A New Format For SCALA Songwriting Workshops

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Songwriting association SCALA (Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association) have been running something called the “Join Us” songwriting sessions since March 2004 in which I’ve had the pleasure of hosting a few times.

Essentially, a guest speaker would take the first hour on a specific topic and the second hour would be an informal songwriters circle.

For 2009 there is going to be a change in format for the “Join Us” sessions. The change of format will go like this… (taken from the SCALA group email)

SCALA’s “Join Us” Songwriters Workshops kick off for 2009 on Tuesday April 21 at The Joiners Arms.

The two-hour sessions, starting at 7.30pm, will run in a slightly different format this year.

The first hour will feature some in-depth discussion around two or three pre-selected songs, each of which will be performed on the night by the songwriter. The songwriter should be able to introduce their song in terms of its motivation, as well as its lyrical and chordal structure.

If the songwriter is seeking further assistance with the song, they will explain what they are looking for from the discussion eg appropriate chords/melody for a missing bridge, improving the contrast between verse and chorus, suggestions for lyrics. The work must be significant in terms of its level of completion.

Artists wishing to present a song need to register their interest in doing so with the evening’s organiser before the start of the session, preferably by email in the period between “Join Us” sessions. Each song is to be presented and discussed by the evening’s group for about 20 minutes. This is a great opportunity for all concerned to really get involved in the craft of songwriting.

The second hour will take the form of a “Songwriters’ Circle”, where each person who is willing presents a song for immediate comment before moving on to the next person in the group. This can either be a completed song or a work in progress needing some assistance.

This will allow all attendees to showcase a song in a supportive environment and get some constructive feedback.

Performers wishing to perform a song and have it discussed in the first hour on April 21 need to contact David Robinson (joinus@bleakumbrella.com) as soon as possible. Selected songwriters will be notified and confirmed in the week before the session.

So if you’re a songwriter living in Adelaide and you’re wanting some feedback on your songs then come along to the revamped SCALA “Join Us” Songwriting Workshops. The first one is starting on Tuesday April 21st at The Joiners Arms Hotel (9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh).

I’ll be there

Until next time, happy writing

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician

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