Songwriting workshop taught by Paul Stoddart

For anyone who loves Rock School or musical theater, now is your chance to take it to the next level!

In anticipation of PCYT’s Do It Yourself (DIY) spring musical, Patel Conservatory students are invited to enroll in a special songwriting workshop, taught by Rock School guru Paul Stoddart. The workshop starts this Thursday, Oct. 13.

Stoddart, a Patel Conservatory Rock School instructor, is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music with a major in songwriting, and has taught guitar and music theory, arrangement and songwriting for over two decades. He also performs throughout the Tampa Bay area.

“The class is geared towards students interested in participating in our original rock musical in the spring,” said Ami Sallee, chair of the Patel Conservatory theater department. Sallee has directed/performed in/written/produced 12 professional Tampa Bay original productions, including two original rock musicals that went on to have NYC premieres. She will direct and produce DIY, which will be based on/inspired by The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare.


"The songwriting workshop will give students a head start on their songwriting and composition skills,” said Sallee.

The 8-week workshop is open to all Patel Conservatory students in grades 9 - college who are interested in joining the cast or band for DIY in the spring. Play a chorded instrument (piano, guitar, etc.) is a plus. For more information, please call our registrar at 813-222-1040.

Songwriting Workshop

Thursdays, Oct. 13 to Dec. 8, 2011

6:30 to 8 p.m.

Cost: $200 for the workshop series ($100 will be applied to the DIY tuition for those who register for the spring musical)