Life as a Songwriter | Virtual Songwriting Course

LIFE AS A SONGWRITER is a four week songwriting course led by singer/songwriter, performing artist and teacher, Danielle Ate the Sandwich. This course will cover creating melodies, lyrics and phrasing, trusting your instincts and honing your editing skills. Each class will include short lectures with writing prompts and exercises, time for sharing, and break out sessions to talk about your experience and progress. This group serves as great instruction, inspiration, and accountability.

Also included in the cost of registration:
-one on one feedback session with Danielle
-song share offered after the class ends to share progress and community

The goal of Life as a Songwriter is to finish a new song to perform at the end of the four week session, to build skills for writing and editing, and establish a routine habit of sitting down to write, think, and live as a songwriter.

Our class will meet virtually on Zoom from 7pm-8:30pm CT, every Wednesday in February 2026. (2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25). The class is limited to 10 writers. All levels of experience are welcome. We cover the basics for beginners, and review techniques and run through creative exercises for those who have more experience. Proficiency on an instrument is encouraged. (Those who do not play an instrument can take this class, but there will not be instruction on how to play a musical instrument.)

CLASS TOPICS:

Week 1 | February 4th from 7:00-8:30pm CT

Getting Started with ideas and chords

Week 2 | February 11th from 7:00-8:30pm CT

Developing melody and phrasing

Week 3 | February 18th from 7:00-8:30pm CT

Writing authentic and interesting lyrics

Week 4 | February 25th from 7:00-8:30pm CT

Class Concert & Song Share

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Danielle Ate the Sandwich is the stage name of singer/songwriter, performer, and educator, Danielle Anderson. Combining soft, lilting vocals with poignant honesty and wit, Danielle Ate the Sandwich (Danielle Anderson), writes songs for the biggest and smallest moments of life. A songwriter, ukulele and guitar player, and performer, Danielle first found her place at open mic nights and coffee shops in Fort Collins, Colorado, and is now based in Kansas City, MO. Growing a fan base through her homemade videos on YouTube, Danielle performs and tours extensively to audiences across the country, and fans around the world.

Danielle has released over 300 YouTube videos, conducts an annual community songwriting project called the 24 Hour Album, and has released 8 full length albums of original music. Her newest release, Fumbling, was recorded in Kansas City, KS, and brings together local musicians and artists to honor the talent of the community.

She has opened for Mumford and Sons, Jake Shimabukuro, and had the opportunity to write the soundtrack to the Emmy nominated HBO documentary, “Packed in a Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson.” In 2023, Danielle was awarded a 2-year studio residency at the Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO, and was the recipient of an Inspiration Grant from ArtsKC in 2024.

http://www.danielleatethesandwich.com

WHAT PAST ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT 'LIFE AS A SONGWRITER':

"If you want to learn about songwriting, improve your songwriting, or just give yourself a songwriting shot in the arm, take this class with DATS. You will meet other people who are interested and develop and ongoing group of friends to share ideas with. Sign up today!"

"I highly recommend this songwriting class to anyone who wants to write a song! Whether you have been writing songs for years or have never written in your life, you will take something away from this class! Plus you get to hang out with THEE Danielle Ate The Sandwich!! #braggingrights"

"As a new songwriter, Danielle’s class environment felt safe, positive and fun."

"I have been writing songs for years, but this class gave me a true sense of BEING a songwriter - being & doing, woven together, is amazing, & it shifted something in me. Thank you for that!!"

"I wrote a song, my first completely original song. I deeply appreciated the outreach by the teacher, the encouragement and extra help."