Song Craft
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Song Craft *
Song Craft
a four week songwriting intensive for budding musicians who want to learn how to spark inspiration, move through the messy middle of the songwriting process and finish a song.
You already work in a creative field, have a creative practice of some kind, or you long to have one. You dream of adding songwriting to your artistic arsenal but in the back of your mind you have this idea that writing & finishing a song is only reserved for “talented musicians.” You know you have something to say, and when the inspiration hits, it feels amazing, but you’re not sure how to finish anything that you’ve started, and that’s the part that you imagine “only real musicians” understand how to do, better than you. It’s not that you don’t have song ideas that come to you when you’re driving or as you’re falling asleep, it’s that you still haven’t figured out how to channel your inspiration into action and write a song from start to finish. The notes app on your phone is filled with beginnings of verses, song titles, and a really catchy chorus, but you’re afraid to dive deeper because you fear it might be bad (or, worse, what if it’s really good).
Of course you have a million song ideas and not one complete, you’ve been sold this idea that you have to be a real artist to make anything, and that my friend, is entirely false. Making music is not reserved for a select few, it’s available to anyone and everyone who longs to do it. If you’re reaching for it, it too is reaching for you.
Dates: Fridays — 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15 from 12-1:15P eastern (all classes will be recorded)
Price: $222
Who It’s For: budding musicians who want to learn how to spark inspiration, move through the messy middle of the songwriting process and finish a song.
Here's what nobody tells you when you’re starting out: you have it all within you, and you could use some simple tools to help direct your creativity.
It wasn’t until I stopped trying to make music like I thought I should and started doing it my own way that I was able to not only finish my songs, but make music I’m really proud of. It also did come alongside seeking out training, learning the nuts and bolts. Having the container I needed to put my music out.
Song Craft is a four week songwriting intensive for budding musicians who want to learn how to spark inspiration, move through the messy middle of the songwriting process and finish a song.
Most songwriting courses simply teach the basics. Song Crafts goes beyond that, and anchors to the truth that songwriting is a practice of collaborating with creativity itself. It’s as much about getting out of your own way as it is learning the basics. Over the course of four weeks, we will follow the life cycle of the creation of a song from inspiration to completion. Alongside that, we will go over nuts and bolts of writing melodies, chord progressions and lyrics that serve your story.
Imagine this: you have a framework for writing a song from start to finish, the tools to create juicy chords and melodies, and the self-trust to move through the process, knowing that even if self doubt arises you’ll move through it. You know that all creative projects have a “dark night of the soul” moment and you continue to trudge forward, with gentleness and ease, allowing your process to hold you.
If you’re ready to finish one of your beloved songs, or write an entirely new one this is for you.
FAQs
What will I need for class?
A journal, a pen, your instrument (yes, your voice is an instrument), and your favorite bev. You’ll also need access to a phone or laptop, since class will be on Zoom.
Do I need to be able to play an instrument?
Absolutely not. I’ve worked with many students who don’t play an instrument and are new to singing. Whatever you can do will give you more tools, but I invite everyone to start where they’re at.
Isn’t it true that the pros do have more tools? Will we learn any of their secrets?
Short answer: yes. I will do my best to arm you with as much accessible information on harmony (chords), melody, lyrics, and rhythm. If you don’t know what any of those fully mean, this class is for you. It’s meant to be for those starting out, with enough depth to really help you apply what we’ve learned to your process. Of course, there is only so much we can cover in 4 weeks time, but you’ll absolutely walk away with tools you can reach for in your songwriting after class.
What if I already have the “nuts and bolts” down, have taken a songwriting class before, or have taken class with you before?
This class is meant to be for returning making audio magic students as well as budding musicians new to our orbit. The reason for this is that I have reimagined the song craft curriculum to follow the lifecycle of a song and to step by step take students through the process of writing one song. Previously, class served as an overview and included music production tools. Now, we’re diving deep into each phase of the writing process, sharing our songs in process throughout the class, and I am promising each and every one of you that you will finish a song.
I’ve written some songs. Is this the right class for me?
if you have experience consistently writing songs and have released music, this probably isn’t for you, but I’d love to work with you 1:1
What if I’m nervous to share my music with others in our group?
That’s totally legit. One of my teachers in undergrad would always say that nervousness and excitement are two sides of the same coin, but I understand how vulnerable it is to share when your songs are in the early stages of their process. We will share via discord, and offer feedback outside of class for the most part. You are always welcome to share with me directly rather than in our group channel. My hope is that all of us will gain confidence to share throughout our time together, as that is a core part of building confidence in yourself as a songwriter and musician.
But, what if I don’t finish a song?
I will help you finish it for free.99 via Voxer, a voice messaging app. Even after class is over. Even if it takes more time than you’d like for it to take, we will finish it together!