Appalachian Songwriters Retreat

Story songs are one of the oldest and most powerful tools a songwriter has. From the ancient ballads that crossed the Atlantic and took root in these mountains to the story-driven folk songs being written today, Appalachian music has always known what science is just catching up to: a good story sticks.

In this 90-minute workshop, Kentucky Master Artist and award-winning songwriter Carla Gover draws on 30+ years of performing and writing to walk you through her personal rituals and prompts for crafting songs that go beyond pretty words and into real narrative, and shares more about her philosophy of songwriting, too. 

We’ll look at where our story-song tradition came from, what makes it work, and how you can use those same bones to write something entirely your own, with tools, suggestions, and prompts to stir your creativity. All levels are welcome. Bring a notebook and whatever story you’ve been afraid to write about yet.

There’s meat on that bone—and you know it. This workshop will help you get to the heart of what you want to say and trim the fat so that the good stuff stands on its own.

In Song Excavation: The Meat & Three, we’ll dig into the substance of your songs that carries weight and develop the discernment to know when something isn’t working. From refining lyrics, tightening arrangements, or completely reimagining a song’s original bones, this session treats editing as a deeper act of intention to discern what meat should stay on the plate. 

We’ll look closely at ways to bring clarity to the emotional core of your work with song structure options and practical tools to sharpen and strengthen your music and your lyrics. Through guided examples, adaptable prompts, and thoughtful conversation, you’ll walk away with more confidence in the power of your ideas. 

Bring a draft you’re willing to carve on—we’ll work hands-on in a supportive and constructive environment to consider how to be more expansive with your writing practice. This is a space to get curious, take risks, and lean into the transformative potential of revising your songs and embracing your strengths as a songwriter. 

You won’t be disappointed by finding out how the sausage is made—you’ll learn to work alongside the mysteries of the creative process and discover a newfound appreciation for the story that already lives inside of you.

Explore a variety of fun tools (activities, prompts, supplies) that help you intentionally access your creative flow, generate lyric ideas, and gain fresh approaches to the art of songwriting. We will do at least 4 activities and prompts that explore different stages of songwriting: generating ideas, writing lyrics, editing, and maintaining your practice. Get ready to break out of your songwriting notebook with colors, scissors, tape, space, and an open mind. We will close with a reflection and time to share your go-to creative tools with fellow songwriters. You will leave with new perspectives on your songs and several creative tools for your songwriting toolkit.

TBD

Coming soon!

Join Sarah Kate, a lifelong traditional musician, as she shares her process of writing new songs with a traditional Appalachian voice. We’ll start with discussing the defining characteristics of different genres of traditional songs of our region… including acapella ballads and story songs,  old-time fiddle tunes with lyrics, labor and protest songs, traditional gospel, and bluegrass. From there we’ll provide you with a guide on how to create an authentic sounding chord progression and melody that echoes the sounds of these traditional songs. We’ll start by writing additional lyrics to existing traditional songs then give prompts to help spark your traditional writing fire!