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Learn how to write a song from initial inspiration to completion. We will cover creative flow, song structure, lyric and music writing in a supportive setting. Over the day you will collaborate on song ideas, and then begin writing your own song solo or with others as you prefer. By the end you will have a finished song or one well on the way.
Class size 12
Level Beginner and above
Student Supply List Paper and pen or pencil, phone or other device for easy recording and playback if you have one, instrument if you play one and wish to use it for musical ideas and to accompany your song.
Helen Avakian is an award winning Singer/Songwriter/International Guitar Champion and long time music educator. She has helped her students write many songs in individual classes and in groups at Girls and Ladies Rock Camps in Madison and Camp Mariah Carey Fresh Air Fund Camp in NY. 8 of her songs have taken first in the NewSong Contest at the Walnut Valley Festival, KS and she was a winner in the NYC Cityfolk competition.
Like Joni Mitchell, Helen Avakian can turn lyrics inside out… Helen Avakian’s music touches a place within.” John Barry, Poughkeepsie Journal
Workshops
Class Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation of your workshop registration via email about a week prior to the class. If you do not have an email address, you will receive a snail-mail confirmation. Please check the online class listing for supplies to bring to class (there will also be a link to the Supply List in your class confirmation). Some supplies may need to be ordered well ahead of time.
Please note that your class registration will not be confirmed without full payment.
Please read your class confirmation carefully as it may include a supply list and other important details, and note our community standards on our Planning Your Workshop Experience page.
Materials Fees
Many classes have materials fees in addition to the tuition. These are identified in the class listing and are usually paid with the tuition payment; however, in some cases materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at class time (check the class listing).
Cancellation Policy
While we recognize that life intrudes and plans change, in consideration of the time and energy instructors invest in preparing for classes, we must adhere to the following cancellation policies:
Student cancellations
> Cancellations made 30 days or more before the start date of the workshop are eligible for a 75% refund OR a gift certificate in the full amount. The gift certificate can be applied to workshops or lodging one year from the date of cancellation and is transferable.
> Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before the start date of the workshop are not eligible for refunds or gift certificates. We encourage all students to purchase trip insurance, which is available for a reasonable fee.
> Cancellation requests must be made by contacting our office at info@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.
> If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with your class and cancel less than seven days in advance of your reservation, a $50 cancellation fee will apply.
Cancellations by Shake Rag Alley
> If Shake Rag Alley must cancel a class for any reason, you will be notified via email or phone and will be eligible for a full refund or, if you prefer, a transferable gift certificate. You may also consider donating your refund to support our operations or scholarships.
If you have booked lodging with Shake Rag Alley in conjunction with a class canceled by Shake Rag Alley, you may receive a full refund on lodging or gift certificate should you wish to cancel.
Waiting Lists
If a workshop you are interested in is sold out, please fill out this waiting list form. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. The class code requested on the form is the Workshop ID shown at left, beneath the Add to Cart button.
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
