Carolyn Cruso joins Ruthie Foster and Jim Bredouw in teaching a songwriting class
May 13, 14, 19-22 at Orcas Center
Orcas Center presents a “Write Your Own Music Workshop” with Carolyn Cruso- singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, composer, recording artist and educator- plus guest artists Ruthie Foster and Jim Bredouw.
Carolyn Cruso’s acclaimed workshop on songwriting and composition is for youth and adults. Cruso has been a performing songwriter, composer, recording artist and educator for over twenty years. The six class workshop covers a different element of music each day: rhythm, melody, chord progression, harmony, lyrics, ensemble playing and performance. Students will improvise and experiment with each element as well as listen to samples. Throughout the process, musical gems are gleaned from the improvisations, and used as seeds to develop an emerging composition. Each day the piece is built upon as students create a group work.
Ruthie Foster, will be the guest teacher on Sunday afternoon May 19th. She is a two time Grammy nominee whose astonishing voice is the vehicle for her combustible blend of soul, blues, folk and gospel. Foster is performing at Orcas Center the evening of May 19th at 7:30 pm. The class culminates in a tour of a professional recording studio led by Jim Bredouw – composer, recording artist, engineer and producer. At Jim’s studio, a performance of the finished piece will be documented on video and later posted on YouTube.
Carolyn’s workshops have met with great success as they provide an avenue for tapping into inspiration, as well as the discipline required to hone the craft of musical composition and songwriting. Students must have basic musical background. Both vocalists and instrumentalists welcomed. Bring your instruments of choice. Carolyn is a Community Based Instructor and Orcas Center is a Community Based Facility. OASIS stipends are applicable for the series.
The workshop encompasses six sessions: May 13, 14, 20, & 21, plus Sunday May 19 and Wednesday May 22, 3:30-5:30 pm. Ages 12 to adult. $180. OASIS CBF & CBI, stipends applicable. Some musical background required. Contact Carolyn Cruso for more information on the workshop: 376-5290, carolyncruso@rockisland.com. Contact Deborah Sparks at Orcas Center to register: sparks@orcascenter.org, 376-2281 x 2.
