Songsmithing

Overview: During this workshop, each participant will create a song in the style of a campfire sing-along that can be enjoyed by anyone. In addition, they will work in small groups to collaboratively compose a song based on prompts. The workshop will culminate in a concert, with Tim performing one set and the participants showcasing their songs in the other set, with Tim providing support as needed. This workshop is designed for individuals with beginning or intermediate songwriting and musical skills, and participants will receive a pre-workshop assignment to evaluate their capabilities.

Goals: The workshop will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to produce an accessible song that is suitable for group singing. Participants will learn about lyric writing and form, and will receive musical instruction based on their abilities. They will also develop their songwriting scope through the collaborative writing process, and work on their stage presence to enhance their performance.

Specifications: The workshop will be held in the late afternoon until dinner time, and after dinner, participants will reconvene to continue their classes. Students will receive individual and group assignments to complete. Participants may choose to perform their songs publicly at the end of the workshop, but it is not a mandatory component of the workshop.

Accommodations: The cost for the three-day workshop is $350 for workshop only, Workshop plus residency is $665. Each writer’s suite has a bedroom, private bathroom, separate writing space, and wireless internet. We provide a European-style gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for other meals.  Additional nights are available on request.