The ASCAP Foundation and The Heineken Music Initiative
proudly announce the selection of Deanna DellaCioppa
as a recipient of a special R&B grant program. Launched
earlier this year, The Heineken Music Initiative/The
ASCAP Foundation R&B Grant program is designed to
assist emerging R&B songwriters in furthering their
careers and will benefit up-and-coming songwriters in
five key music markets across the country (New York,
Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami). The winning
songwriters from each of the markets will be awarded
a $3,500 grant.
The grant was presented to Deana DellaCioppa at S.O.B’s
in New York City during the inaugural ASCAP Presents…
Heineken R&B Ampt Music Series. On hand to make
the presentation were Linda Pizarro from The Heineken
Music Initiative and ASCAP’s Jeanie Weems, VP Creative
& Film/TV Special Projects.
"We congratulate Deanna, one of the beneficiaries
of this newly-created R&B grant program, said Jeanie
Weems. "We are grateful to The Heineken Music Initiative
for making this possible and would like to thank the
panel of judges that helped in the selection process.
This new program is the latest example of The ASCAP
Foundation’s commitment to developing and nurturing
the musical talent of the future."
Boston born singer/songwriter Deanna DellaCioppa lists
her musical influences as Stevie Wonder, Prince and
Sting - both as songwriters and artists. She started
writing songs on guitar in the 4th grade, and became
more serious about the craft of songwriting in high
school. She completed a 5-week extensive performance
program at Berklee College of Music, which resulted
in a full tuition scholarship. After emerging with a
degree in music business and management, she set her
sights on New York City and made the move in 1996.
"I learned about the R&B grant program from
ASCAP’s web site," said Deanna. "I think
the program is a great idea. It’s so difficult
to make it in the music business and it’s programs
like this one that create opportunities for up-and-coming
songwriters like myself." ASCAP’s web site
(www.ascap.com)
is the world’s most visited professional music
web site.
Deanna has participated in many ASCAP workshops and
paneIs including The ASCAP Foundation’s Lester
Sill and East Coast Extended Songwriters’ Workshops.
Having written dance tracks, jingles and songs for Film
& TV, Deanna’s songwriting skills cross all
boundaries. She describes her winning song "I've
Been Waiting (Someone Like You)" as "R&B
meets gospel." Deanna plans to spend the grant
money on a songwriting trip to Los Angeles.
The ASCAP Presents…. Heineken R&B Ampt Music
Series is a showcase series featuring up-and-coming
R&B songwriters and artists. It is designed to bring
deserving R&B songwriters and artists to the attention
of both the music industry and the public, in line with
ASCAP's longstanding commitment to developing new musical
talent and Heineken USA’s efforts to support performing
arts.
The artist line-up at the debut event included Jolie
Fuego, Terisa Griffin and La-La. The evening also featured
special guest performances by Jive Recording Artists
Jazmine and Raheem DeVaughn, and Universal Recording
Artist Dani Stevenson.
The Heineken Music Initiative was founded as a non-profit
organization by Heineken USA Inc. Its board includes
representatives from Heineken USA and the music industry.
Since 1975 The ASCAP Foundation has been dedicated
to supporting American music creators and encouraging
the development of American music through educational
and talent development programs. Included in these are
songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, music education
programs, and public service projects for senior composers
and lyricists. The programs of The ASCAP Foundation
are supported by contributions from ASCAP members and
from music lovers throughout the United States. For
further details, check out
(http://www.ascapfoundation.org/).
