Songwriting Sessions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles
Ages 14+
Discover the art of songwriting and production by exploring melody, rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and the latest technology. Learn to use your computer to write and produce new songs. Collaborate with other students and get real-world advice from veteran songwriters, industry professionals, and up-and-coming young writers and producers in Los Angeles. Students will study in the heart of the Los Angeles arts corridor on the campus of the Colburn School.
Dates
July 24-July 28
Check-in Time
July 24, 9 - 11 AM
Departure
Coming Soon
Tuition
$1,495
Registration fee
$50 (nonrefundable)
Register Request Info
 

How to Enroll

  1. Submit your registration.* Begin by submitting your registration online. If applicable, you may need to submit additional supporting materials.
  2. Make your tuition payment by June 1.* All programs have limited capacity, so be sure to complete your full tuition payment to reserve your space in the program.

*Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.

Curriculum

Each day, students will participate in three core classes: Writing Workshop, Tools and Techniques, and a visiting artist presentation. As the daily final class, students can elect to attend a collaboration session, faculty office hours, or a group feedback session. 

Students will also choose several electives to attend throughout the program. The following is a list of electives previously offered that will give you a sense of what to expect:

  • Topline Writing
  • Rhyme and Beyond: Playing with Sound in Your Lyrics
  • Generating Inspiration: Finding Ideas for Your Songs
  • Intro to Production
  • Diving Deeper into Harmony
  • Production Prosody: The Hidden Secret in Front of Your Ears
  • Master Class with Courtney Harrell: Performance Workshop
  • Master Class with Adrianne Gonzalez: Songwriting for Film and TV
  • Master Class with Amy Allen: Live Cowriting Session with Eric Leva
  • Master Class with Priscilla Renea: My Journey
  • Master Class with Robert Kraft
Schedule

Below is a sample of a typical day in the program. 

Time Event
9 AM–10 AM Practice time
10 AM–11 AM Tools and Techniques
11 AM–12 PM Writing Workshop
12 PM–1 PM Lunch (provided)
1 PM–2 PM Visiting artist presentation
2 PM–3:30 PM Elective
3:30 PM–5 PM Writer camp, producer lab, one-on-one, or feedback session
5 PM–6 PM Open mic
6 PM End of day

Schedule subject to change.

Performance Opportunities

The program culminates in a final showcase of student performances. This performance is not mandatory, and interested students must sign up to confirm their spot.

Students also have the opportunity to perform in open mics in the evenings. 

All performances are open to friends and family.

Requirements

All students 14 and older with some background in songwriting or production are welcome to attend.

Program-Specific Details

Participants will study on the campus of the Colburn School. This program is conveniently located in L.A.'s downtown arts corridor at 200 South Grand Avenue. Students are encouraged to commute to campus or stay in a local hotel with family.

Students must remain on the Colburn School campus during this program.

Program Director

Once You've Enrolled

Once you're enrolled visit our Next Steps for Enrolled Students to make sure you have everything you need for your program.

Check Your Email for Important Information

  • You should continue to check the email that you used to enroll in the program for important information.
  • You will receive a detailed check-in email with information regarding your assigned arrival location, housing assignment, and a link to view your program schedule one to two weeks prior to the start date of your program.
  • When you arrive on campus, you will receive additional program information to guide you through your program.

What to pack 

  • A key component of this program is sharing your work as part of the master-class experience, interacting with fellow program participants, and getting feedback from the instructors. You are therefore encouraged to bring charts or lead sheets, and/or recordings of their songs (via tablet, computer, or another accessible format). If a song’s lyrics are not in English, an English translation will be needed. If you choose to bring a lead sheet, please be aware of the following:

    • A lead sheet can be written on staff paper by hand or notated in a music program such as Finale.
    • The melody is written out on the staff. If you are unable to prepare the melody, notating the chords to the song is helpful.
    • Chords go above the staff. Place them on the beat where they occur. Lyrics, if applicable, go under the staff.
    • Each section of a song (verse, chorus, bridge) needs to be notated only once. Additional lyrics can be written on an attached sheet. If students are unsure of the format of their song, some assistance will be available at the program.

  • Students should also bring any portable instrument they use to compose music. Pianos will be provided, as well as small MIDI keyboards. If you compose music on a laptop, please bring your computer and any equipment that’s important for you to be creative

  • With the exception of pianists and drummers, students are expected to bring their instruments to all summer programs. Review our list of instruments and gear to bring to your program in this knowledge base article.

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