Michael McLean, the brains and talent behind "The Forgotten Carols," more than 25 albums of LDS and inspirational music and plenty of TV commercial jingles you could sing along with, wants to help aspiring songwriters.
In conjunction with "The Ark," which is now running at The Grand Theatre, McLean will conduct a songwriting workshop Friday that is free and open to the public.
"He's been just great," said Grand artistic director Richard Scott, "as soon as we knew we were doing 'The Ark,' we approached him (McLean) about this and he was on it right away."
"I wanted to do this because I had been so benefitted by workshops when I was working on 'The Ark,"' McLean said by phone during a break from a bike ride with his wife in Malibu, Calif.
In 1996, McLean was chosen to participate in The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Musical Theater workshop with Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked"). "It was great, I had these really smart people giving me feedback."
"I'm not sure that I'm so smart that I'll be able to fix anything, or make it great," McLean said, "but I'm hopeful that by listening to some of the songs, we can raise the passion for doing it."
"He's a very successful songwriter in his genre, and there's something to be learned from that," Scott added. "Not only from the craftsmanlike part of it but also from the business side of things."
Participants are encouraged to bring samples of things they've written. "What's helpful is sharing your stuff with the group," McLean explained. "We'll talk about the process, I'll commiserate, we'll help each other out, and we'll listen to what others are working on. I'm sure it will stimulate some discussion and will give them a chance to share what they've got."
McLean notes that all music types and genres are welcome. "I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes in: Pop songs, folks songs, musical theater, it'll be interesting."
"I'm not brilliant in every kind of style ... I'm not brilliant in any kind of style," McLean added with a laugh, "but I have had time to think about it and work on it. I've been doing this a long time, and I'd love to share what I've learned."
If you go
What: Songwriting workshop with composer Michael McLean
Where: Salt Lake Community College, South City Campus, 1575 S. State, Choral Room W252
When: Friday, 4-6 p.m.
How Much: free
Phone: 957-8447 for reservations
E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com