We will be hosting two songwriting workshops from July 30th to August 2nd: Youth Songwriting & Creation and Adult Songwriting.
Youth Songwriting & Creation – Ages 6 to 17
This program is suitable for both complete beginners as well as youth with prior musical experience. The course focuses on having fun and developing skills in both song-writing and performance. Instruction is aimed at facilitating discovery and self-expression through the creation of music and song. Combining elements of musical theory, lyric writing, experimentation and collaboration with peers, students get a fun and vibrant experience, and Sam & Michelle provide one-on-one mentorship that is catered to the interests / needs of each student on their songwriting journey! Sam & Michelle also bring mobile recording equipment, giving students an opportunity to record their new tunes. Students have the option to perform their new songs, with the group, at the beginning of ArtsWells Festival.
Prices: $245
Dates: July 30th, July 31st, Aug 1st, Aug 2nd.
Hours: 10AM – 12PM, 1PM – 3PM
INSTRUCTORS
Sam Tudor
Sam Tudor is a musician, songwriter, producer and film composer. He has released numerous albums, toured North America with his band, and in recent years been creating music for films and video games from his home studio. He has been a guest lecturer at Emily Carr University of the Arts on the subject of music and animation, and Vancouver International Film Festival named him as a “composer to watch” after his work screened at the 2020 edition of the festival. Sam loves working with kids and having fun. He was an instructor and guide at Educo Adventure School for five years, leading youth aged 11 - 17 on multi day backpacking trips in numerous BC mountain ranges. He has also worked as a self employed music instructor and facilitator for youth, and taken on mentorship roles to new artists looking to begin their recording journeys. He values experimentation, goofing around, and using whatever tools you have to make something cool.
Michelle Footz
Michelle Footz is a performer, teacher, multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter living on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, the traditional territory of the SENĆOŦEN and Hul'q'umi'num speaking peoples. She teaches songwriting/composition, guitar, band, jazz band, choir, and performing arts at Gulf Islands Secondary School, and also leads the Swing Shift Big Band. Michelle performs as a freelance trumpet player in a number of bands throughout the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland, and has toured extensively throughout Canada, The United States, and Mexico. As a songwriter and storyteller, Michelle performs under the stage name Shelder the Electric Clamfish, drawing inspiration from legends and historical folktales, as well as her own experiences. After residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia for three years, Michelle incorporates traditional East Coast music into her original compositions, blending familiar sounds with a new deep-sea folk-punk energy. Michelle has performed at ArtsWells many times over the last 15 years, and is excited to be returning to teach the Kids Songwriting Program!
Adult Songwriting – Ages 18 +
Join Jennifer Castle & Logan Staats - two critically acclaimed songwriters - for a four-day intensive workshop. Participants will spend time with each instructor, each of whom will teach to their strengths and interests, defining and examining those “fundamental ingredients’ of a song through performance, discussion and hands-on writing. Participants will also have the opportunity to perform their newly created songs as part of the ArtsWells Festival, which begins on the final day of the workshop.
Prices: $399
Dates: July 30th, July 31st, Aug 1st, Aug 2nd.
INSTRUCTORS
Jennifer Castle
As a singer, songwriter, and collaborator, Toronto native Jennifer Castle became a fixture of the city's indie underground in the late 2000s, releasing introspective folk-oriented music first as Castlemusic and later under her own name. In later years, her music took on elements of light psychedelia and chamber pop, especially on 2014's highly touted standout Pink City.
During Jennifer’s songwriting workshop, called “A Song Is Just A Song”, participants will immerse themselves in topics such as poetry, sound, silence, humour, metaphor, intention, clarity, abstraction, language economy, genre and style. Songs can be created, workshopped, dissected, rearranged or simply contemplated. Bring your favourite songs and poems to share and consider. Compositional knowledge and music theory is not necessary. No pressure to perform - open to all!
Logan Staats
Logan Staats sound draws heavily from the rich blues and rock legacy of Six Nations. His music has garnered a Juno nomination, multiple Native American Music Awards, and the SOCAN Indigenous Songwriter of the year. Nowadays, he splits his time between his home community Six Nations, and Nashville, where he’s cooking up a southern country-flavored third album.