Songwriting can be an elusive process fraught with comparison, imposter syndrome and so many pitfalls of fear and self-doubt.
What it has the potential to be is an exhilarating experience of co-creating with the energies of life, a tool for deep self-acceptance and a vessel for experiencing our shared humanity. (among other things!)
Can anyone create songs?
If you have the desire to, yes!
Do I have to have a certain level of musical skill?
No! You need to be able to make a rhythm and sing a basic tune, and have something to express. Anything else is extra.
In my experience, the most important part of songwriting is your communication with yourself; this includes your willingness to pay attention, to listen to your inner promptings and to trust that your experience of life is worth expressing.
This takes a different kind of practice. It’s more about clearing the path to your river of song by seeing where you don’t allow yourself to follow a hunch, or give yourself space to fully experience a feeling, or where you don’t even give yourself permission to try.
THE FUN PART IS… having freedom to explore, experiment and take everything you experience down to the tiniest detail as fodder for creativity. You feeling ‘meh’ on a cloudy day is the perfect start of a song. So is enjoying a walk in nature, or looking closely at lichen on granite. I’ve even written a song about feeling blocked when writing a song!
The Journey
Weeks 1-2 Creating the Roadmap
We’ll dip our toes into the river and create a song together!
I’ll illuminate some of the different styles of songwriting for you to explore and see what yours is
You’ll do some independent research about your unique path to the river- what lights you up? What catches your attention? I’ll give some exercises of different styles you can try.
We’ll talk about your songwriting ‘vessel’ which is you- how to get into a creative state and back into flow when you feel doubtful or stuck. We’ll do some awareness and embodiment practices.
Weeks 3-4 Writing Your Song
We’ll use ideas you’ve gathered or songs you’ve started, talk about where to go next, following your inklings, writing a bit and engaging in constant conversation with the spirit of your song and what it wants to express.
We’ll look at what your gifts are and use this to guide your style and process.
We’ll goooo with the floooow and enjoy being taken down the river- and get stuck- and clear the debris- and flow again!
Weeks 5-6 Going Deeper
We’ll deepen the process and see where your song is connecting, with yourself and others.
We’ll look at how to use challenging experiences and discomfort as a guide, and songwriting as a tool for healing. You’ll have a chance to share your song or part of it with the group.
Weeks 7-8 Birthing Your Song
We’ll continue to hone your song into something you feel good about.
We’ll talk about sharing your song (or not) and how to birth it into the world.
We’ll have a final circle to welcome and celebrate the songs and you as a songwriter.
Songwriting Your Way (online)
£197.00
Thursdays February 5th - March 26th
2:00-3:30 GMT Via Zoom
*Be sure to include your email address and name in the notes with your payment.
Bank transfer is preferred if in the UK- email me for info
Once booked, you'll receive my Creativity Meditation to get started with and get the juices flowing!
