Progessions: Songwriting
Become an advanced songwriter in this 4 month course!
Progessions: Songwriting
Got some song ideas, and now you’re ready for the next level? Ready to perform or record your own tunes?
Go from beginner to advanced songwriting in just 4 months with this course from expert instructor Martin Gilmore (Winner of the prestigious 2024 Telluride Bluegrass Festival songwriting competition!)
Our next session starts September 2 – fill out our interest form below to apply by August 22, 2025.
Got some song ideas, and now you’re ready for the next level? Ready to perform or record your own tunes?
Go from beginner to advanced songwriting in just 4 months with this course from expert instructor Martin Gilmore (Winner of the prestigious 2024 Telluride Bluegrass Festival songwriting competition!)
Our next session starts September 2 – fill out our interest form below to apply by August 22, 2025.
How Does the Progressions: Songwriting Course Work?
This isn’t just any songwriting course. It’s designed to give aspiring songwriters the chance to regularly collaborate with songwriting professionals to develop their craft farther than simple tutorials or short-term songwriting retreats. You can expect:
- Over 30 online class sessions taught on Zoom with your cohort of just 2-4 other students, taught on Tuesdays (online via Zoom) and Thursdays (in-person at Swallow Hill Music), both at 6:45 pm MT
- Additional individual sessions with your expert instructor, Martin Gilmore, for personalized help.
- Monthly in-person performance opportunities for your original works!
You’ll be challenged without being overwhelmed to make sure you reach your goals.
Here’s what sets Progressions apart from other songwriting courses:
Individual Attention
This isn’t just a series of lectures – with only 2-5 other students, you’ll have plenty of time for concrete feedback on your songs, curated practice plans, and personalized one-on-one help from your instructor.
Performance Opportunities
There’s much more to a songwriter’s life than getting notes and words on a page – you have to bring your songs to life. Few other courses give you the opportunity to perform your original songs, so that you can leave with polished renditions ready for stage and studio.
Consistency & Accountability
For most songwriters, the hardest part is prioritizing your time to just sit down to write! With twice-weekly class meetings – one focused on learning concepts, the other on sharing songs – you’ll build up the consistency of producing new songs and the bravery of sharing them to help you find your unique songwriting voice.
Meet Your Songwriting Instructor
Martin Gilmore has a multi-decade, world-spanning career performing original music and teaching.
As a singer-songwriter with experience in many genres, Martin has shared the stage with members of The Infamous Stringdusters and opened two shows for Stephen Stills and Judy Collins. He was a founding member of the award-winning bluegrass band Long Road Home, and vintage Honky-Tonk band The Semaphores.
He has taught songwriting at Swallow Hill Music for over 10 years and has been a music faculty member at the University of Northern Colorado since 2017, in addition to teaching through his private studio.
Most recently, Martin won the prestigious 2024 Telluride Troubadour songwriting competition at the famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival!
How Much Does Progressions Cost?
Progressions is an investment in your future talents that costs $1,840 for the full 4-month curriculum, paid in installments of $435/month after a refundable $100 application deposit.
Swallow Hill Music Members get $100 off!
Since those 4 months include 30+ class meetings, individual sessions with Martin, and monthly performances, the cost breakdown looks something like this:
…which comes out to less per hour than many private songwriting teachers!
*A application fee is also due at the time of applying, which will be applied to the total course tuition*
Frequently Asked Questions
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How skilled should I be as a songwriter to take this course?
How does the application and interview process work?
The application is set up so the instructor can prepare for the interview with the student. The interview is used to assess the skills a student has and if a particular cohort is the right fit for them.
How much does Progressions cost? How much is due when?
Progressions is an investment in your future musical talents that costs $1,700 for the full 4-month curriculum. (A payment plan of $425/month is also available.)
Those 4 months include 30+ class meetings, individual sessions with Martin, monthly performances, and a final recording opportunity.
I'm new to online courses - what should I expect? Is there any computer/video equipment I will need?
Students will need a computer, tablet or device with camera and microphone capabilities. Students will need sufficient internet connection for smooth programming. A consistent internet upload speed of 5.7 Mbps or more is recommended. Conduct a speed test for your connection at www.speedtest.net (and consider testing during the proposed time of your lessons or class). Using an ethernet cable, plugged from your router to your computer, provides a more stable connection.