'The course really helped break my writer's block!'
– B. Carvill

'I learned so much about the structure of songs and the business of songwriting.'
– P. Emmet

'An excellent teacher with so much to give.'
– J. Lynch

'A great educational experience and very friendly atmosphere.'
– T. Cronin

How is a song written? What is a hook? What makes rhyme? Which comes first – melody or lyrics? In this 3-day, 9-hour workshop, acclaimed singer-songwriter Melanie O'Reilly answers these frequently asked questions and many more. Step by step, she will take you through the entire songwriting process, integrating the craft's many skills into a seamless artistic whole. You will learn how to structure a song; put together lyrics, melody and rhythm; and transform your inspirational ideas into finished songs.

We’ll not only work on our own songs but also examine some classic songs (in several genres) in terms of their musical and lyrical craft. Other topics covered include Choosing the Right Title, Song Forms, Finding the Hook and some Business Basics (publishing, copyright, demos, royalties).

No matter what your level of experience or area of interest (lyrics only, musician or singer-songwriter), The Art & Craft of Songwriting is a creative, participatory and fun workshop not to be missed! Students are encouraged to bring their instrument (if you have one!), as well as pencil and notebook, and to perform their own song compositions for the final class.

In addition to this summer workshop, the New School also offers a Songwriting Workshop during the regular school year (September-June). See Songwriting Workshop for more information.

Summer 2012 Schedule & Fee

To be confirmed.

Melanie O'Reilly, Teacher

Melanie is an internationally-known singer-songwriter and music educator from Ireland, currently based in California. She holds an Arts degree from University College Dublin and studied theatre at the Brendan Smith Academy, also in Dublin. She is accredited by both the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Goldsmiths College in London. Melanie’s own songs have been published on six albums and eight compilations, her music has been featured on PBS Frontline's documentary An Uneasy Peace (directed by Niall McKay), and she has won numerous awards from the Arts Council of Ireland. She was lauded by Downbeat magazine as one of Ireland's foremost jazz ambassadors and is a regular performer on radio and TV. Her own radio show, Jazz on the Bay, which she created and hosts on RTÉ Radio 1, won the 2008-09 PPI Radio Award (Ireland) for ‘Music Program of the Year’ (specialist category), and she recently hosted a six-part music series for National Public Radio in the US. Melanie teaches songwriting courses regularly at various arts centres and music schools in California, and is on the advisory board of the Celtic Arts Centre in Los Angeles. She is also a vocal Instructor at the Starland Music Academy in Alameda, where she specialises in jazz, folk, pop and musical theatre, and she teaches at the Jazz School in Berkeley. She is delighted to return to Waltons New School of Music for her fourth summer songwriting workshop.

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2011 Summer Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to eight.

Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

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