLO

Throughout her career, Jackie Patillo has accepted a number of executive roles but titles alone obscure the strong presence of her many time-tested gifts. She is a unifier, encourager, organizer, motivator, and creative visionary.

Her professional introduction to the music business began in 1989 when she was hired by Star Song Communications to develop Christian and Gospel products. She signed and was instrumental in launching the careers of Sierra and the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean. She was promoted to Vice President in 1995 and later launched Star Song’s Gospel division. Two years later Benson Music Group recruited her to its A&R department, utilizing her creative skills to bring to the forefront emerging artist Natalie Grant. In 2001, Patillo was invited to join Integrity Music and launch the formation of Integrity Gospel. With her guidance, she advanced the careers of well-known artists including Joe Pace and The Colorado Mass Choir, Israel and New Breed, Alvin Slaughter, Lisa McClendon, and Stephen Hurd.

In 2006 Patillo packed her bags for New York at the invitation of Max Siegel, head of Verity Records. Working as Vice President of A&R and Artist Development, she led the creative division of the largest Gospel music company in the world. Adapting to the times, she revamped her staff and quickly saw the cross-over success of Marvin Sapp’s gold-certified hit “Never Could Have Made It.” She was a champion for Verity artists Byron Cage, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, Dave Hollister, and others.

In late 2010, Patillo accepted the assignment of Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association and GMA Foundation committing her gifts to be an advocate for all Christian and Gospel music makers. With a small but dedicated staff, she oversees all aspects of the trade association. Taking a past, present, future approach, the GMA shines a light on the rich history of our music through its GMA Honors event: educates our future artists through IMMERSE, a 3-day music training program; and celebrates current artists with the GMA Dove Awards. Patillo is a hands-on executive producer of the Dove Awards which is viewed by over 1.5 million people annually on TBN, making it Gospel music’s biggest night! Celebrating all styles of Christian & Gospel Music worldwide.

“Gospel music is more of a calling than a job for me,” says Patillo. “I am totally aligned with the mission of the GMA and am honored to serve those who are called to spread the gospel through music.”

Patillo was inducted into the Stellar Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2019. She serves as a trustee of the Gospel Music Trust Fund, Lipscomb Universities College of Entertainment and Artists Advisory Board, and Studio Bank Founders Advisory Board. She is a member of NARAS and Leadership Music.

Buddy Greene headshot.jpg     BUDDY GREENE

Born and bred in Macon, GA, Buddy Greene has been performing for audiences since the tender age of ten, but his first big break came when, as a young man, he landed a position in country superstar Jerry Reed’s band. As rhythm guitarist, singer, and harmonicist, Buddy’s four-year stint with Reed proved to be the ideal apprenticeship that included appearing on numerous TV shows and recordings as well as touring extensively throughout the country.

By 1984, Buddy and wife Vicki had moved to Nashville where he was able to more fully develop as a musician, entertainer, and songwriter. In1986, Buddy released his first solo recording, a self-titled debut of original gospel music followed the next year by an instrumental release, Praise Harmonica, that helped to establish his reputation as one of Nashville’s best on the harmonica. At the same time, he began touring the country as a featured performer with gospel greats Bill and Gloria Gaither.

Over the last 30+ years, Buddy has performed across America, made numerous trips abroad, and released twenty recording projects. His album Sojourner’s Song won the Gospel Music Association’s Dove award for Best Country Album, and he has received 9 other Dove award nominations. Through his long association with the Gaither’s, he has become a favorite gospel performer, appearing often on the Gaither’s popular Homecoming video series.

Buddy has also made his mark as a songwriter. Besides the many self-penned songs of his own recordings, he co-wrote (along with Mark Lowry) the modern Christmas classic “Mary, Did You Know,” recorded by a host of major artists, including Kathy Mattea, Kenny Rogers and Wynonna, Natalie Cole, Clay Aiken, CeeLo Green, Rascal Flatts, Mary J Blige, and Pentatonix. Other songs of Buddy’s covered by major artists include “Recovering Pharisee” by Del McCoury, “Fall Down, Children” by The Whites, and “He Is”, a number one for gospel artist Ashley Cleveland.

Throughout his career, Buddy has steadily advanced as a harmonica player. He has played on the recordings of many outstanding artists, including Jerry Reed, the Gaither’s, Riders in the Sky, Charlie Peacock, Bela Fleck, The Ojays, Sara Groves, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Sandi Patty, and Larnelle Harris, just to name a few. After hearing Buddy’s 2002 release “RUFUS”, legendary folk icon Doc Watson invited Buddy to join him onstage at the prestigious MerleFest roots music festival in 2003 and subsequent years. In 2009 he joined an auspicious lineup of Nashville virtuosos to help jazz bass legend Charlie Haden celebrate his country roots in the Grammy nominated recording and video project Rambling Boy. And with good friend and accordion maestro Jeff Taylor, Buddy has played engagements from the U.S. to Europe and beyond.

Other milestones in Buddy’s career include performing at numerous Billy Graham crusades, especially the 1992 New York Crusade before a crowd of 250,000 in Central Park, and his performance of the “William Tell Overture” 10 years later at Carnegie Hall, captured live on a Bill Gaither Homecoming video and subsequently posted on YouTube, has been viewed by millions.

Buddy’s latest project, Looking Back, provides a strong summary statement of Buddy’s journey as a Christian, songwriter, instrumentalist, and skillful interpreter of songs, original or otherwise. The 18 song collection includes some self-penned numbers from earlier projects (updated with fresh arrangements for 21st century ears), introduces a few new ones, and presents, for the first time, some key songs from his musical and spiritual formation. Produced by good friend and award winning guitarist and recording artist Bryan Sutton, Looking Back marks Buddy’s 20th release in a 30+ year recording career.

COMMENTS FROM PAST ATTENDEES

Just wanted to say “great job” pulling off a fantastic songwriting intensive. I know such programs take a lot of work and coordination, and you and your team of students and others were awesome! I enjoyed learning over the two days and can’t wait to return. I’m hoping to bring my Dad along with me next year. 

First of all, THANKS for all you did to make the Gaither’s songwriting weekend so memorable and enjoyable. I can’t imagine how it could have been any better! You and your staff and the volunteers did an excellent job. As far as I could tell…..everything ran smoothly. The food, fun, and fellowship was perfect.

We are still processing and reeling from the awesome intensive!!

Fantastic Job! I really enjoyed your class and the beautiful campus. You have excellent students that respect you. What a wonderful testimony to God’s faithfulness to see the next generation praising God with their talents.

Why Write Songs?

This question feels like one of the most absurd yet deepest inquiries into my soul.  I mean, first, I LOVE music.  I love the way it stirs my emotions and directs me to feel certain ways.  And if you layer on top of that emotional influencer words that succinctly cut to the heart of a thought, and words that typically rhyme somewhat, I am hooked.  Not only am I hooked but our various cultures around the world orbit this thing called “song.” 

There was a time when I was attracted to the possibility that being a “writer of songs” could be something that might eventually include me in the fantastical realm of the “rich and famous.”  However, the more experience I gain in life compels me to redirect that prompt to be simply a songwriter, one who continuously betters himself in this culture shaping art and craft. 

But the term “simply a songwriter” is quite a misnomer.  Finding the ability to take a thought; whittle it down to a more concise, but more powerful thought; marry it to music that further enhances the message and “the feels;” and, finally, have that well-crafted combination be shared with the world through an individual or group that can do so with expertise and personality – that is the task… and the hope. 

Many of us could name songs that have made significant impacts in our lives.  Typically, we attribute that song to the person or people who deliver it.  Yet, if we would take the time to investigate, we would find names of people who would fit nicely into the descriptions written above.  Gloria Gaither is one such person. 

My work with Gloria for the past decade has been… the word to place here is constantly shifting… phenomenal, inspirational, educational, spiritual, and the list goes on.  The passion she has for “good songwriting” is something with which I not only resonate but something that drives me to be better in this craft and help others grow as well. 

When Gloria suggested moving her annual Songwriting Intensive to the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University, I was thrilled to imagine the impact.  Yet, this event constantly exceeds my expectations as each year it continues the trajectory of good writing that Gloria began years ago at the Gaither Studios.  This trajectory is amplified through the help of many of Gloria’s excellent songwriting friends who come to our campus and share large chunks of time in intimate classroom settings with others who, like me, want to get better at this thing called “songwriting.” 

Why do so many come to IWU to get better?  I would suggest a return to the top of this statement… or I could sum it up like this – “Songwriters can’t NOT write.”  I know that is a double negative and English teachers of the world would count off for it but that drive and need to take a thought and make it as powerful as possible through the collaboration of music and lyric is what keeps this artform alive. 

Todd Syswerda
Indiana Wesleyan University Professor of Songwriting and Music Composition and Director of the annual Gloria Gaither Songwriting Intensive

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GLORIA GAITHER ON SONGWRITING

 


 

Proposed Schedule (exact times still being determined):

THURSDAY FRIDAY

 

SATURDAY SUNDAY

Check-in (afternoon)

Breakfast

Breakfast

Breakfast

Dinner

Session 1

Session 3

Check-out

Meet clinicians
Discuss the weekend

Lunch/
Free time

Lunch/
Free time

Worship service

Informal ice cream social

Session 2

Session 4

Lunch

 

Dinner

Dinner  

 

Evening Session

Evening Session  

Cost

Participants will receive the following for a total cost of $659:

  • Four 3-hour sessions (12 hours total)
  • Two "bonus" evening sessions
  • Nine meals
  • Refreshments

Housing is not included in the total cost. Participants can choose to stay on the IWU campus in apartments at a cost of $70 total for all three nights (NOT per night).

WANT TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN SONGWRITING?

IWU is proud to partner with Gloria Gaither in curriculum development for the BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC WITH AN EMPHASIS IN SONGWRITING DEGREE AT INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.

IWU's songwriting program blends the disciplines of music, writing, literature, and theology and is geared toward the foundational creation of songs, building them from the lyric up.
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