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Welcome to our songwriter's workshop
A songwriting workshop is great way to grow as a songwriter. Songwriting is a craft, requiring an understanding of the structure of songs, different rhyme patterns, meter, and the methods to wrap your story up in about three minutes so your audience “gets it”. Songwriting workshops offer the opportunity to spend tim
Writing songs for fun? Want your songs recorded?
Sharing a Passion
Unlike an instrument jam camp where a musician may jump from one instructor to another playing different instruments, the songwriter’s workshop at the Strawberry Jam Camp requires a commitment as the workshop covers a large amount of material that will not be repeated as the workshop continues. The goal of the workshop is to have you write a song with the oversight of your instructors, using the tools learned during the workshop.
Donna Ulisse, Rick Stanley, and Jerry Salley are the instructors for our 2025 Songwriter’s Workshop. What a powerhouse for a songwriting workshop! Their individual accomplishments are vast, read more here. This trio also teach songwriting at the Lil’ House Songwriting Workshop in Lebanon, TN.
How your day will roll
When you spend a few days in a songwriting workshop with Donna, Rick & Jerry you will cover a lot of ground! Beginning songwriters to seasoned songwriters are welcome! The workshop offers the following and more:
Song Critique: Bring a song you would like to share. It can be partially formed or complete. You can perform it in front of the class or just read the lyrics if there is no melody. Donna, Rick, and Jerry will share their insight on the strong parts of your song and areas you might be able to strengthen. If you do not have a song, you can participate by listening to the songs and suggestions.
Song Structure: The workshop will be covering song structure including rhyme patterns, what a “hook” is, titling your song, how to tighten your lyrics, using imagery in your lyrics for more interest, metering, song scaping (how to observe life around you for song ideas), marrying a lyric to the right melody, writing melody (if you don’t play an instrument), what is a bridge and when does a song need one, and so much more.
Co-writing: Many songwriters who attend a songwriting workshop have never co-written. Jerry, Rick, and Donna will pair you up with another songwriter and give you a writing assignment. You will work on co-writing a song with your instructors offering insight and some assistance along the way. Co-writing is an extremely useful tool to grow as a songwriter and helps you step out of your comfort zone.
Be sure to bring paper and pencil, laptop or any writing tools you use as well as the instrument you write with.
Q & A Time: There will be plenty of time for questions if they don’t cover something you need help on.
Networking: A big part of songwriting is networking. Who better to network with than these three instructors who have ownership in and are instrumental in the day to day operation of a publishing company, (Hadley Music Group, a record company (Billy Blue Records) and numerous present day recording artists associated with Donna, Rick, and Jerry. What a wealth of information for any songwriter no matter their level of songwriting or their music genre.
Our Partners
Scholarships Available!
Scholarships are available right now for both Strawberry Jam Camp and Songwriter's Workshop. Available applications include Instrumental Youth, Veterans, and Seniors. The deadline is June 15th, 2025- so apply now!