Songwriting Workshop with Adrianne Lenker (of Big Thief)

In Adrianne Lenker's songwriting workshop, we will begin with the understanding that songs emerge from an ever-mysterious source within us – our subconscious, our inner child, magic, the universe. Our primary task as songwriters is to ensure this source remains unblocked and unhindered. This workshop will cover how Adrianne navigates this unblocking process throughout all facets of life to get back to the place where songs come from.

Building upon this open foundation, we delve into song craft, touching on key elements of Adrianne’s approach. A sampling of topics that we'll cover includes:

• how open tunings can transform the guitar into a landscape of drones and bass lines, welcoming resonant melodies to emerge
• how various guitar techniques (e.g. strummed cowboy chords, fingerpicking) affect the expression of the songwriter's identity
• we'll examine the process of drawing from personal experiences to create lyrics that balance the specific with the universal
• we will learn to write lyrics that highlight the beauty and magic often overlooked in our daily existence, revealing the depth that lies beneath the veneer of the mundane.

We'll touch on all of these and much more over the course of the month. Additionally, you will leave the course with 4 new original songs of your own, and with new connections to fellow songwriters all over the world.

Sign up now! Deadline is Saturday, January 6 at 11:59pm (PT).

Here's how it works:

• Workshop is taught via Zoom Webinars on the following dates:
  • Lectures: January 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
  • Q&As: January 11th, 18th and 25th
  • Song-shares: January 13th, 20th and 27th
• There are 2 options for lecture times: 11a-12p and 6p-7p PT. Q&A is at 6p PT. Song-share options are 11a, 3p and 6p PT.
• If you can't make the live class, you can still participate by watching the recordings of lecture (sent out after class).

Sign up with a friend to receive a 20% discount by clicking here. Note: there are no refunds on discounted orders.

If you'd like to gift this workshop to someone, do not purchase this product; get this gift card instead <3

Note for returning SOS students: the lectures and Q&As for this workshop will be hosted on Zoom Webinars rather than Zoom Meetings. The only difference between the two is that students will not be shown on screen unless they are selected to answer a question. The song-shares will be meetings (as usual).

FAQ:

Q: Is there a limit on class size?

A: There is no enrollment cap, and we anticipate that this class will be large. However, due to the nature of the song-shares in breakout rooms, your experience will still be quite participatory. As noted above, due to the class size, the lecture and Q&A components of this workshop will be hosted via Zoom Webinars.

Q: What musical experience should I have?

A: People across all musical levels will be able to gain something from the course. However, it will be helpful to be comfortable playing a few basic chords on any instrument of your choice.

Q: What if I’ve never written a song before? Can I still participate in this workshop?

A: Yes! As with any new skill, just starting is usually the hardest part. This workshop will provide the structure and accountability we all need to get started and follow through, for beginners and old guard writers alike.

Q: Will Adrianne give me feedback on my songs?

A: Due to the class size, Adrianne will not be giving feedback on student submissions.

Q: I can't make the lecture times for some (or all) of the classes. Can I still participate?

A: Yes! We send out the recordings of lecture and Q+As at the end of each class day, so you can watch them on your own time.

If after the first class you feel the course is not a good fit for any reason, you are welcome to a refund on the rest of the course classes. We are unable to process refunds after the second class.

Questions? Email us at hi@schoolofsong.org.