SOUNDFLY MAINSTAGE
The New Songwriter's Workshop
Unlock your creativity by exploring the foundational elements of writing a great song.
Songwriting is a deeply personal art. There's no one right way to do it, but there are some universal tips, strategies, and sources of inspiration that can help get you started or break through your writer's block.
In this five-week course, acclaimed songwriter Oli Rockberger lays out some of the approaches he uses when choosing harmonic progressions, crafting memorable melodies, finding effective writing strategies, and more. Plus, you'll get weekly personalized feedback on your songs by an expert Mainstage Mentor. Sign up now and write your next great song!
Oli Rockberger
Songwriter, Pianist, Producer
Oli Rockberger is a singer/songwriter, solo artist, producer/arranger, studio keys sideman, and one-third of the acclaimed electro-soul act Mister Barrington, based between New York and his native London. Currently working on his fourth studio album, his music has won critical acclaim for its blending of pop, soul, and jazz, while his musical breadth and versatility has led to collaborations with the likes of Levon Helm, Laura Mvula, Carly Simon, Gloria Gaynor, John Mayer, Jesse Harris, Judy Collins, Les McCann, Chris Dave, John Forte, and Randy Brecker, amongst numerous others. Oli performs, records, and presents workshops internationally, and brings the richness of his musical experiences to his insightful and engaging course for new songwriters.
Visit http://www.olirockberger.com for more info.
More About Oli
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6 Weeks Left to Join the Next Session
- Unlimited access to interactive and video content
- Weekly feedback and support from an expert Mainstage Mentor
- Downloadable course pack with extra resources
Price $499
Give yourself the tools to write great songs
By the end of this course, you’ll understand the various elements of a great song and how to piece them together to create something original.
Listen Differently to Your Favorite Songs
We show you how to listen to and analyze your favorite songs in new ways.
Expand Your Harmonic Palette
We explore how to build common chord progressions using triads and seventh chords.
Craft Memorable Melodies & Hooks
We explore some key factors that can contribute to really great melody writing.
Overcome Writer's Block & Practice Writing
This course includes strategies for starting out and writing prompts for practice.
Are you an educator? If so, you can access educator discounts. !
GET PERSONAL SUPPORT & FEEDBACK FROM A MAINSTAGE MENTOR
Our expert mentors do whatever it takes to ensure that you achieve your musical goals for the course and leap forward in your learning.
Christina Apostolopoulos
Songwriter & Guitarist
- Independent songwriter finishing up second full-length album
- Leader of songwriting workshops for GRCA, Loud Program, & others
- Featured in songwriting showcases at Berklee College of Music
Mahea Lee
Multi-Genre Composer
- Written & performed solo and in multiple acts around NYC & LA
- Contemporary Writing & Production grad from Berklee College of Music
- Songwriting experience in jazz, pop, classical, & contemporary genres
Course Outline
MORE INFORMATION
Who is this course for?
This course is for beginner songwriters who are looking to learn how to write songs from scratch. It focuses specifically on the building blocks of songwriting, including structure, harmony, and melody.
What are the requirements?
There are no pre-requirements for this course, although it's targeted specifically at people who know some piano or guitar. The course touches on chords, intervals, and other elements of composition. You will need some way to make music, whether a piano, keyboard, guitar, MIDI program, etc.
What do I get as a Mainstage student?
This Mainstage course is for students who are ready to take their songwriting to the next level. You'll receive immediate, unlimited access, a downloadable Course Pack, and in-depth personalized weekly feedback from a Mainstage Mentor. This Mentor will help you stay accountable to your goals and offer guidance along the way.
How long does it take?
You'll want to really digest the material at your own pace, but the guided experience will last about five-weeks.
What will I learn by the end?
You'll finish this course having learned about common song structures, common harmonic devices, how to craft memorable melodies, tricks for overcoming writer's block, and more. By the end, you will have analyzed other people's music, thought about your own music in new ways, and written a few songs of your own.
What does it mean that the course starts on September 6?
As soon as you purchase a course, you can start exploring the course material immediately. On the start date, the session begins, which means you'll receive your Course Pack and begin the guided experience that includes weekly activities, feedback from Mainstage Mentors, and much more. This is intended to help you stay accountable and get the feedback you need to succeed.
Will there be future sessions of the course?
Yes! We plan to run new sessions roughly every two months. Check back shortly for firm dates, or sign up for a Soundfly account to receive email updates about course dates and new course launches.
How do I give the course as a gift?
Soundfly courses make great gifts for the music lover in your life. To purchase a course as a gift, first sign into your Soundfly account, or create a new account for you (the purchaser). Pick the course you'd like to give, click to purchase, fill in your information, check the box below the credit card form saying you're buying the course as a gift, and click to pay. You'll shortly receive an email gift certificate that you can give to a friend.
How do I sign up for a course using a gift certificate?
Create your own Soundfly account, navigate to the course you've been gifted, and click to "buy now." On the check out page at the bottom of the form, you'll see a field where you can enter the code on your gift certificate. Enter the code, no credit card info needed, click "Apply," and enjoy the course!