Songwriting Intensive: Writing Workshop

This two-day songwriting intensive is focused on developing authentic, voice-driven, lyric-driven work—whether you’re working with three chords on a guitar or refining a more advanced musical practice. This is not a class about writing Nashville hits. Over the weekend, we’ll look at the power inside the sounds of words, phrasing, and melody, and spend time studying classic folk and rock songs to understand what makes them work. We’ll also cover essential music theory for songwriters so you can understand which chords work together and move forward without guessing. Through guided exercises and writing time, you’ll generate new material and leave with a song you’ve begun or completed in a supportive, focused environment.

Brenda Kahn is a Boulder-based artist, celebrated for her lyric-driven music that blends personal narratives with broader social commentaries. She gained acclaim in the ’90s with her punk-folk music, leading to a deal with Columbia Records and praise for her album “Epiphany in Brooklyn.” She’s toured with musical greats Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley and authored “Ode to Chores,” a humorous take on motherhood in verse. Her 2024 single “Alright OK” is available on YouTube and Spotify. Kahn’s memoir explores the transformative power of music and writing against the backdrop of the ’90s East Village music scene and is currently on submission.