The Experience

The Song School Experience

The Song School Experience

The Song School Experience

Imagine a place where you can explore and grow every aspect of your songwriting and creativity. A place where you receive professional feedback from instructors and peers in an intentional and caring environment. A place where songwriters from around the country are with you; people who are just beginning to write or sing, professionals with busy tour schedules and everyone in between.

Imagine all this learning and sharing taking place within a dynamic and supportive community where the most important goal is to encourage each other to take the next creative step.


The Experience

Welcome to The Song School

Founded in 1994, it all began when artist Janis Ian was invited to present her Berklee masterclass on songwriting. The program has since blossomed into a deep and nurturing dive into this one of a kind vocation.

Nestled in the Colorado foothills along sandstone cliffs and bordered by the North Saint Vrain river, the 11-acre Planet Bluegrass Ranch provides the perfect backdrop for this immersive creative experience. Most students and instructors camp onsite to meet and mingle and share music well into the evening hours. Student open-mics in the beautiful open-air Wildflower Pavilion offer a chance to perform for peers and instructors in a state of the art listening venue. And if you are seeking quiet time for writing and inner reflection, the site offers an abundance of space to rejuvenate as well as morning yoga and Qigong classes.

“For me, part of the magic of Song School is being immersed in nature and in community, connecting between classes with new friends, playing in song circles at night, and enjoying the intimacy and fun of the creative journey together.” - Ingrid Avison

The Experience

The Song School offers a unique opportunity to create your own schedule for the week choosing from a rich tapestry of elective classes. It’s rare that two paths through the curriculum are the same. And the only way to experience the depth of offerings is to return again and again.

Each day, there are long form songwriting classes with both a lyrical and melodic focus and each instructor offers a personal and different approach to the art of songwriting with plenty of opportunities to write. Also there’s a variety of classes for voice, movement, performance, guitar, the music biz and recording techniques. And many niche classes on a variety of additional important and fun topics. With over 120 elective classes and 35 instructors, the program is designed to let each student discover and develop the skills needed to bring their musical vision to life. The only requirement is to show up with an open mind and begin the journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter or just starting to explore the art of crafting melodies and lyrics, The Song School is designed to inspire, support and nurture your creative aspirations. We hope you can join us.

Festival Partners