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Beginner Songwriting w/ Pete Nelson
at The Parlor Room
Dates: 1/14, 2/4, 3/3, 4/7, 4/14
12pm-1:30pm
This is a Bundle-Only Workshop
$110 GA / $90 Members
($10 fee for Workshop Booklet Included in price)
Workshop Capacity - 10
In this class, we will be looking at what makes good songs work, both by examining great songs by the masters and by critiquing and workshopping our own creations, generated by prompts assigned in class. All aspects will be addressed, including alternative tunings, musical vocabulary, beats and grooves, the best places where a touring musician can safely sleep in their car, but the main focus will be on how language works and how stories work. Finally, we will look at ways to locate and open the door into our own souls and write the unique effective songs only we can write.
*The last class (4/7) will be a performance for all the students*
Pete Nelson has led songwriting workshops at Amherst College, Williams College, Marlboro College, Fairfield University and locally in Northampton. He has taught in the MFA programs at Emerson College and Fairfield University, as well as at R.I.S.D. and the University of Iowa. A writer all his life, he has published 30 books, and 200+ stories or articles in national magazines. He has two CDs, “The Restless Boys Club” and “Days Like Horses” on the Signature Sounds Label. His one woman musical, “Last Request; a Love Story” was recently performed by Tracy Grammer. He was nominated by the Boston Music Awards as best new folk artist (but lost to Patty Griffin) and his second album reached #12 on the Americana Charts. Maine Public Radio called him “America’s best unknown songwriter.” He has recorded with Greg Brown, Christine Lavin, John Gorka, Cliff Eberhardt, Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, Dar Williams, Peter Mulvey and others. He is excited to be teaching for The Parlor Room.
The Parlor Room Nonprofit and School of Music's mission is to: Promote a vibrant musical community in downtown Northampton, MA for musicians of all abilities and at all stages of their career. The Parlor Room will bring nationally touring and local acts to our listening room to provide an exceptional experience for the artist and audience and guide musicians and anyone interested in a career in the music industry through our school of music. Learn more at parlorroom.org.
Date & Time
Jan 14 - Apr 14, 2024
Venue Details
The Parlor Room
32 Masonic StreetNorthampton, Massachusetts 01060
