Heart of the Song: A Beginner’s Journey into Songwriting
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Johnsmith & Julie Baker April 15-20, 2012 Come take your seat alongside other fledgling songwriters as we explore the technical nuts and bolts of songwriting. Learn to cultivate your unique songwriting voice through writing exercises, song assignments, group performances, co-writing, and constructive feedback, all in a safe, supportive, fun workshop climate. Learn the tools of the craft: lyric writing, melody, rhythm, rhyming, and tapping inspiration. We will support you in calling up your inner muse, and discovering and expanding your boundaries and edges around the songwriting process.
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This workshop is for anyone who has longed to write songs and is searching for their true musical voice, as well as those who have written songs and are looking for a nudge to make their songwriting more productive. Playing a musical instrument is not required, but if you have one bring it. Dress casually; we will do some dancing and moving. Bring an open heart and a curious mind. There are also evening jams and the possibility of performing the songs we write. | |
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My co-leader, Julie Baker, and I do our best to create a very safe, nurturing, fun space and hold that space for the five days. Many great songs have come from my past eight years of leading at Esalen. The group bonding has been a powerful, teary-eyed experience each year. See the testimonials to the left. 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. |
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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. For more information, visit http://webapp.esalen.org/workshops/10740 Hope to see you there. John |
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Oct 21-26 2012 For intermediate and advanced songwriters
Songs of the Heart: A Songwriter’s Inspiration and Craft
Take your seat in a circle of songwriters and join us as we delve into the emotional heart of our personal story, and translate those experiences into song. Learn to cultivate your own unique songwriting voice through writing exercises, song assignments, group performances, co-writing, and constructive feedback. Explore the tools of the craft: verse, chorus, and bridge, melody, rhythm, and rhyming.
Break open your emotional heart, and learn how to tap the wellspring of all songs. Come roll up your sleeves, do the work, and bust through old limits bringing forth the deep elusive songs of your life. This workshop is for individuals who have had some experience in songwriting and are working on refining their musical voice. It is not required to play a musical instrument, but if you have one, bring it. There are also evening jams and the possibility of performing the songs we write.