Online Songwriting Workshop

On four consecutive Saturdays in October I’ll be leading a series of online songwriting workshops.
Dates – October 3 / 10 / 17 / 24

All levels of writers are welcome. Whether you’ve been working at it for awhile and are looking for feedback and insight on how to write better songs, or just beginning and need tips on how to get started, By the end of the month you will be writing more songs, with better results (how is that for a sales pitch?). Each week I’ll invite a special guest to give us an inside view into their process and their approach to the writing life.

More than just a workshop on the craft of writing, these sessions are about giving you practical tips on how to kickstart your creativity and how to turn the stories in your daily life into better songs.

“Darden is a supportive, engaging and immensely helpful songwriting instructor/coach. Invited guests are top industry professionals offering insightful advice. Seasoned writers will appreciate his perspective and new writers should take the plunge!” Lara

Here’s how it works:
• Dates – October 3 / 10 / 17 / 24
• Time: 12:00 pm Central / 1:00 pm Eastern
• 2 hours per session (+/-)
• All sessions will be done on Zoom, with each week’s audio of the workshops provided to all participants.
• Fee $275 (Paypal – dsmith@dardensmith.com / Venmo – dardensmith-music-art)
What you’ll need for the sessions:
• A laptop, computer, etc. (Phones work, but I find that it’s not a great experience)
•  Steady internet to stay in the calls and hear the info, and interact with the class!Between Sessions
•  Time to work on your songs between sessions, send updates, etc.
•  A way to record your songs (phones are completely acceptable)

In the sessions, we’ll be covering the basics (Structure / Verse / Chorus / Bridge, Meter, Melody, etc), but the focus of these classes will be digging deep into lyric clarity, how to mine your own experiences for songs, and how to create the habits and practice of a successful writing life.There will be assignments each week. My goal is for each participant is to write and record at least 4 new songs over the course of the month.If you have any questions on the class, feel free to get in touch – dardensmithmusic@gmail.com

Sunday Morning in the Studio – Facebook Live

Sunday Morning in the Studio
11:00am CST / 12:00pm EST

For these shows, I go up to my studio and play songs that keep me on the ground.
Most will probably be mine, but a few might be a cover.
I might read from my book, show some art that I’ve been working on, maybe talk about where my mind is wandering and where I’d like it to go.
I’ll play guitar, more than likely some things on my old out-of-tune yet perfect 1941 Steinway.
Regardless, I do these shows for the pure joy of playing music in my studio.
I hope you can join me.

www.facebook.com/dardensmith

Sunday Morning in the Studio – Facebook Live

Sunday Morning in the Studio
11:00am CST / 12:00pm EST

For these shows, I go up to my studio and play songs that keep me on the ground.
Most will probably be mine, but a few might be a cover.
I might read from my book, show some art that I’ve been working on, maybe talk about where my mind is wandering and where I’d like it to go.
I’ll play guitar, more than likely some things on my old out-of-tune yet perfect 1941 Steinway.
Regardless, I do these shows for the pure joy of playing music in my studio.
I hope you can join me.

www.facebook.com/dardensmith

Austin, TX – Songwriting Workshop

Six String Ranch and Austin Vintage Guitars Present:

“Singing Your Story / Writing the Truth” — One-day songwriting workshop at 6-String Ranch
Saturday November 9, 2019
9:00am – 5:00pm
Austin, TX

“Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought”
— Yip Harburg (“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”)

Everyone has a story. With a roadmap, a few tips and tricks, and practice, you can write songs that communicate, that tell the truth, both to yourself and to others.
And I want to help you make that happen.

All levels of writers are welcome at this one-day workshop.
If you’re there, I assume you are already writing songs and want to get better.
We will look at how you can improve one of your existing songs and each participant will write a new song by the end of the day.

The workshop will cover:
– The basics – Verse / Chorus / Bridge / Melody / Structure
– Clarity in lyric
– The importance of meter and rhyme scheme
– Starting a song / Finishing the song
– Writing from your life – the importance of telling your story
– Creating writing projects for yourself
– Habits of a successful writing life
– Recognizing and building on your strengths as a writer

Throughout the day, along with working with the group as a whole, I’ll spend one-on-one time with each participant to discuss your process and on how to improve and achieve your writing goals.

Any questions on the workshop? Please send me a note at dardensmithmusic@gmail.com

Price – $260
Limited to 15 participants.