Workshops
Songwriting Workshops
Jeff has worked with both students and adults in songwriting workshops and has received great feedback from participants. Sessions can be designed specifically for the needs of your group - be it beginners to more advanced writers. Length can also be designed to suit your needs - usually ranging from 1 to 2 days BUT shorter 2 hour sessions are also possible (we’ll work to suit your needs for workshop length - tell us what you’re thinking). Workshops are highly example-based, and involve participation. Topics can include: Brainstorming ideas, object writing, metaphors, similes, verse development, distilling down to your core idea, tempo, key, melody, re-writing, perspective/person and more!
“Jeff Straker is an engaging, charismatic, enthusiastic, and compassionate instructor who had my students completely enthralled with the songwriting process. He was totally prepared and professional, giving the students the tools to work on their own songwriting while allowing them to explore some emotional territory that opened up new possibilities for them both as songwriters and as maturing individuals. The workshops yielded amazing results, and I believe he has introduced the students to a craft that will have lifelong potential as a creative outlet for them.” (Karen Blackwell-Jones - Saskatchewan)
Contact Jeff for more info including dates and fees.
Vocal Workshops
Ideally suited for younger music students. Jeff conducts group workshops for vocal students taking them through an intensive master-class (half day to full day depending on need/number of students). The aim is to help keep young singers at ease, enjoying their song and their time in front of their audience. Topics include: warm up exercises, relaxation and posture, breathing, phrasing, performance and dealing with stage fright. Workshops typically include a performance by each student. This is a great workshop for students in preparation for a recital, festival or competition.
“We had a terrific time! The teachers were very pleased, and the girls
had a great afternoon. You related to them very well and they enjoyed
the afternoon tremendously” (Shelly Mooney - Saskatchewan)
Contact Jeff for more info including dates and fees.
Music Appreciation
“Everyone was really happy with the workshops. The principal commented that it takes a lot of talent to keep a grade 7/8 class engaged in music! It was great” (Rae Pelletier-Regina SK)
Ideally suited to school aged students (K-grade 8 ). Jeff can work with a class on general music appreciation, helping students understand how to be ‘active’ vs ‘passive’ listeners. This includes in-class live performances of songs, discussion on various elements of music the students like to listen to, and a rudimentary introduction to the concept of writing a song.
These sessions work well as a guest visit to a music, art or creative writing class during school time.
Contact Jeff for more info including dates and fees.
