The Musical Magic of Songwriter's Collective

My grandma’s kitchen table. That’s what I’m reminded of when I walk into a Songwriter’s Collective class one Tuesday evening. For those who don’t know, Songwriter’s Collective is a specialty music class for teens (ages 12-18) offered by Rock 101. During the weekly classes, Kevin Herig instructs students in the multifaceted skill of writing their own melodies and pairing them with unique lyrics.

When I walk into the room, I see a handful of students sitting around the two tables that have been pushed together in the approximate center of the room. One student opts to sit in a soft chair that has been pushed against the back wall. Another student perches on the edge of an amp. They are quietly writing in their journals, either answering the writing prompt of the night or choosing to free-write.

I should tell you that this actually looks nothing like my grandma’s kitchen table. Her table was small, pushed into a corner, and you had to crowd around if you wanted a seat. Despite the visual disparity, the atmosphere in the room takes me back to that space.

As the students finish journaling, they all gather at the central table and Kevin opens the floor for students to share any portion of their writing. Some students share only a word or sentence while others explain the totality of their thoughts with verbose exuberance. Kevin has nurtured a space in which students feel comfortable choosing their level of interaction. Students listen, giggle, build on each others’ jokes, but at all times respect the thoughts and feelings being expressed. No one is pressured to share and all ideas are welcomed. 

From here, the week’s lesson is delivered and the students break apart to work on their songs. Tonight, the students are split into two groups with the assignment of creating a song together within those groups. As I wander between the impromptu bands, I can’t help but notice several interesting observations. 

Um, these teenagers are actually writing songs

I cannot stress this point enough. As a mom of two teens and a secondary school educator of 20 years, I am in a legit state of wonderment. I have followed the progress of this class all semester and they have - for real - learned how to create melodies that make sense and how to write lyrics that are interesting, sometimes poetic and sometimes hilarious. Forgive me for expressing my shock, but these budding songwriters have learned a whole bunch of musical goodness this semester that most adults do not come close to understanding.

Collaboration

There is genuine teamwork happening. You have an idea? Sure, share it. Let’s try it out and see how it sounds. Maybe it works but maybe we’ll have to tweak it. Ideas are bounced around; different songwriting techniques are tried; feedback is shared amongst the group of musicians. And laughter. So much laughter and joy as the pieces start to click.

Acceptance

I asked the students what they loved most about the Songwriter’s Collective. In all of their glorious teenager-ness, they spilled the tea. I was told that this class provides them with a dedicated time to be creative. They love the friendships that they have built in the supportive environment. One student told me the class provides an escape, a place where she can just enjoy life. Another student waited until it was just her and me in the room to tell me that this class is helping her to become more confident. Yet another blushed red at my question and told me this is the place where he feels accepted.

Ya, this is totally my grandma’s kitchen table. In my life, there has been nowhere I have felt more nurtured and supported than in my grandma’s kitchen. It was the space where we gathered for meals or just for conversation. She welcomed everyone as if they were family, pulling out endless tins of homemade cookies as needed. The kitchen table with my grandma buzzing around in her nurturing way was the place where you not only felt but knew you wholeheartedly belonged. 

To cultivate a space like this requires nuance and awareness. When I asked Kevin how he accomplished this rare feat, he admitted that creating a feeling of support and openness was his primary focus for the class. There are certainly some technical skills and musical theory that are necessary to be a songwriter; however, writing, sharing, and receiving feedback are essential elements of the process and these skills require vulnerability. From Kevin’s perspective, he first needed to create a space where students felt supported and safe so that the techniques and theory could be used creatively and courageously.

As class winds down for the evening, one group watches the other group’s performance and gives sincere and unrivaled support. Everyone seems surprised that class is already over and it is time to pack up. The students wander towards waiting parents, chatting with each other as they linger in the hallway. 

Class may be over but the feeling and the memory of belonging will persist long after these teens have shifted into adulthood. Tom Petty has told us: “Music is probably the one real magic I have encountered in my life. There's not some trick involved with it. It's pure and it's real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things.” As I watch this group of teenagers being completely themselves with each other, I couldn’t agree more.

Learn more about Songwriter's Collective!

  - Danielle Parker