Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops
Over 12 years and more than 130 events, Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops are a place to celebrate the creative spirit in all of us in a safe and nurturing environment. Founded by Lydia Hutchinson after folding Performing Songwriter magaine, these gatherings have grown into a community of kindreds and a family of friends. Led by some of the finest songwriters who are also extraordinary teachers, we’re all learning to tell our stories in a way that connects, using our unique writer’s voice.
Launched in 2014, Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops are designed to inspire creativity and provide an intimate setting for people to be mentored by highly-respected and influential songwriters who are also extraordinary teachers. People of all skill levels, ages and occupations come from around the world for three days in Nashville where they are gently helped to find their writer’s voice, zero in on the truth of what they’re trying to say, and tell their story in a way that is universal.
The award-winning artists and Hall of Fame songwriters who comprise the faculty are Mary Gauthier, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Gretchen Peters, Verlon Thompson, Jonatha Brooke, Suzy Bogguss, Emily Saliers, and Matt Rollings. Teaching facilitators include Songwriter Hall of Fame members and Grammy Winners Mike Reid, Allen Shamblin, Don Henry, Mark D. Sanders, Don Schlitz, Gordon Kennedy, and surprise guests have included Keb’ Mo’, Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, Christopher Cross, Rodney Crowell, John Hiatt, Amy Grant, Bryan Adams and many more. The common thread that runs throughout each teacher and guest is not only their dedication to the quality of their craft, but their openness and overwhelming kindness and generosity of spirit.
With very small classes of only 10-15 students, attendees find a tribe of like-minded souls in their classmates. These workshops are a life-changing experience, and it allows the students to return to their lives inspired, with their cups filled and creativity flowing.
In addition to the 3-day Nashville workshops, we also do week-long retreats at a villa in Tuscany, a casa in Mexico and a castle in Scotland.
“Lydia makes the magic happen. She not only anticipates and attends to all of the logistical and technical details; she puts herself in the place of the students and imagines what will make the experience life-changing for them. Teaching a workshop that’s conceived and organized this thoughtfully is a dream. It lets me dig deep into the art and craft of songwriting, and leave everything else at the door.”
Gretchen Peters
“With these workshops, Lydia has created a one-of-a-kind destination for people who are serious about creativity, and open to the give and take that can happen in a supportive and safe environment. She is intuitive about her students’ needs, and every single detail that might make a difference. She is a true partner, helping to create a coherent plan and taking care of the logistics and minutiae so I can focus on teaching. Best of all, I’ve gotten reacquainted with my own process by sharing it with others. It truly is a magical experience to witness the songs and stories and souls unfold.“
Jonatha Brooke
“Working with Lydia on the Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops has been fantastic. She is so creative and focused. Her comprehensive management of all the endless details involved in presenting a great workshop allows me to bring 100% of my energy into the teaching. She also has a real gift with cultivating community among those who’ve attended her workshops. I still check in with the groups I’ve taught months later. She makes the whole experience of teaching very relaxed and centered. I know she’s got everything covered!“
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t play an instrument?
You don’t need to worry about that at all—except for Suzy’s and Matt’s workshops, playing an instrument isn’t required. The focus in the writing workshops is on telling your story in a way that connects with listeners, and if an instrument is needed the teacher can always help out with that.
Are the classes for all levels?
The songwriting classes are for all levels of writers, whether you’ve only journaled, written poetry, or are someone who actually performs and has recorded your songs. It’s designed to be three days of inspiration from the teacher, legendary guests, or each other as you support the efforts and bravery of your classmates.
There are three classes—Suzy’s performance class at the Bluebird, Matt’s melody master class, and Jonatha’s studio workshop—for alums who’ve already been through other Performing Songwriter classes. These three are by invitation based on if you’re ready and able to perform your songs, are proficient on your instrument, and if you have songs finished and ready to record.
What’s involved in song feedback?
Each person will perform a work-in-progress song in front of the class as the teacher listens and finds a teachable moment that everyone can learn from so more songwriting tools can be added to the toolbox. Feedback is strictly from the teacher, though, and the class is just invited into it as listeners — this keeps it safe and on track. You’ll also have a private 15 minute 1-on-1 with the teacher where you can talk about anything you’d like or get feedback on something you’re working on.
What does a workshop day look like?
The actual schedule for the workshop will be sent to you when we’re one week out. But in general, the mornings are for input — lessons from the teachers, song breakdowns, prompt exercises, etc. Then a lunch break for a couple of hours when 1-on-1s are also scheduled. Afternoons consist of the song feedback sessions with the whole class and any guests we might have pop in. The days start around 9:30 and end at 6:00, except for the last evening which goes through dinner.