Songwriting: Finding Your Voice
Date/Time
2/12/2026 - 3/19/2026
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Pacific
Event Type(s)
Arts and Culture
new event type
Event Description

Thursdays, 7:00–8:30 PM | 6 Week Program

 

Unlock your creative potential and bring your personal stories to life through music in this beginner-focused songwriting course with accomplished musician and songwriter Barry Crannell. Over six weeks, you’ll explore how to craft authentic, compelling songs that reflect your unique voice.

 

What You’ll Learn:

  • The building blocks of a song: melody, lyrics, and structure

  • Common song forms and how to use them effectively

  • Techniques for writing freely and without judgment

  • The art of authentic storytelling and connecting with your audience

  • How to refine and rewrite your work to create polished songs

 

Through guided prompts, collaborative exercises, and individualized support, you’ll develop at least three original songs by the end of the course. Bring a notebook, a recording device (your phone works perfectly!), and your instrument of choice, and be ready to dive into the creative process.

 

About Your Instructor:

Barry has been immersed in music from his early days in garage bands to his performances spanning folk, rock, bluegrass, and Irish traditional styles. A veteran of the Marines, Barry honed his discipline and creativity while performing and teaching guitar in Eugene, Oregon.

 

Encouraged by producer Craig Carothers and mentored by acclaimed songwriter Lisa Aschmann, Barry has earned accolades in national and international songwriting contests, including the Kerrville New Folk Song Contest and Talent Is Timeless Songwriting Contest. His lyrics have been featured in American Songwriter Magazine. For over 20 years, he has taught guitar and introductory songwriting across the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing creativity, authentic expression, and the development of each student’s unique musical voice.

 

Currently, Barry performs and co-writes with his wife, fellow songwriter Julianna Waters. Their collaborative song “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” received Honorable Mention in the Talent Is Timeless Songwriting Contest.

 

Bring your stories to life! Discover your voice and write the songs only you can tell.

Only 10 spots available! Get your ticket while they last.

Location
Setting: In-Person
The Dalles Art Center
220 E 4th st
The Dalles, OR 97058

Click here for Google Maps
Contact Person
Ellen Potter
(phone: 541-296-4759)
Details

$250 for the 6 week course. Learn the art of writing a song in this 6 week program with award-winning instructor Barry Crannell.

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