This is a basic course in songwriting intended for both novice and experienced songwriters, with or without formal music training.  The workshop will focus on defining the goals/purpose for writing songs, music composition, lyric writing, finding inspiration, co-writing and song critique.  Students will be given access to a large amount of online lessons, articles, charts, diagrams and other resources (far more than can be covered in the two hour session).  The workshop will mostly consist of a run-down of the material, preparing each student to continue the process of teaching themselves after the class and at their own pace.  Each participant is encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to download the materials —or if links can be provided beforehand, to bring devices or printed copies of the materials.

Pierce is a Compass Records Group recording artist, previously on Windham Hill/High Street.  He began his career at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama.  He’s also a former staff writer at Polygram and Universal Music Publishing in Nashville, with songs covered by Garth Brooks, Art Garfunkel, Joan Baez, David Wilcox, Dar Williams, Tim O’Brien, Dion and many others.