Led by professionals, the workshop is to broaden your knowledge of song craft. Topics such as lyric writing, melody writing, booking, promotion, music business, co-writing and more will be covered. This workshop strives to create an open minded empowering space for songwriters young and old.

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CLASSES

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LET'S GET STARTED WRITING with Eric Gnezda

In this class, we will get you writing a song that you can work on throughout the day. Eric will give you prompts to get the process going, like newspaper headlines, an anecdote from your past, a fable or folk tale, etc. Under our guidance, you may alone or with a partner(s). At the end of the day you will have an opportunity to perform that song, if you choose.

ERIC GNEZDA BIO:

Eric Gnezda is an award-winning songwriter who’s also the creator and host of the national TV series, Songs at the Center, seen on over 300 PBS stations from coast to coast.

A regular performer at Nashville’s Bluebird Café, Eric is a recipient of the Ohioana Citation for Music Composition, joining Michael Feinstein (American Songbook), Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane), and Chip Davis (Mannheim Steamroller).

An Emmy-nominated TV journalist, Eric has seen success with a wide range of songwriting styles – from inspirational anthems, to country, to comedy.

Eric and his work have been featured on media around the globe, including ESPN, Entertainment Tonight, and NPR (Car Talk, and All Things Considered). Last year's single release, “Separation,” was named one of the Top 25 Songs of 2018 by Detroit Radio’s Phil Maq, of WFHR-FM. “Separation is an amazing song,” he said, calling it the most meaningful song of the year.

Of another topical song from Eric, Ann Fisher, of 89.7-NPR News, Columbus, OH, said, “Is This America is the most patriotic thing I’ve heard in years."

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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OPEN MIC EXPERIENCE with Billy Zenn

Playing an Open Mic isn’t always just a fun night out, it’s also a golden opportunity to refine your performance skills and check the impact of both your material and set-planning. We’ll be on our feet and at the mic to share songs, take a long look at presenting the songs together the right order, and using thoughtful techniques to present ourselves in the best possible light. We’ll also discuss how to choose the right open mic for you, how to network with other players and venues, and developing a checklist that will insure your turn onstage is both fun and beneficial.

BILLY ZENN BIO:

Singer/Songwriter/Bassist Billy Zenn has been a part of the Columbus music scene for nearly 45 years. He’s released 4 original CD’s and a Live DVD compilation, with a new full-length project slated for release in Summer 2020. He’s played with some of the best folks in the area, including Rob Brumfiel, Donna Mogavero, Barry Hayden, Jim Lynch, and a host of others, and currently fronts Billy Zenn & The Enablers(his original music project), as well as appearing as a soloist whenever the occasion arises. Billy’s Wednesday night Open Mics at Columbus’ Shrunken Head are legendary, and 2020 will mark his 10th year as host.

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FINDING INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT SONG with Eric Rollin (of Mistar Anderson)

Eric Rollin emcee for hip hop group Mistar Anderson will take you through a journey of his own songwriting and show you not only his inspiration but give you ways to tell your own story in a unique and interesting way.

ERIC ROLLIN BIO:

Mr. Rollin, educator/mentor & professional songwriter, is a native of the greater Columbus area, graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School, & certified audio engineer. He is founder of the Columbus Chicken & Beer Festival, co-founder and singer/songwriter for national band Mistar Anderson, founder of "The Break" (longest running weekly hip hop open mic in Columbus, Ohio) & founder, owner/operator of Works of Freedom Ohio LLC. He is also a member and/or advocate for various non-profit organizations dedicated to community music development such as Music Loves Ohio, We Amplify Voices, Harmony Project, and Franklinton Preparatory Academy.

Mr. Rollin also currently serves as the songwriting instructor at Franklinton Preparatory Academy. For the past 15 years he has been writing music professionally and empowering youth in the community by encouraging the use of positive and creative outward expression as a tool to increase socialization skills, academic success, and overcome behavioral and/or emotional challenges. His passion for improving the community through inspiring individual works of freedom makes him a great leader and role model for today's youth and any aspiring starving artist.

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VOCALS 101 with Jon Elliot (Doc Robinson/Popgun/Floorwalkers)

Elliot is not only a killer songwriter writer but can turn his voice from Stevie Wonder to Elliott Smith and back again. He's been singing for bands like The Floorwalkers for over 15 years and now heads up Doc Robinson and cover band Popgun. Jon will get you singing right away in a comfortable and lively class that teaches breathing technique, how to sing in tune, and exactly how to take your authentic voice to the next level.

JON ELLIOT BIO:

Elliot is not only a killer songwriter writer but can turn his voice from Stevie Wonder to Elliott Smith and back again. He's been singing for bands like The Floorwalkers for over 15 years and now heads up Doc Robinson and cover band Popgun. Coming from a family of singers (his mother is a trained opera singer) he knows hit stuff but can teach it in a way where everyone can understand.

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TICKETS

Pre-Registration of $35 (Dec. 9th-Jan. 6th), Discounted Rate $50 (Jan. 6th-Feb. 15th), $60 (Feb 15th-March 20th). $65 day of. March.