Build a Song Workshop

Build a Song Workshop is a fun, challenging exercise in creating a new song from scratch with a group of musicians. Our only goal is to effectively complete a full song within a 2.5 hour session.

Sometimes the heart of creativity is best accessed by jumping into the deep end and just going for it. When time is of the essence, this approach can be especially helpful.

Each session will begin with a randomly chosen prompt or phrase that will get briefly discussed by that week’s participants. A short improv jamming period will follow, helping us define verse and chorus structures. Participants will be encouraged to improvise vocals during this period to begin laying the foundation of lyrics and song direction.

Midway through the session, participants will split into two separate groups to focus on musical development and lyric writing respectively. After the separation period and a short break, all participants will reconvene and work on merging the music and lyrics/vocals together for the remainder of the time.

Come unleash your creativity with fellow musicians in a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment. Please note that this is a very participatory event recommended for people with intermediate music playing skills and some previous experience in songwriting is advised. This is not a songwriting class.

Please show up 15 minutes before jam start time to help us get sound levels set for instruments and mics so we can start the jam promptly at 4:30p. Thanks

NOTE: In the new CJ Studio, all amplified musicians will go through the mixing board/PA. Amps are not allowed, but you may bring pedals to plug into our in-studio amp modelers. For the Build a Song jam, we strongly recommend you bring an acoustic guitar vs electric unless you are very likely to play lead parts. In fact, there is almost always an overabundance of guitars so please consider another instrument if you are able.

Sessions are limited to 10 participants.

There is a minimum $20 suggested donation for those who can afford it. Please visit http://www.communityjams.org for more details on how to stay connected through music, and sign up to get our event updates.