Chicago Voices Student Songwriting Workshop

Through Chicago Voices, Lyric Unlimited offered a free, week-long intensive songwriting workshop in June 2017 to give high school students the opportunity to share their stories and experiences through original songs, building on Chicago's legacy of outstanding musicianship and nurturing the next generation of aspiring singers and songwriters. From 62 applicants, twelve high school students were selected to participate in the Chicago Voices Student Songwriting Workshop. This small, selective group of students received one-on-one instruction from professional teaching artists Megan Elk and Mike Przygoda, both of whom have extensive songwriting backgrounds in a variety of styles and genres. Through classes, breakout sessions, and collaboration, student participants honed their songwriting skills while strengthening their vocal technique and performance artistry. 

The Chicago Voices Student Songwriting Workshop culminated in a visit to Mix Kitchen Recording Studio, where each student participant performed and recorded their original song. For four days, students crafted their original songs, working both independently and in roundtable sessions where they received constructive input from teaching artists and fellow participants. Each day, Elk and Przygoda covered subjects such as identifying a creative process, basic song structures, chord progressions, lyric writing and word play, and how to collaborate with other musicians. Through this introduction to basic song writing, participants acquired a wealth of new skills and knowledge that will help them progress as artists and as songwriters. 

As their compositions began to take shape, many participants invited their peers to perform with them in the recording studio, adding layers of depth and complexity to their songs with a variety of instruments, including guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, violin, and voice. The opportunity to collaborate with other musicians their age who share the same passion for music, vocalism, and songwriting was empowering, and will leave a lasting impression on each young artist in the Chicago Voices Student Songwriting Workshop. This invaluable exercise in collaboration and innovative creation typifies the spirit of Chicago Voices, as the newest generation of Chicago songwriters comes together to share the stories and sounds that shape our community. 

At the end of the week, each participant walked away with a professionally produced recording of the song they wrote over the course of the workshop. You can now listen to the original works from these outstanding young artists on the Chicago Voices website!

Listen Now