Songwriting Classes

 
Hello Songwriters and Aspiring Songwriters, 
 
Whether you write songs regularly, or you're just getting started, you will be challenged in some inspiring ways to write a new song every week in this, one of  Beacon Music Factory's most popular online classes.  

Fall 2020 We're offering these 9-week classes

• Adult Section, Monday evenings 
• Adult Section, Wednesday evenings 
• Middle School Section, Thursday afternoons 
• High School Section, Wednesday afternoons 

HOW IT WORKS


Each week, we’ll meet for an hour (or more) and you'll be treated to song examples to consider, song structures to puzzle over, a few new ways of looking at songs you already know and love and then, most importantly, you will be given a multi-layered songwriting PROMPT or assignment.
 
 
The weekly PROMPT is chock full of rules, restrictions, and parameters designed to inspire you. In truth, the assigned framework will help focus your thinking, so you're not just staring at a blank page. As the weeks go by, there will be more layers for you to consider.  Past students tell us over and over how much they learn and how inspired they become by these assignments, and by seeing how the other students respond to the same assignments.  It is exhilarating and satisfying when you are eager to dig in and begin writing rather than feeling daunted by the sky being the limit.  That's what this class is all about.  Throughout the course you will be provided with extra pointers, some harmonic, some lyrical, some conceptual, to keep you going.  
 
We also discuss whatever comes up for you in this process. You might have questions about arranging, how to record at home, ways to think about harmony, or methods for coming up with more interesting melodies, for example.  
  
You write a new song each week.
 You will likely amaze yourself at least some of the time. Your songs will be shared in class each week, and we’ll have useful and substantial discussions about each student’s song; and then, of course, … you will receive a new song assignment. 
 
Songwriter and owner of Beacon Music Factory, Stephen Clair has been teaching songwriting classes to adults and kids for years—both in the classroom and online. Clair's very recent pandemic-inspired song "Welcome To The World Now" has been in rotation on WFUV 90.7FM in NY since April. 

"As a result of the class I've developed skills and improved my process for songwriting. I am writing much better songs now than when I started. Plus it's fun, and helpful, discussing songs and writing with other people. I recommend it without reservation."

— Rob B.

Classes are online and meet over Zoom.  
Current offerings are listed here
If you have questions, please get in touch here