EMILY SALIERS
Using Imagery to Connect
March 10-13, 2027
Scarritt Bennett Center & The Filming Station • Nashville, TN
Limited to 12 Alumni of Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops
This workshop has been filled.
Email Lydia@performingsongwriter.com if you’d like to be added to the waiting list.
One of the most powerful ways for a song to resonate is to “show” the listener instead of telling them. To find rich imagery that is at the same time unique and universal, making words come alive with emotion.
In this three-day workshop, Emily Saliers will work with a very small group of 12 Performing Songwriter workshop alums to find those compelling images and descriptions that will help your songs connect in a more visceral way. We’ll look at using a character’s point of view; incorporating images; ways to include dialog; and finding the tiny but telling details. She will break down the processes she’s used in her own songs, and study examples of other songwriters and poets who have influenced her. Plus developing harmonies, tools for the toolbox and fun exercises to get your creativity flowing.
This event is exclusively for alumni of Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops. In addition to our first two days at the beautiful Scarritt Bennett Center, you’ll enjoy the third day’s class at Verlon Thompson’s event venue The Filming Station, as well as a surprise guest or two of Emily’s who will join us and inspire you!
Emily is an incredible teacher. She takes her own craft so seriously, yet clearly loves the process of songwriting, and was excited to delve into that creative process with us. Her workshop was brimming with ideas, tools and inspiration for songwriting, arranging and singing. She listened intently and carefully to all of our songs, and gave feedback that was thoughtful and constructive. I got so much from the workshop, and have been writing and trying out new ideas and arrangements ever since! The opportunity to learn from such a prolific and amazing songwriter was truly out of this world!
Register
Cost
THE COST is $1,795 per student, with a $795 deposit upon registration.
This includes an opening night dinner with Emily to meet each other at a Nashville home from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening March 10, three days of workshops (Thursday/Friday/Saturday) with surprise guests, a one-on-one meeting with Emily, a boxed lunch at The Filming Station on Saturday, a closing pizza dinner together, and more. (Breakfast and lunches can be found at restaurants in walking distance of Scarritt Bennett campus.)
Attendees
THIS WORKSHOP is limited to just 12 alumni of previous Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops.
It’s a small class and supportive group of all levels and ages, and each person will not only learn from Emily’s lessons, but also by listening to the song feedback that each of your classmates will have.
Lodging
FOR LODGING, Scarritt Bennett has rooms available on the campus on a first-come, first-served basis. More information can be found at Scarritt Bennett Lodging or by calling 615-340-7469. If you’d rather stay at a hotel, these are a few that are close to Ocean Way and there are plenty of Air BnB’s around the area of Music Row/Vanderbilt/Belmont.
Refund Policy
YOUR DEPOSIT OF $795 ($495 OF IT IS NON-REFUNDABLE) will secure one of the 12 spots. You’ll be invoiced for the remaining $1000 on January 1, 2027 that will be due no later than January 15 to keep your spot and not lose your deposit. If you are fully paid and cancel by February 1, 2027 you’ll be refunded $1300. After February 1 there is no guaranteed refund unless we fill the spot (we will have a cancellation list). If the spot is filled by March 1, 2027 then you’ll still receive your $1300 refund. If you cancel after March 1, 2027 there are no refunds.
Emily Saliers Songwriting Workshop
March 10-13, 2027
This workshop has been filled. Email Lydia@performingsongwriter.com if you'd like to be added to the cancellation list.
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.