October 7, 2007. Songwriting Workshop, The College of Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Of all of the shows on our tour, this event had me the most freaked. In part it was due to the fact that I had never given a songwriting workshop before in my life. But the main contributing factor to my nervousness was my imagination. I had these visions of scowling students, laughing openly at my awkward attempts to describe my process, derisive comments jettisoning from their mouths. This horror show was thrown into stark relief by the conviction that the workshops given in the past by my predecessors were wildly popular. There they would be, the students having turned out in droves, waving eager hands and looking up toward another much more qualified teacher with beatific adoration.
As with all new ventures, the predictions fell flat, and a wonderful thing took place: the unexpected. Of all of the events on the tour thus far, this was most certainly my favorite.
Quickly realizing that I had nothing to teach, and that I don't believe in any sort of defined method of songwriting, I knew this would be a great opportunity to learn from the best source possible - working artists. And so, beginning with introductions and Ji's great ice-breaker question, "What was one of your more profound musical epiphanies?" we launched into the workshop.
We were honored by the presence of several students that had attended the concert the previous evening, and others that had not. Also the chair of the contemporary music program, Steve Paxton, attended and participated, as well as our man, Paul Brown. Everyone had a chance to share their own personal process, and also describe the things that helped them out in dry spells. We all found it fascinating and powerful that The Beatles kept coming up for just about everybody. In terms of inspiration and a plain and simple love for the music, we all found a common bond with the legendary band.
Next came my favorite part. The songs.
I was utterly amazed at the musical ideas and level of performing that we witnessed by these students. Ji runs an open mic called The Sonic Forum back in Portland, and as he told our group, he sees a multitude of singer-songwriters, as well as bands. Their material was by far more intriguing and original than what he hears on a weekly basis. This cluster of creative kids really impressed us. But I wasn't surprised.
The measure of success we agreed upon was the universal truth of teaching: we certainly learned far more than we "taught". But mostly, I am just glad that the workshop, which naturally ran much longer than our allotted time, seemed to be enjoyable for everyone involved in a relaxed, trusting, and illuminating way. I was also relieved that my insane visions had not a chance of coming true. Here is the most unexpected thing of all - I can't wait to do another workshop again!
Thanks to all who attended, and thanks again to the marvelous CMP and the astounding people who make it happen.
Of all of the shows on our tour, this event had me the most freaked. In part it was due to the fact that I had never given a songwriting workshop before in my life. But the main contributing factor to my nervousness was my imagination. I had these visions of scowling students, laughing openly at my awkward attempts to describe my process, derisive comments jettisoning from their mouths. This horror show was thrown into stark relief by the conviction that the workshops given in the past by my predecessors were wildly popular. There they would be, the students having turned out in droves, waving eager hands and looking up toward another much more qualified teacher with beatific adoration.
As with all new ventures, the predictions fell flat, and a wonderful thing took place: the unexpected. Of all of the events on the tour thus far, this was most certainly my favorite.
Quickly realizing that I had nothing to teach, and that I don't believe in any sort of defined method of songwriting, I knew this would be a great opportunity to learn from the best source possible - working artists. And so, beginning with introductions and Ji's great ice-breaker question, "What was one of your more profound musical epiphanies?" we launched into the workshop.
We were honored by the presence of several students that had attended the concert the previous evening, and others that had not. Also the chair of the contemporary music program, Steve Paxton, attended and participated, as well as our man, Paul Brown. Everyone had a chance to share their own personal process, and also describe the things that helped them out in dry spells. We all found it fascinating and powerful that The Beatles kept coming up for just about everybody. In terms of inspiration and a plain and simple love for the music, we all found a common bond with the legendary band.
Next came my favorite part. The songs.
I was utterly amazed at the musical ideas and level of performing that we witnessed by these students. Ji runs an open mic called The Sonic Forum back in Portland, and as he told our group, he sees a multitude of singer-songwriters, as well as bands. Their material was by far more intriguing and original than what he hears on a weekly basis. This cluster of creative kids really impressed us. But I wasn't surprised.
The measure of success we agreed upon was the universal truth of teaching: we certainly learned far more than we "taught". But mostly, I am just glad that the workshop, which naturally ran much longer than our allotted time, seemed to be enjoyable for everyone involved in a relaxed, trusting, and illuminating way. I was also relieved that my insane visions had not a chance of coming true. Here is the most unexpected thing of all - I can't wait to do another workshop again!
Thanks to all who attended, and thanks again to the marvelous CMP and the astounding people who make it happen.
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