If you want to learn to do something or to improve your skills, you go to a pro, right? So, budding or wannabe songwriters won't want to miss John Sieger's songwriting clinic at Cream City Music -- 12505 W. Bluemound Rd. in Brookfield -- which begins Thursday, Jan. 10.

The six sessions run from 7 until 9 p.m. and Sieger, who has been a member of The R&B Cadets, Semi-Twang and El Supremo -- to name just a few -- spent many years making a living as a songwriter in Nashville.

Among the many performers who have played Sieger's songs are Greg Trooper, Phil Lee, Robbie Fulks, Flaco Jimenez, Libbi Bosworth, Jerry Harrison, Dwight Yoakam, the Bodeans and Etta James.

Sieger is also now a veteran of these songwriting classes and workshops, so he knows just how to explain his art.

Tuition is $200 for first-timers but returning writers pay $175. Gift certificates are available. For details, contact Sieger directly at jsieger@wi.rr.com or visit one of the links below.