Sunday Morning in the Studio – Facebook Live

by | Oct 6, 2022

Sunday Morning in the Studio
11:00am CST / 12:00pm EST

For these shows, I go up to my studio and play songs that keep me on the ground.
Most will probably be mine, but a few might be a cover.
I might read from my book, show some art that I’ve been working on, maybe talk about where my mind is wandering and where I’d like it to go.
I’ll play guitar, more than likely some things on my old out-of-tune yet perfect 1941 Steinway.
Regardless, I do these shows for the pure joy of playing music in my studio.
I hope you can join me.

www.facebook.com/dardensmith

Online Songwriting Workshop

by | Oct 6, 2022

On four consecutive Saturdays in October I’ll be leading a series of online songwriting workshops.
Dates – October 3 / 10 / 17 / 24

All levels of writers are welcome. Whether you’ve been working at it for awhile and are looking for feedback and insight on how to write better songs, or just beginning and need tips on how to get started, By the end of the month you will be writing more songs, with better results (how is that for a sales pitch?). Each week I’ll invite a special guest to give us an inside view into their process and their approach to the writing life.

More than just a workshop on the craft of writing, these sessions are about giving you practical tips on how to kickstart your creativity and how to turn the stories in your daily life into better songs.

“Darden is a supportive, engaging and immensely helpful songwriting instructor/coach. Invited guests are top industry professionals offering insightful advice. Seasoned writers will appreciate his perspective and new writers should take the plunge!” Lara

Here’s how it works:
• Dates – October 3 / 10 / 17 / 24
• Time: 12:00 pm Central / 1:00 pm Eastern
• 2 hours per session (+/-)
• All sessions will be done on Zoom, with each week’s audio of the workshops provided to all participants.
• Fee $275 (Paypal – dsmith@dardensmith.com / Venmo – dardensmith-music-art)
What you’ll need for the sessions:
• A laptop, computer, etc. (Phones work, but I find that it’s not a great experience)
•  Steady internet to stay in the calls and hear the info, and interact with the class!Between Sessions
•  Time to work on your songs between sessions, send updates, etc.
•  A way to record your songs (phones are completely acceptable)

In the sessions, we’ll be covering the basics (Structure / Verse / Chorus / Bridge, Meter, Melody, etc), but the focus of these classes will be digging deep into lyric clarity, how to mine your own experiences for songs, and how to create the habits and practice of a successful writing life.There will be assignments each week. My goal is for each participant is to write and record at least 4 new songs over the course of the month.If you have any questions on the class, feel free to get in touch – dardensmithmusic@gmail.com