Songwriting for the Soul with Terry Murphy

Join us for a fun and highly interactive program that provides guidance, helpful tips, constructive advice, and a methodology and framework to help you write various types of songs. It is for all levels of musical aptitude including those who sometimes get stuck writing songs or have always wanted to write songs but have never done so and is a perfect fit for poets who want to explore new ideas and approaches. Attendees will be introduced to a variety of “best practices” in the process of taking an original song idea and making it happen. Pre-writing techniques will be discussed, modeled, and demonstrated – and the mathematics and structure of songs will be covered in detail. Participants will complete several exercises along the way and apply what they learn to writing their own songs during the four sessions. The goal for each participant is to complete up to three original songs by the end of the program. As time permits, participants may volunteer to share their original songs with the group in the final session. Participants are welcome to bring their own instruments; guitars will be provided.

Please bring a song you are currently working on, or an idea for a song that has been germinating, and whatever tools you use to write your songs (notepads, laptops, etc.). Included with your registration are copies of the books Embrace Your Authentic Songwriter: How and Why to Write Your Own Tune by Beth Kille and The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. Both books will be referred to during the week. Refreshments and a concluding celebration on Thursday are also included.

Class dates: Class meets in person Monday – Thursday, May 12 – 15, 6 – 9 pm
Class size: Maximum participants: 10

Member discount: Members of Write On receive a 10% discount on all classes and workshops. To become a member, please click here. To receive the discount, members must log in to the website using their unique password and enter member10 in the promotion code box. The code is case sensitive.

Teaching Artist Terry Murphy, a resident of Door County, is a prolific singer-songwriter, recording artist and multi-instrumentalist who enjoys performing throughout Door County and Wisconsin, with eight studio productions of original compositions to his credit. As a lifelong educator, Terry has taught numerous classes on songwriting and has written “hundreds of songs.” www.terrymurphymusic.com.