New songwriting class designed for teens and adults at CMSS

Date: 3/15/2010

SPRINGFIELD Do you have a song in your heart? Have you always wanted to learn to write songs? The Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) is offering an eight-week course this spring to teach both the fundamentals and key elements in writing successful new songs. The course is designed for teens ages 15 years and older together with adults of any age. Each student should have basic skills on an accompaniment instrument such as drums, guitar, piano, etc. The class will require a minimum of six students and a maximum of 10 to assure that each person has individualized attention. All musical styles are welcome.

In addition to discussing chord harmonies, chord progression, song structure, mood, melody and production style, the course will also teach techniques to overcome writer's block. Students will keep a log and share their final product with fellow students.

CMSS faculty member and performer Shanta Cortez-Grieg will teach the Monday evening course which will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. from March 29 through May 24. There will be no class on April 19. Tuition for the course is $180 plus a $20 family registration fee. By the end of the eight weeks, each student will complete a song.

A graduate of Wesleyan University, Cortez-Grieg has been teaching voice and guitar to students of all ages for nearly 10 years. She is an active singer-songwriter who has been performing since the age of 16 throughout New England and New York City. She brings impressive world experiences to her work, having lived in Europe, Turkey and India as well as traveled through Central America and Asia.

For information about the new offering, please contact the Community Music School of Springfield at 732-8428.