Songwriting Workshop

A weekend songwriting intensive with Jonathan Byrd and Jess Klein. Saturday 2/11, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Sunday 2/12, 1:00 - 4:00PM.

Ages 18+

$375

Students will start in the morning with fun writing exercises designed to get us thinking differently. With the teacher’s help, students will find a subject to write about during the workshop. Each teacher will demonstrate song essentials such as melody, story, and structure. Throughout the day, each student will have one-on-one time with an instructor to help develop their song, and plenty of time to work on their song alone. In the evening, we will all come together and share what we’ve done with the group. Everyone will have a chance to give critique and feedback, and these shared perspectives will help the students develop a plan to complete their song- and write more!- after the workshop is over.

Students should come with whatever they need to write songs. If they play an instrument, they should have one. Everyone is encouraged to have a notebook and pen, even if they tend to write on a device such as a laptop.

All skill levels welcomed. Absolutely no experience is necessary. We meet everyone at their level.

Schedule

SATURDAY

10:00 AM-Noon : writing exercises and instruction

Noon -1:00 PM : lunch break

1:00 -5:00 PM : one-on-one instruction and free writing time

5:00 PM : end of day one

SUNDAY

1:00 - 4:00 PM : "song salon," sharing our work and getting feedback from the group (bring copies of your song lyrics to share with the group)

Note: Financial support is available for this class.

Refunds are available up to 14 days prior to the class.

Traveling from out of town? The Colonial Inn, a historic and charming inn located in Downtown Hillsborough very close to the Eno Arts Mill, is offering a $50 discount per night for class attendees! A passcode is required - please email kmurray@orangecountync.gov for more information!

About the Artist: Jonathan Byrd

"For over twenty years, I’ve made my living writing, recording, publishing, and licensing my own songs. I’ve won awards- my personal favorite being the Kerrville New Folk award in 2003 with fellow winners Anais Mitchell, writer of the multiple Tony Awards® winning “Hadestown”, and Colin Brooks of the Band of Heathens- and I’ve been covered by great artists like Sam Bush, Larry Keel, and Red Molly.

I still just want to write the next great song. I want to be knocked over by songs, talk about songs, take them apart, rewrite them and figure out how they work. That’s why I love teaching- because I learn so much.

Anyone can write songs. The desire to do it IS the talent. If you want to write songs, I can teach you how. "

Visit Jonathan's website for more information!

About the Artist: Jess Klein

Over two decades and 11 albums, Jess Klein—who possesses what MOJO calls “one of those voices you want to crawl up close to the speakers to listen to” has pursued a remarkable creative evolution that’s seen her dig ever deeper for resonant emotional insights, while continuing to refine her eloquently melodic, effortlessly accessible song-craft. Jon Pareles of The New York Times calls her “a songwriter with a voice of unblinking tenacity…who finds parables in the everyday and also finds humanity behind the archetypal.” Audiences can expect songs of personal healing, growth and change.

Visit Jess' website to learn more!