In this songwriting camp, I hope to cultivate creative expression, curiosity, confidence and playfulness in my learners. I believe music is within us all. Songwriting can be a healthy, creative outlet for all. We will be meeting together for two 45 minute sessions and each student will explore what it means to express themselves through writing songs. I have been a singer/songwriter for over 15 years and I'm excited to share my techniques of self expression with my students! Your learner should come to class with a notebook, pencil and coloring utensils, and a piano (physical or online). 
Day 1:
-Welcome and Icebreaker (tell the group what is your relationship to music and songwriting)
-Basics of songwriting
-Lyrics
-Rhythm (already innate in our bodies and in language)
-Emotion
-Myths about songwriting and realizing how much you already know (most people have listened to many songs and know what they like and what they don't like. That's the first step, being able to make a choice of preference.)
-Brainstorm session, draw and design brainstorming tree (bring blank paper and coloring supplies), come up with and write out phrases on note cards (or blank paper) as potentials to use in our song (save for next class)

Day 2
-Seven Notes 
-Melody (they go up, they go down, and they zigzag)
-Trying out different chord progressions and corresponding emotions
-Write a chorus and put it to melody and music (write down note next to words)
-Write verses and bridge to add variation to the song and power behind the message
-Finalize song lyrics and chords
-Share song together!

At home work (optional):
-Draw/paint a picture that could be our album cover 
-Share album cover art work and tell the group any special meanings in the art or how you were feeling when you made it
-Share if you plan to continue writing songs after camp and how you're going to do it :)

Your student will need: a notebook ( or loose paper or note cards), pen and/or pencil, something to color with like markers, crayons or colored pencils, and a physical or online piano.  

If you would like to receive a certificate of completion of this songwriting camp, message me and I will send your learner a certificate at the end of camp!