Bobby Taylor Teaches Songwriting at Cumberland County Playhouse, Beg. Today

What makes a great song a "hit"? What makes a hit song "great"? Bobby Taylor, an award winning top-10 Billboard country and musical theater songwriter will dig into these questions and many more in his new songwriting classes: "Building a Songwriting Toolbox," followed by "Song Workshop and Collaboration." Each class will run for four weeks, for a total of eight weeks.

Audiences may remember Bobby as Burl in Playhouse productions of Smoke on the Mountain, a role he also played in the New York Off-Broadway revival. He grew up in Cumberland County and credits his early creative inspiration to drama classes with Playhouse Consulting Producer Mary Crabtree when he was a student at Crossville Elementary. Whether in Florida, Boston, or New York, Taylor's theatrical successes career have paralleled his Nashville musical triumphs.

Bobby, whose songs have been recorded by Montgomery Gentry, Ty Herndon, Don Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus and Alison Krauss, is thrilled to return to the Playhouse as a resident company member, and will share his enthusiasm with CCP's education team and students in these unique songwriting classes. Classes start today, February 15, from 10:00-11:30 and continue weekly through Saturday, April 12 at a cost of $15.00 per class or $55 per month.

Playing an instrument is not essential, though this might be a perfect opportunity to learn a few chords on an instrument you have been yearning to play (guitar, banjo, ukulele, and piano), so you can truly get the most out of Bobby's classes. Class size is limited to 8-12 students, ranging in age from teen to adult and the 8-week process will conclude with a student showcase. The Playhouse expects these classes to fill up quickly, so call the Cumberland County Playhouse box office (931-484-5000) to register and secure your spot today!