Schedule

An Overview of the Guided Experience at Universe of Song

In 2009 in all aspects our area of focus will be Emotion!

Here is a brief overview of the core curriculum (scroll down for an overview of electives too)

Track One. First Time UOS Students and Beginners

-What is a Song? How does it work, What does it do?

-Lyric Writing. Learn to use literary techniques to create powerful lyric with few words that fit well with melody. How to develop multiple lyrics to communicate the same idea so you have many choices in crafting your lyric.

-Song Structure. Nuts and Bolts review of important techniques which will make your songs work.

-Melody Writing. How to create Motifs and hooks that communicate the emotion of your song. Basic melodic development is then covered. Basic techniques for creating melodies that are emotional in nature and that hang together. In these sections you will learn to write melodies for your songs that tell the story without ANY words.

-Movie Writing. How to focus your songs so they stick in your listeners heads like movies

-Rhythm Roots. Writing from a Rhythmic standpoint can create wildly effective songs. Learn to use nuts and bolts of rhythm to increase your effectiveness. Beat box writing experience.

-Overcoming limitations of our instruments and voice in writing so the true song can emerge

-Breaking Through. How to get out of the way and let the deepest emotion of the song come to light.

Track Two. Returning UOS Students and Advanced

-Brief review of Song Shapes for use in the workshop and everyday writing.

-Advanced Lyric Writing. New slants on Literary Techniques with emotional focus. Advanced rhyme schemes. Advanced creativity...how to generate ideas with higher emotional power.

-Cadence techniques. How to use stresses and syllables to create memorable lyrics. Line management techniques.

-Advanced Melody Writing. Melodic development techniques are covered including the concept of modes. -Harmonization of melodies and chord substitutions too. Creating powerful shades of emotion in your melody and in your accompaniment.

-Advance cinematic techniques. How to create laser sharp focus in songs creating the ultimate memorable experience.

-Advanced Rhythm Technique. Polyrhythms and counterpoints. How to use rhythmic contrasts to underscore ideas. Use of a “No Way” list to create lyric and melodic options for advance rhythmic textures

-Overcoming limitations of our instruments and voice in writing so the true song can emerge

-Breaking Through. How to get out of the way and let the deepest emotion of the song come to light.

Sample Electives for Universe of Song 2009:
Note: This elective list is subject to change and is meant only to give a representation of typical electives offered.

Industry Insights
Overview of business issues pertaining to careers in music. Copyright, performing rights, publishing, taxes etc. This is a nuts and bolts review of things you need to know if you plan or have a career in music.

Do It Yourself Touring
From independent releases to do it yourself touring to internet marketing: come learn how to build your own career writing and performing at whatever level you desire.

Song Critique
Check you ego at the door and bring a song for critique by industry experts and seasoned songwriters. Learn things you are doing in the song that work and areas for improvement.

Emotional Theater Games
Learn to use theater games to access your songs at greater depth by shining light on the emotional centers of your song. Grow immensely in performance and writing. Fascinating, rewarding, and highly effective.

Making Great Recordings
So much gear is available these days. But what do you really need and how do you use it? What are the pros and cons of various home recording gear? When do you need a professional studio and how do you choose one? Also an overview of how to effectively manage a recording project is provided in this elective.

Instant Band!
Arrange a song with musicians from the guitar, drumming and songwriting workshops. With guidance, arrange the song and perform it on stage! This elective gets into aspects of co-writing and arrangement as well as performance. An exciting innovative experience.

Co-writing
Mysteries and practice of co-writing revealed. Learn to write excellent songs working with others.

Performance Lab
Take your performance to a whole new level. Performance happens on stage, yet the techniques that make it great are largely invisible. This art form carries great weight and can makes all the difference in whether the audience gets your work and wants to hear it again. Come, learn the secrets of master performers!

How to Beat the Musicians Blues
Reveal opportunities for service and making a difference with your music.

Listening to Air
Advanced creativity and channeling of pure ideas.

Hand Drumming
Join master drummers from the Summer Rhythm Renewal for an in depth class on hand drumming. Get your groove on!

In addition to electives there are opportunities for Private Consultations with many of the faculty. Please check the website for topics and registrations. Private Consultations are limited and often fill up quickly.

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Note to returning students:
We are very excited for UOS 09! This year, our venue will be moving to JFK, where we will have indoor and outdoor stages for our work. In addition to daylight in our main meeting areas, we will have access to performance spaces, PA systems, and great areas for break-out sessions and electives. Also for 09, we are scheduling optional and recommended) arrival for Wednesday evening. We’ll be offering an opening pre-reception so we can greet old friends, make new ones, and get acclimated. In addition to fun and fellowship this will also allow us to get more of everything out of the four-day program, including more performance and elective opportunities.
We are very excited about our new two-track approach and the list of electives offered this year, including Do It Yourself Touring, Emotional Theater Games, Song Critique, Performance Lab, Industry Insights, and many more.
We also will provide more access to private consultations, a deeper more customized level of writing instruction and many opportunities for rejuvenation.
In short, we hope you will join us for Universe of Song 2009, as we know you will be delighted and grow. Much of the key to this year’s success is a larger enrollment. Please help us. Refer people to UOS and bring them along. There are significant discounts for registering early. Early registrations will be most helpful, so sign-up as soon as you can! Please see the website for more information at www.universeofsong.com. Early registrations could save you and your referrals as much as $100!

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Be sure to visit the rest of the Arts in the Mountains pages! Click here.

Also, check out Jim Donovan's website. Go to Jim Donovan Music.