Free Veterans Songwriting Workshop
On Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, DCAC will host its first workshop for Veteran musicians, the North Carolina Veterans Songwriting Workshop. Part of Dare County Arts Council's Veterans Arts Program, the workshop will be led by Ron Capps. The workshop is free for Veterans, active-duty military and their families. below. hop will be led by Ron Capps of the Veterans Writing Project. For more information about the workshop, click the 2019 Songwriting Workshop Registration button below.
The North Carolina Veterans Songwriting Workshop will be held Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 on the Outer Banks of NC. Part of Dare County Arts Council's Veterans Arts Program, the workshop will be led by Ron Capps of the Veterans Writing Project.
The classes will include instruction, time to practice what we’ve learned, and an opportunity to share work among the group and get feedback. Class participants will talk about melody, harmony, and song structure; lyric structures, meter, and metaphor.
The instructors and mentors leading the class will be a mix of veterans and non-veterans but all are experienced songwriters, professional musicians, and teachers.
Participants should be able to play basic chords on an instrument. You are encouraged to bring your instrument to the workshop.
The workshop is open to Veterans, active duty military and their families. Those interested in participating can register online at DareArts.org/veterans or by calling DCAC at (252) 473-5558. Pre-registration is required.
Upon registration, you will receive a welcome email with information and directions to the school, where to park, where to meet our instructor and volunteers, etc.
Tuition to the workshop is fully funded by a generous grant from North Carolina Arts Council- there is no tuition charge for participating in the workshop.
Both days of instruction will take place at the band rehearsal room at First Flight High School, 100 Veterans Dr, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. Plan on arriving Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 between 8:00 am and 9:00 am for coffee and a light breakfast. Class will run both days from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days, free of charge.
FAQs for Veterans Songwriting Workshop
1. Do you have to be an experienced musician to participate in the workshop? Not at all! The workshop is structured for veterans and family members who have some familiarity with an instrument, but all who are interested in learning the craft of songwriting are welcome. From beginners who play by ear to musicians who read music, everyone will gain new insight into the art of songwriting at the workshop.
2. What will be taught in the song writing workshop? This is a hands-on workshop. Rather than telling stories to a songwriter who then does the songwriting, participants in our workshops will learn strategies and techniques of the craft of songwriting, and then put those into practice to create their own songs. The workshop will cover both the creation of music through melody, harmony, and song structure, but also the development of lyrics through the study of forms and structures, rhyme schemes, and narrative function. There will be time to practice what you’ve learned and an opportunity to share work to receive feedback.
3. Is this workshop only open to combat veterans? No. It is open all veterans, active-duty military and their family members.
4. How much does it cost? This workshop is free! Breakfast and lunch are also included for you.
5. Where will the workshop be held? In the band room at First Flight High School, which is located at 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948. Dare County Arts Council staff will be on hand at the High School on Saturday morning to make sure you get to the right place!
6. Is travel assistance available? Yes. Travel assistance and hospitality assistance are available. Please email dcacvetprograms@gmail.com for information on hotel discounts and grant money for travel expenses.
7. Are there any fun things that my family can do while I am in class? Of course! The Outer Banks is rich in history and adventure. Visit OuterBanks.org to learn about all the things to do and see here. If you arrive on Friday evening, please join us at DCAC in Manteo for our First Friday celebration, featuring a musical performance by local veteran Jonny Waters & Co.
8. Should I bring my own instrument? Yes! There will also be a keyboard and a piano available at the venue.
9. How many people can take this class? The class is open to a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a productive learning experience and one on one time for each participant. The learning environment will be positive and intimate.
