Progessions: Songwriting
Become an advanced songwriter in 4 months!
Progessions: Songwriting
Become an advanced songwriter in 4 months!
Do your dozens of notebooks of song ideas have you dreaming of the next level? Maybe performing your songs at venues, recording them, or even one day writing songs for a living?
This 4-month online intensive learning experience takes beginner songwriters of all genres to an advanced level. Work with a small cohort and an expert performing instructor to hone your craft and realize your dreams.
The next session runs August 29th through December 21. Fill out an interest form to start applying by August 18!
Do your dozens of notebooks of song ideas have you dreaming of the next level? Maybe performing your songs at venues, recording them, or even one day writing songs for a living?
This 4-month online intensive learning experience takes beginner songwriters of all genres to an advanced level. Work with a small cohort and an expert performing instructor to hone your craft and realize your dreams.
The next session runs August 29th through December 21. Fill out an interest form to start applying by August 18!
How Does Progressions Work?
This isn’t just any online 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’ll have over 30 online class sessions taught on Zoom with your cohort of just 2-5 other students on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm MT, plus additional individual sessions with your expert instructor, Martin Gilmore, for personalized help. You’ll also get 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 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 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.
How Much Does Progressions Cost?
Progressions is an investment in your future songwriting talents that costs $1,700 for the full 4-month curriculum. (A payment plan of $425/month is also available.)
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 do I know if Progressions is a good fit for me?
How skilled should I be as a songwriter to take this course?
Songwriters should have both time and experience with their craft and be able to play a piece for a group. Students join Progressions as intermediate writers, meaning, they should either have 2+ years of experience or at a minimum, have one or two pieces they’ve written.
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. In the interview, students will be asked to demonstrate their skill level through playing in a one-on-one setting with their instructor.
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.
Can I take Progressions if I don't live in Denver and I can't do in-person performances?
Yes. Progressions will mostly be held virtually, though depending on the location of the students in your cohort, there may be in-person meetings at Swallow Hill in Denver or off-site at other area music venues and studios. Also, depending on the cohort, this can not happen at all, or could be up to once a week.
I'm new to online classes - 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.
Is there a sample class I can take before applying?
Yes! You can sit in on a class with current Progression cohorts to get a taste and instructors can provide the corresponding materials for context.