Songwriting seminar offered

MANALAPAN - A new program called "Yes, You Can Write a Song" is being offered by the Manalapan Parks and Recreation Department. Students will discuss the essential components of a song, the use of lyrical language and style, and songwriting mistakes. They will analyze hit songs and evaluate their own work.

The instructor for the course is Jeff Saxon, a former staff songwriter for a New York City publishing company. Many of Saxon's songs and compositions have been licensed for television and film use, according to a press release.

Potential students are invited to learn what the program is about on April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Taylors Mills School cafetorium, Gordons Corner Road. Following the free clinic, Saxon will evaluate submitted lyrics or songs as time permits.

The teen program (grades eight-12) will be held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon beginningMay 4. The adult program will take place on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. beginning May 8.

All classes will be held at the Kuschick Pavilion in the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522 at Taylors Mills Road. The fee per resident is $175, which includes 16 program hours and all materials. The fee per nonresident is $200.

Registration is available online with credit card payment at http://register.communitypass. net/Manalapan.

Registration forms may be downloaded from www.twp.manalapan.nj.us and mailed in. Call (732) 446-8355 for more information.