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[Tilly]

Plan to launch "Elvisology" qualification for tribute artistes:
If you passed an ology you could become a scientist, according to the classic TV advert. But a new qualification, the Elvisology, is more likely to lead to a career in a white jump suit than a white coat.

The course is the brainchild of author and music fan Peter Phillips, who announced his plan at the press launch of this year's Porthcawl Elvis Festival, which he began in 2004. Having been successful in discovering and helping to launch new tribute artists through the autumn event and the spin-off Welsh Elvis Idol competition, Mr Phillips thought the time was right to formalise the process. He said: 'I'm in touch with the South East Wales Open College Network and I'm also talking it through with Bridgend College.

'The course will probably consist of existing learning modules in performing arts, business management and marketing and new specialist modules for business planning in the Elvis market, and performance in the Elvis market.' I anticipate the Elvisology will be gained over a two-week residential course, although this could change, and would rank alongside a BTec.' It will be for people who want to actually position themselves professionally in the Elvis market, which is enormous and highly lucrative.'

Nineteen-year-old Dave Smith, of Cwmaman, Aberdare, who ditched his job in Tesco to become a full-time tribute artist after being crowned Welsh Elvis Idol 2005, said the course may be a good option for those who also want to reach for the stars.' I think it could help people get to grips with the business side of things,' he said. This year's Porthcawl Elvis Festival, the largest event of its kind in Europe, takes place between September 29 and October 1. Highlights include the world premiere of the Elvis Story musical at the Grand Pavilion. The heats of this year's Welsh Elvis Idol take place at Bridgend's McArthurGlen Designer Outlet on Saturday, June 10. For more information go to www.elvies.co.uk ,

(Almost Elvis/NewsSource: South Wales Echo)