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Songwriting Workshop
with Tom Pirozzoli

October 5 & 6
Saturday, 10am - 3:30pm
Sunday, 1-5pm
428 Main Street, New London, NH

Guitarist Writing Song

Songwriting Workshop with Tom Pirozzoli

"How to create a more effective and compelling song for yourself and your audience."

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In this weekend session, songwriters will learn ways to enhance their songwriting skills. This immersive workshop will help songwriters capture the successful formulas musicians have used for years and apply it to their music.

 

Day one will be a deep dive into these approaches, ending early for attendees to work on their music. At the day two session, participants can convene to share their song having applied some of these tools and garner constructive feedback from the group. Both sessions will be led by singer/songwriter Tom Pirozzoli.

 

Location: 428 Main Street, New London, NH

Dates: Oct 5-6 Maximum number of participants is 12

Price: $95ea/nonmember, $85ea/ members for both sessions

 

Session 1: Saturday, 10am - 3:30pm

A talk about, then demonstration and discussion with the attendees about the following subjects for the first session:

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1 - Different parts to create a song and their purpose in making it work for you and your audience: What to write and why to write a song. Intro, Verses. Chorus, Bridge (often called 'middle 8"), Refrain (repeated line at end of verse) , Coda (distinct concluding section to one part of the music), and Outro. (outro is a word Miriam Webster needs to adopt since it has been used by musicians for decades).

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2 - Groove, Tempo and Focus of Form. Deciding what genre fits the subject. How to apply different grooves to test out the approach to the creation and presentation of the song. Deciding what genre fits the subject. Using a rhythmic melody or a scale-based melody. How to apply different grooves and time signatures to test out the approach to the creation and presentation of the song.

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 3 - Meter for lyrics. The best approach to writing strong lyrics that will sing well. 4-Time Signatures. How to make them work for your music for each song. Changing time signatures within a song, like 4/4 or 3/4 or 5/4, and more.

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12-1:30pm: Break for lunch (on own), see list below for great restaurants in town within walking distance. 

 

5 - Simple and complex progressions. When to apply a standard, common format. Or should you be trying something unusual or unique to make the song work.

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6 - Guitar or Piano voicings for Chords: Using the 3rd and 5th in the Bass.

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 7 - Changing Chords and Keys. What chords work to create what moods. Different keys which work best for writing a genre of song. Specific guitar approaches to make your song sound more unique. What keys are best for writing which genre of song. Writing a song in G form? Capo up and put it in D form or C form to engender new melodic inspiration while staying in the same singing key.

 

8 - Flow and arrangement. Making a song work on stage for an audience. Introducing your song to the audience.

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Homework: Pick 2 subjects and work on a song in progress or a new composition later tonight or tomorrow morning.

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Session 2: Sunday, 1-5pm

Round table/Suggestion forum: Participants will share a song and apply information from session one collectively to make improvements. Anyone in attendance will be able to listen and share suggestions and ideas for making the song stronger.

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Attendees will not be required to, but are encouraged to bring a guitar. If they have a song in progress (if time allows) show us the song and members of the group and I can present ideas to make the song work better or finish the unfinished song.

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This analysis and suggestion forum will be the focus of Day 2 of the Workshop.

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Flyer for the October Songwriting Workshop with Tom Pirozzoli

Seats Are Limited, Sign Up Now

This workshop is a master class for artists and songwriters at any level. This event is limited by nature to allow for the best interaction and experience.  The cost is $95 if you are not a member of the Center for the Arts. If you are a member the cost is $85. To purchase your spot click below to pay via square.

Become a Member

CFA members receive a variety of opportunities to attend for free or at a discounted price, participate in member only events, and more. 

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