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Saturday / Sunday, September
23/24 |
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I have quite a number of
songwriters contact me each year, some send me their CDs or
tapes, others just want to get in touch or ask me about my
methods of writing and crafting songs. Over the years I've
hosted songwriting seminars in a number of cities and now
I've decided to host a full weekend event specifically for
songwriters this September 23 and 24 in Seattle. Everyone is
invited; beginning songwriter, aspiring, intermediate or
professional. My intent is to help you to free up your
creative process and hone your crafting skills so that, at
whatever level you are at now, you will leave here writing
better songs and feeling more satisfied with your creative
process. |
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At this songwriter's workshop I'll
share my own creative processes and play several of my
songs, including some currently in progress. I'll even start
from scratch and share how I get started with nearly every
song I write. We'll also explore your creative process and
share ideas with each other throughout.
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We'll focus on: |
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The
creative flow of melody
allowing
unique and fluid melodies to flow through you,
making your music more alive and interesting,
something that people will want to hear again
and again. |
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Chord
progressions and rhythms and tunings
I'm
unschooled in music theory - as are most
songwriters I know - but that has never stopped
me from finding and creating unusual chords and
movements that spark melodies and emotions in my
music. |
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Colorful,
creative lyrics
the
process of allowing thoughts and stories and
personal expression to flow unselfconsciously
onto the page and into the verses and choruses
of your songs is critical to good song writing.
Very few artists are consistently great lyric
writers. It's hard work to get something you
feel or imagine or believe in to work in song
form, to rhyme and fit meter and tempo, but
we're going to explore methods that will free
you up and allow you to write literate songs,
clever pop songs and meaningful ballads. |
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Song
form and how to actually finish a song
ways
to whittle down the fat or insert a solid
element into your song that gives it strength
and shape and power. I'm going to help you gain
the momentum to finish some of the songs you've
probably started but lost the energy or focus to
complete. |
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Ways
to use other artist's music for inspiration
without
copying. Every artist starts out this way, and
many stay fresh and interesting by listening and
borrowing ideas from others. As you grow into
your own expression, you will find that your
influences automatically transmute to your own
style and voice and unique expression.
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This event will take place over two
days; one full day on Saturday, one shorter day on Sunday.
There will be a lunch break on Saturday and time built into
both days for group and individual discussion, song sharing
and friendly visiting. You may bring instruments or come
without. In fact, you don't need to play a thing. Some great
songs have been written by folks who don't play any
instrument.
My goal is for this to be an uplifting, inspiring way to
improve and expand your abilities and satisfaction as a
songwriter. I have no idea how many folks to expect. You may
be one of five folks or twenty. Either way, I have a feeling
we will spend a fun, creative weekend. I look forward to
meeting you and sharing songs. ~ MT |
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Dates:
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Saturday, Sep. 23, 2006 (10am - 6pm)
~and~
Sunday, Sep. 24 (10am - 3pm) |
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Location:
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Seattle, WA (event address to
be announced) |
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Tickets:
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$250 per person for full
weekend (no refunds, please)
• available
Online
with Visa/MC
• by
Mail
using check
or credit card |
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If
ordering by mail, please
email first to assure
your place in the
workshop.
If you have questions,
feel free to
email me |
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