Los Angeles, CA, July 13, 2009: The ASCAP Foundation 2009 Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop is now accepting submissions. Geared toward advanced songwriters, the Workshop will take place at ASCAP's Los Angeles office beginning in October for a series of eight sessions.

Re-named in 1995 to honor ASCAP's late Board member and industry pioneer Lester Sill, the Workshop will feature prominent guests from various facets of the music business. ASCAP executive Brendan Okrent will oversee the series, which is designed to enrich participants' knowledge of the industry and to help them establish contacts, confidence and to expand their collaborative partnerships. Past guests have included Sir George Martin, Don Was, Rick Nowels, Glen Ballard, Jackson Browne, Linda Perry, Billy Steinberg, John Shanks, Kara DioGuardi, Ben Harper, Jonatha Brooke, Matthew Wilder, John Rzeznik, Jon Brion and numerous others.

Songwriters interested in applying are required to submit a CD containing two original songs along with typed or neatly written lyric sheets. Cassette tapes will not be accepted. Applicants are also required to include a brief resume or bio in addition to a brief written explanation as to why they would like to participate in the Workshop.

Materials should be sent to:
ASCAP Foundation Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop
7920 Sunset Blvd./ 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90046

All entries must be received by Friday, September 11th. Materials will not be returned. All applicants must include an email address and a telephone number. Only a limited number of applicants can be selected as participants. Accepted applicants will be notified no later than September 22nd.

The Lester Sill Songwriters Workshop is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation. Workshops are free of charge and open to everyone, regardless of performing rights affiliation. Other ASCAP Foundation workshops cover R&B, film & television scoring, jazz, country, gospel, musical theatre and symphony and concert music.

About The ASCAP Foundation
Founded in 1975, The ASCAP Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education and talent development programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs, and public service projects for senior composers and lyricists. The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers throughout the United States. www.ascapfoundation.org