Career Songwriter

Songwriting Conference and Workshop Highlights

During the summer months I usually take time away from writing to teach at various conferences and workshops around the country and abroad. Conferences such as those offered by Berklee College, NSAI, and other such opportunities are great ways to immerse yourself in the industry when you haven’t the time or resources to do so throughout the rest of the year. Many enlist music industry professionals to talk candidly about a certain side of the industry, or invite artists or songwriters to shed some light on how to break in. Others are focused on songwriting or vocalizing, concentrated 5-14 day experiences to step up your game in those areas. I’d like to tell you about a few of the conferences I taught recently, should you be interested in finding more about them. There are many opportunities out there, so I suggest pinpointing what you’re looking for and how much time and money you can commit before making any reservations.
For two weeks in July, the Grammy Foundation holds a camp for high school students, aptly named “Grammy Camp.” The camp is open to any student exhibiting exceptional skill in music and interested in pursuing a career in the industry. Held at the University of Southern California, students enroll in a specific stream: singer/songwriter, music production, music engineering, concert promotion, music journalism, or the study of their principal instrument: bass, drums, electric guitar, keyboard, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone in the scope of private study and ensembles. The camp culminates in a performance at the beautiful El Rey theater in Los Angeles by each singer/songwriter of an original song worked up with an ensemble. Select students also have the opportunity to record at the legendary Capitol Records.

Another camp I’d like to mention is Seth Rigg’s Speech Level Singing conference in Los Angeles. Prior to the conference I was only vaguely aware of Seth and his techniques. Over the last several decades Mr. Riggs has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary music, and so naturally I was curious what makes his techniques so popular, revolutionary and even controversial to the world of singing. During our hands-on judging sessions (of which I was on staff to critique the original songs) I witnessed vocalist improve their pitch dramatically by applying simple feedback from certified instructors. I heard breaks diminish and ranges improve in literally 30 seconds of instruction. I realize I’m making it sound ridiculously simple, but I am ridiculously impressed by the simplicity of the techniques and how easily students are able to apply them from certified instructors. Should you be a singer/songwriter looking to improve your voice, you might check out more information on SLS and see if it’s right for you.

This past week I taught at Berklee College of Music’s Summer Songwriting Workshops. Held in mid-August each year, the workshops attract between 100 and 200 songwriters of all ages looking to improve their craft, play their songs for faculty and staff, and connect with other musicians. Leading the workshops are Chair of the Songwriting Department, Jack Perricone, Professor of Lyric Writing Pat Pattison, other faculty members Jon Aldrich, Henry Gaffney, Mark Simos, Susan Cattaneo, Sarah Brindell, songwriter Dana Calitri, and myself. The workshops are held on Berklee’s Back Bay Campus, from Wednesday through Saturday with a short closing ceremony Saturday afternoon. For anyone interested in boosting their creativity and songwriting chops while expanding your understanding of the industry, this is a great opportunity. Information is available on Berklee College’s website.

If conferences or workshops seem like a luxury to you, you might consider giving yourself a songwriting vacation – a holiday to write, that is. These conferences and many more (see NSAI.com) operate for the purpose of regenerating the creative fire within, connecting songwriters with experts in their craft, and facilitating professional relationships. Some workshops last for a day, some for 2 weeks, and can be a rejuvenating step in advancing our hobby or career. Teaching at them is a rare and special opportunity that I consider a privilege and a pleasure. I am glad to be able to learn from my students, and spread what I know to grow my own career and of those around me.

Happy writing,
Andrea Stolpe