Songwriting Workshop: Writing Hooks and Expanding Harmony (4 Week Program)

The hook is the heart of your song, the part listeners remember, sing along to, and come back for. In this 4-week songwriting workshop, we’ll focus exclusively on crafting powerful choruses that connect emotionally, melodically, and lyrically. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your writing, this course will give you the tools to develop unforgettable melodic and lyrical hooks.

Wednesdays October 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd

Each session will explore the art and science behind the chorus—the musical and lyrical centerpiece that often defines your song and becomes its strongest selling point. You'll learn techniques for crafting melodies that stick and writing lyrics that hit, all while experimenting with rhyme schemes, repetition, phrasing, and theme development.

Participants will engage in weekly creative prompts, group collaboration, and feedback sessions to sharpen their songwriting instincts in a supportive, interactive environment. By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with one or two fully developed chorus ideas and melodic hooks ready to form the foundation of your next hit.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to craft strong, memorable melodic hooks
• The role of rhyme, rhythm, and repetition in lyric writing
• How to develop chorus concepts that connect emotionally and thematically
• Techniques for building choruses that contrast and complement your verses
• Collaborative strategies for refining ideas and getting feedback

What to Expect:

• Weekly creative challenges focused on chorus development
• Guided exercises to develop both melody and lyrics
• Group listening and feedback to inspire and evolve your work
• Tools and inspiration to keep writing long after the course ends

This workshop is open to writers of all genres and experience levels. Whether you’re writing for yourself or for others, you’ll leave with new tools, fresh ideas, and the foundations of your next great song.

About the Instructor:

Jesse Ogle is an accomplished professional bassist, educator, songwriter, music producer, and non-profit leader. He is the co-founder of iAM MUSIC, one of Southwest Colorado’s leading music-focused non-profits, and currently serves as the Community Development Director at Roots Music Project in Boulder, CO.

Jesse is an active performer and collaborator, playing bass with Nu Bass Theory, Wrenn Van, J-Calvin, Haiikuu, and internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean artist Blessing Chimanga, while also working as a sought-after freelance bassist.

As an educator and speaker, Jesse has presented at notable institutions and events including CU Boulder, Loyola University, Fort Lewis College, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Colorado Creative Industries Summit.

A recognized expert in non-profit development, Jesse is deeply committed to building bridges across the musical arts community—fostering collaborations, cultivating equity, and creating long-lasting relationships that strengthen the creative ecosystem in Colorado and beyond.

Roots Music Project Foundation is a 501(c)(3) 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 Search for "Roots Music Project" on Google Maps.

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"See you at Roots!"

Host or Publisher Roots Music Project