Songwriters Workshop: "Building Better Harmony & Stronger Rhythms"

Instructor: Jesse Ogle

Scholarship Link: https://wkf.ms/3WulJni

Enhance Your Songwriting: Mastering Rhythm and Harmony

This advanced songwriter course delves deep into the musical foundations that support lyrics, with a primary focus on rhythm and harmony. Designed to expand your harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary, the course offers a series of challenging exercises and guided experiments.

While tailored for guitarists, the concepts apply to any instrument. As a bassist, I'll provide unique insights from a rhythm section perspective.

1) Rhythmic Exploration

• Emulating drum patterns on stringed instruments
• Vocal rhythm techniques and applications
• Mastering duple and triple meters

2) Harmonic Innovation

• Breaking key conventions creatively
• Utilizing pivot chords for smooth transitions
• Exploring chord substitutions and extensions

3) Guitar Techniques (adaptable to other instruments)

• Advanced strumming patterns
• Fingerpicking styles for textural variety

4)Melodic and Rhythmic Integration

• Crafting melodies that complement rhythmic structures
• Creating contrast between melody and rhythm for dynamic compositions

5) Arrangement Strategies

• Developing intros, outros, and bridges
• Balancing instruments in a mix

6) Musical Interaction

• Enhancing interplay between instruments
• Crafting call-and-response sections

The course culminates in a live showcase at Roots Music Project, featuring collaborations with RMP house musicians. This performance opportunity allows you to apply your newly acquired skills in a professional setting.

Note: While this course emphasizes musical elements, basic lyrical guidelines will be provided to ensure holistic song development.

i serve as the Community Development Director at Roots Music Project and am also the founder of one of Southwest Colorado's largest non-profit music programs, iAM MUSIC. My educational background includes a Master's Degree in Songwriting and Music Production from the University of South Wales and a Bachelor of Science in Music from Oregon State University.

In the past, I owned the Harmony Roadhouse music school in Eugene, Oregon, and I have collaborated with various youth and community non-profit organizations. As a professional bassist, I have extensive touring experience across the country with tours in Canada, Europe and Mexico, averaging over 200 shows per year for five consecutive years at one point. I have played in projects as a bassist that range from bluegrass, Latin, Middle Eastern, jazz, funk, Neo-Soul, R&B, folk and pop.

In addition to my role at Roots Music Project, I engage in personal projects, namely J-Calvin and Nu Bass Theory. My expertise spans music performance, music production, education, non-profit development, and networking. While I primarily write songs for others, I regularly perform and sing with my project Nu Bass Theory and currently support Wren Vann, Mojo Birds and Hello Dollface.

Roots Music Project is a non-profit local music incubator based in Boulder, Colorado. We believe in the power of music to make the world a better place. All music starts locally. We empower artists, fans, and venues to connect and create a thriving and inspiring local music scene.

4747 Pearl St, Ste V3A Boulder, CO 80301

Host or Publisher Roots Music Project