Begins September 28, 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 Sunday Nov 7

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
    • The Muse, the Creator, the Editor and the Censor


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 at Artichoke. 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 - No Class in July

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.

Second Saturday each month, 10 am to noon

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 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).