Songwriting From The Heart

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Hello Folks,

Just a few words about my songwriter/creativity workshop 'Songwriting from the Heart', October 17 - 22, 2010 at the Esalen Institute (near Big Sur). Starts just after supper Sunday Oct 17th, and runs thru lunch Friday Oct 22, 2010. Please visit their website at http://www.esalen.org for more info.

After viewing the grounds, prices, and info about Esalen, search Johnsmith (all one word) 'Songwriting from the Heart' workshop for more details. All levels of songwriters are welcome from beginners to advanced. No worries if you do not play an instrument, bring your voice.

We meet two hours each morning, approx 10-noon, 2-4pm, and 8-10pm. The first day we delve into the inspiration aspect of writing. Getting ideas, writing exercises etc. The second day we spend more on the nuts and bolts of writing verses, choruses, bridges, etc, groove, melody,.and such. We will be sharing our exercise assignments and critique thoughts on what works and what might be improved. Wednesday we will spend most of the day discussing co-writing and break up into pairs and have a go at it.

Esalen Songwriting Workshop Ocean View

Songwriting at Esalon - The Hot tubs

 

 Thursday we will be focusing on performance skills. Now that you have a song or a few to share, what skills can we get to assure our songs are connecting to the audience and to ourselves. After taking turns practicing the new skills we will actually give a small group concert to those from other Esalen workshops who wish to attend. Also at nights we often share music in the cafeteria or around the open fire place outside. We also do some dancing, chanting, body movement, and breath work.

Mostly, myself and assistant Julie Baker do our best to create very safe, nurturing, fun, space and hold that space for the five days. Many great songs have come from my past four years of leading at Esalen. The group bonding has been a powerful teary eyed experience each year. See the testimonials below.

Esalen offers so much, gorgeous cliffside views of the blue Pacific, stunning flower and vegetable gardens, meditation rooms, free yoga and body movement each morning, delicious home-cooked meals, and to die for hot tubs under the stars looking out over the sea, and many types of massage to choose from. Just the Esalen place itself is worth the price of admission.

Songwriting at Esalen, Nov 08

Any folks you can share this with would be most helpful. Last year I had 18 folks and my goal is to get 20. Cost is from $550 up. The basics are sleeping bag spaces for about 3 folks who share a bathroom and kitchen space. Then for more money you can get a single room, or double etc. All meals included. Exact pricing at http://www.esalen.org.

If you have ever considered gifting yourself 5 days of inspiration and beauty, this is your chance. Hope to see you there.

John