Begins March 9, 2010

This class will explore songwriting as a means to uncover and express deeply-felt truths of the songwriter. We'll look at aspects of songwriting craft, but our main focus will be on the songwriting process itself. What makes a song feel 'true'? How does the songwriter invite and listen for truths that want to be told, then stay true to the song's heart even while using craft to shape it into a work of art?

We'll draw inspiration from great songwriters and poets, and most of all from the collective wisdom and experience of class participants. We'll write in class and between classes, share our songs, and explore ways of listening and responding that help draw out the writer's intention rather than impose the listener's. We'll create an inspiring, non-judgmental and fun space in which to deepen our songwriting practice.

As poet William Stafford wrote, "There is a knack about writing; that knack apparently comes to the individual through performing the act of writing and the act of considering writings. The aim is to induce a kind of jog through literature and its settings. It's a group project, the class; and if we can work it right the riches of the group will provide for us all."

The class is most suited for those already writing songs, but all levels are welcome. To register or if you have any questions, please contact Matt Meighan at matt@mattmeighan.com, 503-853-5555, or SongwritingAsTruthTelling.com.

Class size is limited to eight participants, so pre-registration is required.

Note: This is an on-going class. If you would like to be kept informed when future classes are scheduled, please let me know. Classes may fill up in advance.

One day Songwriting workshop Saturday March 13

The beauty of a well-written song comes from unique point of view expressed in a unique way. In this workshop, we'll help you express your own truth in song by giving you tools to enhance your creativity and hone your craft (but banish your critic).

Topics will include:

    • Courting the muse: inspiration, song ideas
    • Fleshing out partial songs
    • Editing with heart
    • Show, don’t tell: the use of concrete imagery
    • Rhyme, alliteration and sound play
    • The Muse, the Creator, the Editor and the Critic


We will do creative exercises, guided free-writes, voluntary sharing, and respectful listening. Participants will come away with fresh inspiration, song ideas, and tools for starting and finishing songs.

Workshop will be held in a SE Portland home and limited to 9 participants. For details contact Matt at 503-853-5555 or matt@mattmeighan.com or Chris at 503-720-5894 or chris@chriskokesh.com

4th Saturday Monthly beginning February

This workshop is perfect for the beginning to advanced mandolinist who would like an espresso shot of ideas once a month. Each workshop will be an intensive 2 hours of learning 4 new songs, ideas, and exercises with time for questions and answers. As always in Brian's workshop, each student is sent home with chord charts, tab/notation charts, written ideas and handoust explaining all of the subjects covered. The first workshop will be Saturday, February 27th and will start with easy, peasy songs in the Bluegrass, Old-time, Rag, and Swing genres. The subsequent months will have 2 songs from Brian and 2 songs/ideas decided by the students in order to keep everyone learning what they would like. No need to sign up in advance, just show up.

Friday's beginning January 29

Do you love to sing and want to sing with others on a more regular basis? PDX Vox will offer a daytime a cappella singing group at Artichoke Music this spring. PDX Vox is a singing program for busy people who love pop music and are looking for a fun, low-pressure way to improve their singing in a friendly, supportive learning environment. PDX Vox is a cross between a chorus and a "voice band," where pop songs are performed with voices only, and many of the voices sing the parts of instruments. There are no auditions, though a little singing experience is recommended. Groups meet weekly over 13 weeks, with a maximum of 18-20 participants. Package includes an all day retreat on Sunday, January 24th.

Begins Monday, January 11

In this Irish Session class, you will learn the skills of playing traditional Irish music in a group and, along the way, pick up some great tunes. The class provides a semi-structured and supportive environment in which to explore the vast repertoire of jigs, reels, and what have you, with the ear, either in class or from the CD of tunes that each class member receives at the beginning of the ten-week session. Open to players of all traditional Irish instruments (fiddle, flute, accordion, whistle, banjo, concertina, etc.)

NO FEBRUARY CLASS - WILL RESUME IN MARCH

Welcome to the world of blues guitar! This class will immerse you into this wonderful style of music. Along the way, you will also learn about different blues players, old and new. You'll learn numerous songs and techniques including strums, rhythms, turnarounds, fills and more. We'll also cover basic theory as it applies to the blues. Lots of playing in class and all songs are provide in tab format. Contact Dave for more information at 503 757-7522 or dave@davemullany.com.

Every Third Saturday

Come to Portland's first and only three chord ukulele jam! Each month Jim will lead you through a bunch of three chord tunes from a specific genre.

Every Third Saturday

Get off that piece of paper and learn to play the ukulele by ear! Workshop topics will include tuning by ear and tuning your ear, recognizing musical intervals and chord progressions. This workshop will give you the tools you need to tap into all the musical knowledge you already have stored in your head. Playing by ear is easy, it's fun and it will propel your understanding of how music works to a new level. This workshop will make you a better listener! All skill levels welcome, however, knowledge of basic chord shapes (C F G7 E7 A7 D7) is helpful. You will also need an A 440 tuning fork which is available through Artichoke Music.

Every First Saturday

Join a monthly First Saturday Beginner's Uke Jam with Marianne Brogan, ukulele teacher, and founder of the Portland Ukulele Association. Elementary Ukulele Jam will give beginners an opportunity to work on a variety of skills: rhythm and strumming, chord vocabulary, listening skills, finger picking, and singing. We will play a variety of songs in a relaxed environment -- songs with 3-4 chords in a variety of styles. Lite instruction, lots of fun. All levels welcome! Materials provided. At Artichoke Music back room (door is off the parking lot).

First Saturday Morning Monthly

45-minute introduction to the ukulele: 3 chords, two strums, 8 notes, one stupid ukulele trick! Whether you have little or no musical instrument-playing experience, or you have a musical background, but no ukulele experience and want a short intro before going to the beginners jam - this is a great way to start. At Artichoke Music back room (door is off the parking lot).

Every Monday Morning

Join our meditation community on Monday mornings in the light-filled backroom of Artichoke Music. We begin with light stretching and yoga poses and then sit from between 20-30 minutes, with discussion following. We're working toward getting out of our own way to allow the creative energetic juices of the universe to flow freely through us! Tea is provided. Mindy Dillard is a performance artist, singer-songwriter, and yoga/music/theater teacher here in Portland. Contact her for more information at mindymoonstars@gmail.com.