What is Songwriter's Workshop?

   Donna, Rick, and Jerry have teamed up to teach songwriting across the country for several years through Little House Songwriting Workshop. These three instructors 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 are associated with numerous present day recording artists. Several songs that were co-written during their workshops have been cut by bluegrass artists, including "Bacon In My Beans" by Joe Mullins &  The Radio Ramblers, "Lie To Me" by Jaelee Roberts, "Flowers and Lace" by The Grascals, and "Front Porch of Paradise" by Kristy Cox (co-written at Strawberry Jam Camp, read more about it here).

Songwriter's Workshop is held at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Camp begins at 9:00 a.m. each day(breakfast is included and starts at 8am). During the day, the instructors will go over songwriting essentials in a group setting. You will also be paired with another songwriter to work on co-writing a song, with your instructors offering insight and assistance along the way. At the end of the week, two songs will be chosen to be played on stage Friday evening to kickoff the Backbone Bluegrass Festival (weekend pass is included with registration). Lunch is included and will be provided by local restaurants. The afternoon sessions wrap up each day around 4:00 p.m.  Be sure to bring paper and pencil, your laptop, or other writing tools, as well as the instrument you're most comfortable writing music with. 

 Bring a song you would like to share (partially formed or complete).  If you do not have a song, you can participate by listening to the songs and suggestions. During the camp, you will team up with another songwriter to work on co-writing a song. You and your partner will work together to write a song completely from scratch- including both melody and lyrics. Donna, Rick, and Jerry will provide constructive criticism and advice on your song. Learn more about our songwriting instructors here!

This three-day experience is geared to help songwriters improve their skills, make important connections with other attendees, and co-write songs.  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.