Creative Workshop Teaching Faculty

Performing Songwriter’s teachers are all extraordinary award-winning writers who are kind, patient, cheerleaders, and gifted teachers. Each one is endlessly inspiring, will help you tell your story in a way that resonates with listeners, and will change the way you approach your writing.

Beth Nielsen Chapman

Beth is member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, and a two-time Grammy Award and an ACM Award nominee. She won the CMA Song of the Year Award for writing Faith Hill's "This Kiss," and had songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, Neil Diamond, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Trisha Yearwood and dozens more. Beth teaches classes on Creative Flow in Songwriting and Vocal Presence.

Emily Saliers

Emily is a member of Indigo Girls, a multi-instrumentalist, and an award-winning songwriter who has written for film and TV. Her song "Closer to Fine" had a resurgence after appearing in the movie "Barbie," and she's written the music for "Starstuck," a theater project debuting in 2026. She teaches a 3-day class on Using Metaphor in Songwriting for alumni of Performing Songwriter Workshops.

Gretchen Peters

Gretchen is a member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, and winner of the CMA Song of the Year and the ACM Poet's Award. She's had songs recorded by dozens of artists including Bryan Adams ("When You Love Someone"), Martina McBride ("Independence Day") and Trisha Yearwood ("On A Bus to St. Cloud"). Gretchen teaches a class on Songwriting from the Inside Out.

Jonatha Brooke

Jonatha was a member of the Boston-based duo "The Story" in the late 80s before launching her solo career and founding her independent record label. She has written for film and TV, wrote and starred in "My Mother Has Four Noses" off-Broadway, and is currently touring and working on several musical theater projects. Jonatha teaches a class on songwriting as well as a recording studio workshop.

Mary Gauthier

Mary is a Grammy-nominated and Americana Award-winning songwriter and troubadour with 11 albums, as well as the author of an acclaimed book, "Saved By A Song." Her songs have been recorded by artists including Jimmy Buffett, Bettye Lavette, and Blake Shelton and appeared in film and TV including HBO's "Yellowstone." Mary teaches a class on Manifesting Creative Courage in Songwriting.

Matt Rolllings

Matt is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning producer, pianist, and songwriter. He has appeared on 100s of records, toured with artists such as Lyle Lovett and Mark Knopfler, and produced albums by Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Matt teaches a master class on Melody and Harmony in songwriting for alumni of Peforming Songwriter Workshops.

Suzy Bogguss

Suzy has had six Top 10 hits, with one platinum and three gold-certified albums, including her breakthrough platinum album, "Aces." She the recipient of ACM's Top New Female Vocalist award and the CMA's Horizon Award, and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2026. Suzy teaches a 3-day workshop on performance.

Verlon Thompson

Verlon has been a professional songwriter, guitarist and traveling troubadour for over 40 years. He was the trusty sidekick for the legendary Guy Clark for 27 years, and has had songs cut by artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Trisha Yearwood. Verlon teaches a 3-day class on the Presentation of Your Song.

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.