Songwriting for Beginners (Focused on Lyrics)

- Students will learn how to turn situations and thoughts from their own lives into music
- Students will learn the importance of creative writing/journaling for songwriters
- Students will learn about creating routines around their writing practice in order to become great songwriters
- Students will learn how songwriters merge lyrics with a melody using awareness of syllables

I have written and recorded 5 albums as a professional singer-songwriter. I'm working on an album right now and writing songs constantly.

Because I love working with kids, my teaching experience (both formal and informal) is quite extensive. I have worked with ages 3-18, whether through my ten-plus years as a guitar instructor or my ten years in public education. I have formally and informally studied creativity, whether in my master's degree or the numerous nonfiction books I read about it. In addition, I have extensive experience working with Davidson Young Scholars in the profoundly gifted population (many of them love composing!) and with learners who identify as twice-exceptional.

CERTIFICATIONS
Department of Education, PK-12 Talented and Gifted 						      

EDUCATION
Masters of Arts in Teaching 
     Morningside College, Sioux City, IA	

Homework in this class will be optional. For example, students will be encouraged to make a list of songs/melodies they would like to write new lyrics for in order to practice writing with an awareness of syllables. Students will also be encouraged to keep a daily journal.

Informal assessment will be used throughout the songwriting instruction. Adjustments will be made based on the student's needs. These adjustments include decisions around goal-setting, advice offered, and optional next steps. Most of all, I hope students feel comfortable and encouraged as songwriters.

30 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.