Want to learn song writing from a master of the art?

Looking for a Christmas present for a would-be singer/songwriter?

How about a couple of personal sessions with a master of the art?

Mary Gauthier is one of my my favourites. From Drag Queens in Limousines to Sugar Cane and Mercy Now, her songs are full of passion and pathos.

She wrote I Drink for Bill Chambers, and has had her songs recorded by country greats including Tim McGraw, Jimmy Buffett, Blake Shelton and Kathy Mattea, among others, as well as Boy George and Bettye LaVette.

I met her briefly when she played in Hobart - nice lady- and she once used to be a chef.

Her newsletter this week is offering one-on-one coaching with aspiring Nashville stars, so I thought I's share the news.

Here's her offering: "Are you a songwriter, or do you know a songwriter that would enjoy one-on-one coaching with a Grammy-nominated, award-winning songwriter?

"Are you looking for the perfect gift?"

Gauthier is offering a minimum of two one-hour sessions to offer guidance to future stars, or anyone who wants to hone their song-writing craft.

In each one-hour session, Mary will listen to one or two of your songs, offer feedback, help you see what’s working and why, what isn’t working and why.

She will answer questions you have about songwriting and/or the music business. Mary will give you insider tools for your song-writing toolkit, and offer you a behind the curtain look at how emotionally effective songs are built.

Sounds good eh?

The cost is surprisingly realistic: $US 2,000 for two one-hour sessions at a time that suits you.

And students will be sent a video recording of each session.

Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated, US and UK Americana Award-winning songwriter, published author, teacher, and public speaker who has enjoyed a 25-year music career that started after she got sober at the age of 35.

You can book here: https://www.marygauthier.com/store/one-on-one-zoom-songwriting-coaching

The only issue then is getting yourself to the US.