_{By McKinsleigh Smith}

The third-annual Pleasant Grove Arts Commission Songwriting Competition is nearing its conclusion, as tomorrow brings both the finale for this year’s competition and a few tools to help songwriters prepare for next year.

Back in September, the Pleasant Grove Arts Commission and Edison Recording Studio opened up submissions, reportedly receiving over 90 songs! A panel of judges sorted through each submission and selected finalists “based on song originality, aesthetic quality, song arrangement, and song lyrics.” The following ten finalists were selected to move on to compete for the grand prize:

• “A Better Version of Me” – Carl Schwitzer
• “Come Tomorrow” – JP Stelter
• “Dreaming Mind” – Amy Geis
• “Fireplace” – Parker Lassen
• “Float Away” – Devon Conger
• “Fresh Start” – Dixie Linn Choque
• “Human” – Austin Tyler
• “I-15” – Ivy Avenue (Kassidy McKean, Sophia Smith)
• “In the Beginning” – Always Her (Brian Cabello and Everett Andrew)
• “Nerve” – Late for What (Levi Wunderlich, Grayson O’very, Javan Gurney)

Each finalist will all have a chance to present their song at a special showcase tomorrow, November 2 at 7 PM at the doTERRA Headquarters Auditorium in Pleasant Grove. The event is free to the public and everyone is invited to come listen to all the great music being created by the community!

In addition to the showcase, there will also be a series of workshops aimed at helping musicians improve their craft in one way or another. Each of the workshops are led by experienced professionals and are well worth your time. Emphasizing the quality of the workshops, Brady Hoggard of Edison Studios told Provo Music Magazine, “We’ve had nothing but 5-star reviews on these workshops the past two years.”

The workshops are also free to all, though registration is encouraged. You can register and find more info here and check out the schedule for the workshops below!

• 3:00pm – Rich Parkinson
  “Mastering the Basics of Songwriting”
• 4:00pm – Cherie Call
  “Don’t Wait for the Muse: How to Be Creative Whenever You Want”
• 5:00pm – Becky Willard
  “7 Baby Steps to Marketing Your Music”

So whether you’re a songwriter trying to improve your game or just want to support local musicians, be sure to check out the 2024 Songwriting Competition workshops and showcase tomorrow! All events will be held at the doTERRA Headquarters Auditorium at 389 S 1300 W, Bldg E, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062.

For a sample of the talent on display tomorrow, check out “In the Beginning” by Always Her (one of the finalist songs) below!