Finding Your Writer’s Voice With MARY GAUTHIER

January 18-21, 2023 • Nashville, TN

Limited to only 15 Students

This workshop has been filled.

Email Lydia if you’d like to be added to the cancellation list.

EVERYONE has a story to tell, and a unique voice with which to tell it. The trick is to uncover your own unique voice in order to tell that story with a truth that connects in an original way.

In this 3-day workshop at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, TN, Mary will work with a small group of 15 students of all levels to help them clarify the aim of their writing and discover their own, unique voice.

We will kick things off on Wednesday night January 18 at 6:30 with a dinner at a Nashville home with a cajun meal that Mary has cooked. Then each morning Mary will begin the class with an inspiring conversation that will give you new tools to put in your songwriting toolbox. We’ll have some fun prompts and writing exercises, and after that we’ll get down to the business of writing and working on your songs. You’ll be able to share whatever you’re working on—even if it’s just lyrics—as Mary offers feedback that the whole class can learn from. Mary will suggest how to make a song stronger, find the melody to support it, and how to get to your truth and unique voice.

In addition to the intensive days of songwriting, you’ll enjoy:

A private one-on-one meeting with Mary
A chance to get feedback on your songs from Mary
Special surprise guests and music
Wednesday night opening dinner at a Nashville home with a cajun meal cooked by Mary
A closing night dinner together at a Nashville restaurant
…and more!

After this time of of immersing yourself in the creative world of songwriting with like-minded souls, you will leave with a new community of friends, a support system, a songwriting toolbox filled with tools, and a strong sense of your writer’s voice that will let you turn your songs into shining reflections of your own soul.

Workshop Information

Email Lydia if you have any question.

LIMIT: 15 Students

LEVEL: For all ages and levels, from beginning to experienced songwriter, whether you play an instrument or not.

COST: $1,395 per student. This includes an opening night dinner with Mary to meet each other at a Nashville home from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening January18, three days of workshops (Thursday/Friday/Saturday) with surprise guests, a one-on-one meeting with Mary, a closing dinner together, and more. (breakfast and lunches can be found at restaurants in walking distance of Scarritt Bennett campus.)

TRAVEL: You’ll want to arrive in Nashville by late afternoon on Wednesday January 18 so you can join us around 6:30 p.m. for our opening night dinner. And you’ll be busy through the late evening of Saturday January 21, so plan on leaving on Sun. January 22 (or stay longer to enjoy more of Nashville!). Also, we often get asked if family members or friends who are traveling with workshop attendees can join us for dinners or evening events, but since group dynamics and spending time getting to know each other is a large part of this event, all of the activities are kept exclusively for the 15 registrants.

TEACHERS: In addition to Mary Gauthier, there will be a surprise guests joining us …

LODGING: The most convenient and economical option is staying on campus at Scarritt Bennett where rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These are very basic, single rooms that share a bathroom with the adjoining room and can be booked through Urban Vacation Rentals or by calling them at 615-669-1293. If you’d rather stay at a hotel, these are within walking distance to Scarritt Bennett Campus: Embassy Suites, Best Western Music Row, Hilton Home2 Suites, and Hampton Inn. And there are plenty of Air BnB’s around the area of Music Row/Vanderbilt/Belmont.

REFUND POLICY: REFUND POLICY: YOUR DEPOSIT OF $395 IS NON-REFUNDABLE and will secure one of the 15 spots. You’ll be invoiced for the remaining $1000 on Nov. 15, 2022 that will be due no later than Dec. 1 to keep your spot and not lose your deposit. If you are fully paid and cancel by Dec. 15, 2022 you’ll be refunded $1000. After Dec. 15, 2022 there is no guaranteed refund unless we fill the spot (we will have a cancellation list). If the spot is filled by Jan. 1, 2023 then you’ll still receive your $1000 refund. If you cancel after Jan. 1, 2023 there are no refunds.

This workshop has been filled.

Email Lydia if you’d like to be added to the cancellation list.

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Testimonials

Having already taken two Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops, I can whole heartedly recommend the experience. Lydia is amazing. In addition to being a really wonderful person, she is a fantastic organizer who is totally focused on creating a workshop that is both supportive and very valuable to all the participants.

Ellen Gennaro
Nashville, TN

I registered for this workshop hoping for a creative spark and left with a wide burning flame, the experience exceeded my expectations.

Lynda Dawson
Raleigh, NC

Plain and simple, Lydia knows what she’s doing, and she does it well. Best workshops EVER.

Lynn Newman
Redding, CA

Lydia is tremendously motivated and spectacularly learned in her presentation of incredibly successful artists. This is what Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops are all about. Lydia has been active for decades in the marvelous world of musicians, helping their voices be heard and recognizing those who have been fortunate enough, through ability, hard work, perseverance and luck, to make a living doing what they love. Lydia invites these artists and aspiring song writers for an interactive four day workshop that leaves all happily exhausted for the good work accomplished and unforgettable times together.

Richard Weil
Takoma Park, MC

If you need to learn how to transfer what you see, and hear, and imagine, from your brain to whatever your medium of creativity is, Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops are for you. While the emphasis of the workshop I attended was on “songwriting,” the teaching and inspiration I received was applicable to virtually any outlet of creativity. Lydia is one of the most fun and “welcoming” people you will ever meet and her event planning skills are unmatched! From the online registration to the very end of the workshop I felt like I was in good hands.

Matt Steinhauer
Hendersonville, TN

I’ve been writing songs for 4 decades and have recorded 7 albums. This workshop advanced my writing skills and focus more than I could have imagined. I’ve been inspired and more productive, and can see the difference in the quality and enjoyment of my songwriting!

John Mulder
Spring Lake, MI

The workshop was FABULOUS!! Not once did Lydia Hutchinson ever let the ball drop! Everything ran like clockwork: she was always there, ready to help or clarify something. She thought of everything! And she made each of us feel important. I cannot thank her enough for all she did to make this experience one I will never forget.

Carol Lyman
Port Pleasant, PA

As a life and executive coach, I’ve attended dozens of seminars and programs. This is HANDS DOWN the most inspiring workshop of all! Lydia’s attention to every detail, coupled with her caring and creativity, and her respect for the best teachers in the business make this a gem of a program you should not miss.

Debbie Phillips
Martha's Vineyard, MA