Songwriters Workshop May 29th 2010

**Cet atelier est présenté en Anglais**

The Songwriters Association of Canada in partnership with Music/Musique NB are proud to present the S.A.C. Songwriting Workshop during the weekend of Music New Brunswick's Annual General Meeting.

**On-line Application Available via http://www.musicnb.org as of May 7th**

Songwriting Workshop With John Capek

A workshop for both up and coming and experienced song writers, this will be a 3 hour session dealing with writing techniques and hands on learning. The participants will be invited to present one of their songs, live or recorded, for critique and commentary. There are places for 15 participants and all who are interested must register via the Music NB website.

WHEN: May 29th 2010
WHERE: Trimedia Atlantic in the main studio.
TIME: 1 pm to 4:30 pm
COST: 25$, 15$ for Music NB members

MUSIC, THE OTHER HALF OF A SONG

As songwriters, our aim is to communicate our song stories effectively.
In an ideal world, that perfect communication could involve the sale or millions of copies of our songs. These are songs that display our finely tuned song craft, songs that we have created that communicate our intent effectively, and songs that do not destroy our artistic integrity.

When we develop our songs, the first place we go to on the keyboard or the guitar may not be the best. Habits develop and perceived limitations of our skills become obstacles.

As developing songwriters, we get comfortable with familiar chords and musical tones. The risk of experimentation seems overwhelming.

However, the musical score that accompanies a lyric, has infinite possibilities. With our music, we can turn our singer into a fool, a comedian, an ax murderer or a lover, all with the same lyrical content. It is the music that gives our protagonist their setting, their clothes and their character.

In fact music is said to be one of the most powerful means of communication that we have.

With this workshop we will  learn how to embrace this amazing power and incorporate it into our songs. We will overcome perceived limitations and learn how to explore new ground, take creative risks that result in better songs.

The workshop will be divided into modules :

1. THE POWER OF MUSIC :
An interactive presentation and discussion with descriptions and examples of how very simple concepts can influence the power of our songs.

2. TOOLS :
An interactive prsentation and discussion with descriptions and examples of basic tools that can change the character of our songs.
These include

a). A discussion about the unfolding of musical drama with effective use of the beginning, middle and end concept.

b). Harmony....the all important underlay of all music. Harmony has deep impact on our emotions. The way in which we utilize harmony in our songs can have a dramatic effect on the listener.  Here we will discuss the use of different tonalities and modes including the fundamentals of major and minor chording and the use of drones

c) Tempo and its power

d) Melody and how to make one

3.ON THE SPOT SONGWRITING COLLABORATION.

A guided songwriting collaboration exercise with all participants working together on a song sketch.

John

www.johncapek.com
www.myspace.com/johncapekmusic