Chautauqua Songwriting Workshop

Are you a songwriter or want to be one? Do you have songs you’ve written and want to develop further? Or are you a music enthusiast that wants to know more about creating music?

Join this two-day Songwriting Workshop from Monday, July 18-Tuesday, July 19 with songwriter/performer Jon Torrence and composer/performer Michael Shirtz as they explore the world of songwriting with a study on the elements of storytelling, lyrical and melodic development, expression and emotion, and creating various styles used in interpretation. Sessions include sharing songs, examining other’s work, studying foundational songwriters’ techniques, and masterclass performances and group writing sessions.

Ages 14+ are welcome to join the workshop regardless of music theory and performance level skills. Attendees are encouraged to use built-in creative time on Monday and Tuesday to work on their material and writing techniques.

REGISTRATION 

Cost to enroll in ALL sessions: 
– $60 per person includes participation in two days of workshops, masterclasses and special events.

Cost to enroll in individual sessions:
– $12 per session (see below)

Please note: admission to Lakeside and parking are not included in the registration fee. Purchase a Daily Chautauqua Pass and Auto Pass or 3-hour Partial Day Pass. A Daily Chautauqua Pass is valid the date of purchase until 7 p.m. the following day. 

Click Here to Register

Lodging & Meals are not included in workshop registration. Hotel arrangements can be made by attendees on their own. Hotel lodging at Hotel Lakeside and the Fountain Inn, both located within the Lakeside gates, includes continental breakfast. Lakeside has many restaurants to choose from for lunch and dining options.

SCHEDULE 

Monday, July 18
9:30-11:30 a.m. What Makes a Song
Individual Session: $12; admission to Lakeside and parking are not included in the individual session registration fee.
Explore some of the great songwriters, their lyrics and music, and how their storytelling has made an impact on their listeners. Session includes various genres from folk, rock, blues, jazz, Broadway and more.

1-3 p.m. Exploring Lyrics & Harmony
Individual Session: $12; admission to Lakeside and parking are not included in the individual session registration fee.
Participants will explore lyric writing and how text provides basic harmonic functions in writing music.

3-5 p.m. Songwriting Techniques
Individual Session: $12; admission to Lakeside and parking are not included in the individual session registration fee.
Discuss songwriting techniques and learn additional ways to express the emotional content and storylines through your music with focus on harmony and advancing your melodies. Sometimes a song doesn’t need words. The story can advance in its own way through melody, rhythm and harmony. Challenge yourself to look at writing music without the lyrics and defining the meaning for the tune through musical expression and basic composition techniques.                       

Tuesday, July 19:
9:30-11:30 a.m. Group Writing Masterclass I
Individual Session: $12; admission to Lakeside and parking are not included in the individual session registration fee.
Participants will present songs they have written or are developing for each other and receive critique, thoughts from their peers, and explore new techniques and ideas to incorporate into their writing. Participants participating in the masterclass are encouraged to enroll in both masterclass sessions – but it is not required.

2-4 p.m. Group Writing Masterclass II
Individual Session: $12; admission to Lakeside and parking are not included in the individual session registration fee.

WORKSHOP LEADERS

Jon Torrence
Jonathan Torrence is a Michigan-based singer-songwriter who writes music under the moniker the Native Heart. His early influences were jazz musicians and folk artists, so storytelling and feel have been at the forefront of his music from the beginning. After hearing artists like Jimi Hendrix, Damien Rice, Dave Matthews and John Mayer, he taught himself guitar as he delved into writing his own music. His music blends the worlds of soulful Pop, Americana, and Rock, all with a jazz influence. His belief in the importance of human connection is a main driver for his desire to share music and hopes that this resonates with whoever has a chance to listen.

Michael Shirtz
A performer, producer, composer, and conductor, Michael Shirtz (ASCAP) is known for his versatility with jazz, contemporary, and classical music, reaching out to audiences of multi-generations. Named a ‘songsmith’ for his vocal arrangements and song interpretation, Shirtz has worked as a performer and musical director with Maureen McGovern, Ellen Winters, Elisabeth von Trapp, among others, as well as leading vocal/song coaching for musical theater, commercial pop, college programs, and festival productions. Shirtz has written in the genres of jazz, singer-songwriter, and musical theater, including major works for chorus, orchestra, and narration.