Songwriting Workshop

"What made my dreams so hollow was standing at the depot With a steeple full of swallows that could never ring the bell… It was a train that took me away from here, but a train can bring me home."

When you read the above lyric from Tom Wait’s Train Song, what images or ideas fill your head? A person standing at a train depot? A steeple full of swallows? A bell at a train station that can’t be wrung? The idea of boarding a train away from, and back to, home? Song lyrics have the power to tap into universal emotions while creating unique images and ideas in individual listener’s minds. The power of words arranged just right and set to music that sounds as though it were perfectly crafted to express ideas and images behind those words—this is what the craft of songwriting is about. In this class, we will explore the tools and craft of songwriting through a series of fun exercises that will lead toward creating our own songs. We’ll work together on songs that may be stuck between inspiration and completion. We’ll learn the importance of revision in lyric writing. We'll discuss techniques, strategies, the interrelationship of melody and lyric, and song forms and styles.

The class will operate in a workshop format with all class members bringing work for critique and advice to other participants. Previous songwriting experience is not necessary nor is the ability to play an instrument.

Required Text: Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison