In addition to touring, I give workshops. Mostly to do with songwriting, singing, and playing guitar. Here's what I've got on the go right now:

Youthsongs
Songwriting Weekends
Chord Progression Workshops
Women's Choir

Youthsongs

I've been writing songs and producing CDs with kids at schools. I call this part of my career "Youthsongs." It's taken me into the whacky brains and beautiful open hearts of young people as well as all over the geographical map. I've worked with kids in inner cities, in small towns on the Ohio River and in Native Communities in Northern Ontario. Local history, the environment, candy, sports, peace, pets, politics, the plight of polar bears. You name it. These kids have a lot to say. Click here to read more.

Songwriting Weekends

I began co-writing with James Gordon, one of Canada's finest singer/songwriters, a few years ago. Going through the writing process together, we got the idea to present a weekend songwriting workshop. We started in Guelph with 20 participants. To our delight, it was a success. The workshops are designed to be stimulating and beneficial regardless of the age and experience of the participants. Professionals and amateurs, veteran and aspiring writers, and some who have never written a song before have taken part. Group sessions, one-on-one mentoring, song sharing, a songwriting assignment and a closing performance of the new works, all in a warm and relaxing environment makes these weekends pretty darn fulfilling. Click here to read more.

Chord Progressions

To ease my transition from a career in geology to a career as singer-songwriter, I studied music at Humber College. Alas, I was a nerd and loved it. Especially composition and arranging. I'm still a nerd. I offer 6-week courses on chords and chord progressions. I take a maximum of 7 students each session. There are different levels.

Here's a little description:

Shake up your songwriting with some new chords and progressions. You'll learn chord nomenclature, the Nashville number system, how to figure out chord substitutions and discover new chords and progressions. Some basic music theory is recommended, but not necessary. Please feel free to contact us in advance to discuss what you already know, in order to determine if the course is suitable. Players of all instruments welcome!

When: Tuesday evenings, 7-9 pm, October 5 to November 9
Cost: $175
Location: Guelph
Info and registration: Jane Lewis 519-763-5881 or music@all-together-now.ca
Website: www.all-together-now.ca

Women's Choir

I've had the pleasure of helping Jane Lewis with her 8-week Rise Up Singing Women's "Choir." I'm doing it again this fall. Jane is the Queen of making everyone feel comfortable. I love it!

Here's a description: Experience the joy of making music together! This women's group will meet for eight weeks and sing a selection of folk & traditional songs, learning melodies and harmony parts. "Choir" is in quotation marks because we are more fun than formal. Our main goal is to sing lots, and to enjoy ourselves. No auditions, no reading music - we'll be learning by ear, though we may provide sheet music for some songs for those who are interested.

When: Monday evenings, 7-9 pm, October 4 to November 22
Cost: $190
Location: Guelph
Info and registration: Jane Lewis 519-763-5881 or music@all-together-now.ca
Website: www.all-together-now.ca

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