Songwriters Workshop Series

Yves LF Giraud will facilitate a 6-session Songwriters Workshop on the first Wednesday of the month, April-September.

• Participation is limited to 10 writers
• $250 fee for all six sessions, payable upon signup
• Single sessions are $50 each (only if space is available) you must contact us before the session you’d like to attend.

Each session will begin with a concise presentation and examples of a topic essential to songwriting:

1. Song structure: intro, verse, chorus, bridge, outro, vs free form.
2. Basic music theory: scales, keys, chord numbering system, major, minor.
3. Lyric writing: narrative vs. lyrical songs, abstract vs. concrete language, imaging techniques, moods and feelings.
4. Guitar-skills workshop: playing clean rhythm guitar, finger-picking, tapping, muted techniques.
5. Performance skills workshop: Connecting with an audience. Tips on stage presence. Sound, electronics.
6. Final session: A performance-based finale with surprises.

The heart of the workshop is that song writers structure feedback they get from the other writers and the facilitator. So, as a participant you will be both performer and listener.

This is a chance to work with experienced writers and performers. You can bring half-done songs, ones that need some polish, or songs you just want to try out on an interested audience.

About Yves:

“I am a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bass player, music producer and a sci-fi novelist.

With true modesty, I would like to mention that, over the years, I have had the honor and privilege to play with many bands and artists, opening for, or sharing the stage with, Chris Isaak, the Doobie Brothers, Sheryl Crow, the Steve Miller band, Marcy Playground, Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, Ronnie Milsap and others, either as a singer, guitarist and/or bassist. I have toured several parts of the US, and recorded multiple full length albums.

My catalogue of songs counts over 200 originals and 100+ instrumentals.

I have also been fortunate enough to record and produce several artists in my home studio, “Studio M31″.” -Yves LF Giraud