ROCKY MOUNTAINS, Colo. – March 25, 2008 – Led by influential music professionals whose credits read like a who’s who of the music business – Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Hannah Montana, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and many more – GMA Music in the Rockies, “The Music Community’s Premier Talent Competition and Training Experience for Christian Artists, Songwriters, & Worship Leaders", boasts an incredible line-up of teachers and leading artists that will trek to the picturesque Rocky Mountain town of Estes Park, Colo. from August 3-9, 2008.

Early registration rates for GMA Music in the Rockies are available now with the first discount deadline ending on March 31. More information on registration and event details are available at www.musicintherockies.com.

Platinum-selling artist and renowned worship leader Chris Tomlin, who was a high school student when he attended GMA Music in the Rockies, reflects on his experience: “For me, GMA Music in the Rockies was not a time of being discovered, but it was another vital step on my journey."

GMA Music in the Rockies features daily classes designed for artists, songwriters and worship leaders and offers career development and networking opportunities. The newly redesigned talent competition features prizes from Walt Disney World, American Bible Society, Centricity Music and Compassion International.

At the heart of GMA’s Music in the Rockies are the unsurpassed variety of training and career development classes taught by artists and other industry professionals. This year’s event will emphasize being a creative Christian in the music industry and how to make an impact in ministry or in mainstream entertainment. Topics cover everything from pitching songs to singing in pitch and include creative workshops for songwriting and practical training in song publishing, legal matters and performance booking. Some of this year’s faculty includes:

• Professional vocal coach Brett Manning, who's consulted this year’s GRAMMY nominees for New Artist of the Year -- Taylor Swift and Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams – and has worked with the Broadway casts of "Les Miserables," "Jekyll and Hyde" and Elton John's "Aida."

• Disney Publishing writer/producers Adam Watts & Andy Dodd wrote and produced hits for Disney's "High School Musical" 1 & 2 and "Hannah Montana" soundtracks as well as Jesse McCartney, Billy Ray Cyrus and Jeremy Camp.

• Television producer Phil Cooke is the founder/creative director of Cooke Pictures in California, and author of Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact Culture and Others Don't. His production company produced two Super Bowl commercials this year.

• Live music producer Tom Jackson, whose annual appearance at GMA Music in the Rockies is one of its highest rated and most anticipated, has been teaching workshops on stage performance skills, has consulted artists including: Taylor Swift, Casting Crowns, Jaci Velasquez, and BarlowGirl.