The Songwriter’s Journey is a game-based, creative program that guides students through the exciting process of songwriting and music creation.
Your child will progress through twelve structured semesters as they develop musical skills and compose their own songs.
Each semester provides clear goals and milestones, culminating in a live performance or music video to showcase their growth and achievements.
Who is It For?
The Songwriter’s Journey is perfect for kids ages 6-12 who are ready to take their music-making to the next level. Whether they are new to songwriting or have some experience, this program inspires creativity and builds confidence.
Students who thrive in this program:
- Love the idea of writing their own songs and telling stories through music.
- Enjoy playing their instrument and learning new techniques.
- Are excited to collaborate with peers in a band or video project.
- Want to develop their skills and perform in live or recorded settings.
Beginner & Intermediate Levels
Beginner Levels (Ages 6-8)
- Focus on simple song structures like verse-chorus.
- Use basic chord progressions like I-V and IV.
- Explore descriptive lyrics and introduce solo sections.
- Learn to recognize major and minor chords.
Intermediate Levels (Ages 9-12)
- Experiment with advanced techniques, like 12-bar blues and swing.
- Incorporate minor key progressions and dynamic shifts.
- Write metaphorical lyrics and explore complex song forms.
- Learn double-time and half-time feels for added creativity.
Performance Opportunities
The Songwriter’s Journey provides exciting opportunities for students to showcase their creativity:
- Songwriting Parties: Students can showcase their songs in a live band setting.
- Music Videos: Record and collaborate asynchronously on professionally edited videos.
Program Information
Class Details
- Ages: 6-12 (Beginner Levels: Ages 6-8; Intermediate Levels: Ages 9-12)
- Class Length: 30 or 60 minutes
- Program Length: 12 weeks per semester
Instruments
- These are private lessons on the student’s instrument of choice.
- To benefit from the songwriting-focused curriculum, we recommend one of the following instruments:
- Guitar
- Piano/Keyboard
- Bass
- Vocals
- DJ
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) (e.g., GarageBand)
Schedule
We offer flexible scheduling for private lessons.
Pricing
Choose the plan that works best for your family:
- 4-Week Module: $280 for four 1-hour lessons; $140 for four 30-minute lessons.
- 12-Week Semester: $750 for 1-hour lessons (save $90); $375 for 30-minute lessons (save $45).
Why Choose The Songwriter’s Journey?
This program nurtures creativity and technical growth, offering students the chance to:
- Write and perform their own original songs.
- Build technical skills on their chosen instrument.
- Develop confidence in their creativity and musical voice.
- Collaborate with peers during performances or video projects.
- Experience the excitement of playing music in a live or recorded setting.
- Explore songwriting as a storytelling tool.
Music Fluencies Developed
Through hands-on exploration, students will build fluency in:
- Rhythm: Understanding and performing rhythmic patterns.
- Melody: Crafting memorable, expressive melodies.
- Harmony: Working with major, minor, and diatonic chords to create dynamic progressions.
- Songwriting: Exploring lyrics, song form, and storytelling in music.
Benefits for the Whole Family
Jam Band 101 brings music into your home and creates meaningful connections for the whole family. Horizon families enjoy:
- Weekly Class Reports: Stay connected with updates, videos, and at-home activities.
- A Musical Community: Join a supportive network of music-loving families.
- Shared Experiences: Watch your child grow in confidence and creativity.
What Happens in The Songwriter’s Journey?
Each semester is divided into three engaging modules that focus on creativity, skill-building, and collaboration:
1. Launch & Level (Weeks 1-4):
- Write “Speed Songs” to explore ideas quickly.
- Assess instrument skills and set personalized goals.
- Play Big Music Games to develop rhythm, harmony, melody, and songwriting fluencies.
2. Song Prep (Weeks 5-8):
- Dive into instrument-specific techniques with Skills & Drills.
- Customize song templates with original lyrics, melodies, and chords.
- Gain confidence while crafting an original song.
3. Gig Time (Weeks 9-12):
- Add creative touches to your performance.
- Rehearse and collaborate with bandmates (in-person or virtually).
- Record or perform your song for a Songwriting Party or music video.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The Songwriter’s Journey?
The Songwriter’s Journey is a creative curriculum that teaches music through songwriting.
What age group is this program for?
The Songwriter’s Journey is designed for kids ages 6-12, with beginner levels for ages 6-8 and intermediate levels for ages 9-12.
How long are the lessons?
These lessons are available in our standard private lesson lengths of 30-minutes and 60-minutes.
Do students need prior music experience?
No prior experience is required! We offer a progressive curriculum over 12 semesters which can also be considered “levels.” Our program is tailored to meet students at their level and guide them as they grow.
What instruments will my child learn?
These are focused instrument lessons. You and your child will pick their preferred instrument and receive private instruction.
If you are interested in group lessons where your child can experience a number of different instruments, check out Jam Band 101.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Each semester ends with a live Songwriting Party or a professionally edited music video featuring your child’s work.
What if my child prefers group lessons?
We also offer a group programs for students aged 6-8 called Jam Band 101.
We also actively seek opportunities for Songwriter’s Journey students to collaborate, create, and jam together when schedules and interests align.
How do I know if this program is right for my child?
We pride ourselves on offering unmatched flexibility to Horizon students and families. If you start the program and feel it’s not a fit, just let us know! We can place your child into traditional private lessons or group lessons to best suit their needs.
That said, if your child loves music, creativity, and self-expression, The Songwriter’s Journey could be a perfect fit!
Why is songwriting part of the program?
Songwriting is an incredibly effective learning tool. To write their own songs, students must understand the building blocks of music and how rhythm, melody, harmony, and lyrics come together to create something unique.
Can you explain more about the music fluencies?
Our curriculum revolves around the core music fluencies: Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, and Songwriting:
- Rhythm: Understanding and performing rhythmic patterns.
- Melody: Crafting memorable, expressive melodies.
- Harmony: Working with major, minor, and diatonic chords to create dynamic progressions.
- Songwriting: Exploring lyrics, song form, and storytelling in music.
Sign Up Now!
Just fill out the form, and we’ll contact you shortly to arrange a complimentary consultation so we can pair your child with the best-matched instructor.
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