Song Camp with Tom Kimmel
Writing Whole Songs (Writing, Re-Writing & Self-Editing)


August 8-10/2010

A 3-day intensive with Tom Kimmel

 

Book this song camp with the "How Music Really Works" mini-retreat for a 6 day/5 night song retreat!


Workshop Description

It's been said that it takes two people to make a painting: one to paint it and the other to shoot the painter when he's done!

Many of us, once we get going with a song, have a tough time getting a perspective on our own work. Is the song any good? Is it finished? What needs to be added or taken out? Is there anything we can do to take it to a higher level? This series of retreat classes led by acclaimed singer-writer Tom Kimmel will support the writing process in these fundamental ways:

  • Provide user-friendly tools and references for developing songs that are flowing and cohesive.
  • Demonstrate techniques for matching the feel of lyric and melody to assure that lyric and music are working together.
  • Teach how to better provide and receive invaluable critical feedback so that you will become a more effective self-editor.

This retreat is for writers at all stages of development... because we are working with the process of writing! (Note that feedback given each participant will be highly individualized.)
 

During our six class sessions we’ll cover these topics or aspects of songwriting:

  • Workshop and class overview to establish a context for our master class sessions
  • We’ll examine what all whole songs have in common
  • We’ll explore how a popular song is very much like a three act play!
  • We look closely at developing a song’s melodic and lyric theme, which is fundamental to “whole song writing.” (That is, we’ll look at how it works and why it matters!)
  • We’ll explore what it takes to get going and keep the ball rolling i.e., how to nurture the subconscious so it will do the heavy lifting!
  • We’ll address the art of collaboration: its gifts and challenges
  • We’ll have the opportunity to write and work with writing techniques exercises. (Yes we’ll be writing songs!)
  • We’ll be sharing songs and giving feedback because that is so important to our continuing growth as writers and artists that we learn to share and give feedback effectively.

 

A typical class period will be filled in the following ways:

  • There will be an opportunity for participants to share briefly about their process.
  • Tom will speak on an aspect of our work at hand.
  • Tom gives songwriting assignments or exercises. (Some class time will be used for this work, and optional assignments will likely continue between or after classes.)
  • Sharing of works-in-progress and song *feedback.
  • Q & A time.

*It’s important to note that participants will have an opportunity to receive (and give) song feedback—songs written (or begun) in class… or songs written prior to our retreat. If the latter, please be prepared to play the song live or bring a CD or iPod etc. (A lyric sheet is also helpful.)

Our focus, however, will be on the writing process because this is what will inspire and empower us to write stronger songs over the course of a lifetime.

Note: You are welcome to record the class for personal use. Note taking etc is encouraged.
 

About Tom

Tom Kimmel’s songs have been featured on albums by dozens of major artists (including Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker, Randy Travis and Shawn Colvin) and on the soundtracks of many films and television shows (including Twins, Runaway Bride, Touched By An Angel and Dawson’s Creek). Writer, artist, teacher and soulful entertainer in his own right, he tours widely, has released seven albums and a book of poems¾and leads songwriting and creative living classes and retreats across the US and in Europe.

“…best songwriting workshop I’ve ever attended, and believe me, I’ve been to them all.”
—Reggie Barrett, Denver CO

“Your seminar had a huge impact on me, and it has assisted my songwriting in ways I never thought possible.”
—Carolyn Webb/Dublin, Ireland

www.tomkimmel.com
 

Itinerary -

Sunday

2:00 pm check in
2:30 pm introductions
3:00 pm session #1
4:30 pm session #2
6:30 pm social hour
7:30 pm dinner
9:30 pm Tom performance
 

Monday

8:30 am breakfast
9:30 am session #3
11:30 am session #4
1:30 pm lunch
2:30 pm activity break (free time)
4:30 pm session #5
6:30 pm social hour
7:30 pm dinner
9:30 pm entertainment/campfire
 

Tuesday

8:30 am breakfast
9:30 am session #6
11:30 am retreat summary, feedback
12:30 pm check-out
1:30 pm lunch
2:30 pm optional activity (added cost)
Writing Whole Songs


Course Fees, Lodging and Upgrades

Workshop fee covers instruction, handout package, all meals/beverages from Sunday dinner through Tuesday lunch (6 meals, beverages, snacks).

All-Inclusive $CDN
Camping (own tent):                                                                                             $469
Shared Cabin Tents (3-4 sharing)                                                                            $499
Rivers Edge Cabin Tent (double occupancy)                                                             $549
Rivers Edge Cabin Tent (queen bed, single)                                                            $599
Non-Retreat (spouses, family etc.) — Deduct $150 CDN from above fee; or add optional adventure trips  

Adventure Add-ons

  • 2 whitewater rafting trips OR 1 whitewater rafting trip + 2 mini adventures (rock climbing, rock rappelling or canyon hike)  - $200 pp + tax
  • 1 whitewater rafting trip OR 2 mini adventures - $100 pp + tax
Reservations:
For more details or to enroll, please call 800-736-7238
Workshop Organizer: Bryan Fogelman
bryan@bluecrushmusic.com