a two-day seminar this weekend, offering advice and constructive criticism to improve the work of local songwriters.

The seminar, organised by the Bermuda Songwriters' Association and partially funded by the Arts Council through the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, will be the Association's first official event since it formed in January.

Professor Pat Pattison, a lecturer at Berklee for 20 years, the author of three books and a judge at the annual Billboard Magazine Song Contest, will be offering hints on how local songwriters can improve their lyrics, rhythm and verse structures.

The seminar is open to anybody, said Association president Mr. Richard Bassett. He added that songwriting principles applied to all types of music including gospel, country and reggae.

The seminars will take place at the Belmont Hotel's Oleander Room on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Admission is $75 per day or $130 for both days for the general public. For association members the fees are $50 and $80.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and tickets are on sale at Sound Stage on the top level of the Washington Mall. For information call, 234-2312, 293-4576 or 291-1769.