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
Emily Saliers
Gretchen Peters
Jonatha Brooke
Mary Gauthier
Matt Rolllings
Suzy Bogguss
Verlon Thompson
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.