Hello Folks,
Welcome to my page about my songwriter/creativity workshop 'Songwriting from the Heart' to be held this fall at the Esalen Institute (near Big Sur). It is a 5 day workshop Nov 2-9 2008. The dates are from just after supper Sunday Nov 2nd, thru lunch Friday Nov 7th 2008. Please visit their website http://www.esalen.org .
After viewing the grounds, prices, and info about Esalen, search Johnsmith (all one word) 'Songwriting from the Heart' workshop for more details. All levels of songwriters are welcome from beginners to advanced. No worries if you do not play an instrument, bring your voice.

We meet two hours each morning, appx 10-noon, 2-4pm, and 8-10pm. The first day we delve into the inspiration aspect of writing. Getting ideas, writing exercises etc. The second day we spend more on the nuts and bolts of writing verses, choruses, bridges, etc, groove, melody,.and such. We will be sharing our exercise assignments and critique thoughts on what works and what might be improved. Wed we will spend most of the day discussing co-writing and break up into pairs and have a go at it.
Thursday we will be focusing on performance skills. Now that you have a song or a few to share, what skills can we get to assure our songs are connecting to the audience and to ourselves. after taking turns practicing the new skills we will actually give a small group concert to those from other Esalen workshops who wish to attend. Also at nights we often share music in the cafeteria or around the open fire place outside. We also do some dancing, chanting, body movement, and breathe work.

Mostly, I do my best to create a very safe, nurturing, fun, space and try to hold that space for the five days. Many good songs have come from my past two years of leading at Esalen. The group bonding has been a powerful teary eyed experience both years. See the testimonials below.

Esalen offers so much, from gorgeous cliffside views of the blue Pacific, to stunning flower and vegetable gardens, to meditation rooms, free yoga and movement each morning, delicious home-cooked meals, and to die for hot tubs under the stars looking out over the sea. And many types of massage to choose from. Just the Esalen place itself is worth the price of admission.

So any folks you can share this with would be most helpful. Last year I had 12 folks and my goal is to get close to 20 so I can bring a great body/breathe work, poet, fellow to assist me and the group.

Cost is, from $550 up. The basic is sleeping bag spaces for about 3 folks who share a bathroom and kitchen space. Then for more you can get a single room, or double etc. All meals included. Exact pricing at http://www.esalen.org

If you have ever consider gifting yourself 5 days of inspiration and beauty, this is your chance.

Hear are a few quotes from past students.

"thank you for your Songwriting From The Heart workshop at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur Ca. I learned more about songwriting
(and myself I might add) in one week than I had over all the years I have been writing. I truly hope Esalen continues to offer your program for those countless other frustrated songwriters out there seeking a guide who can skillfully lead them through the process while coxing the muse out of wherever she may be hiding at the moment!"

"Gratitude gratitude graditude!!!!!!

It struck me as I drove home with this huge smile on
my face (a smile I'm still wearing-it's honestly
becoming embarrassing) that I may have left the
impression that I'm always as prolific as the gods
allowed me to be at our workshop last week. Truth be
told, the seven some-odd songs I wrote with y'all were
the first I'd penned in a year. The time, space,
support, guidance, unique combination of humans in the
room, and most of all, pure, honest, open familial
love I felt last week taught me priceless information
about myself as a writer, my process, and how to be a
proper steward of this flow.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU "

"the only word I can find to adequately describe my experience is transformational. "


"I have been fortunate to attend two of Johnsmith's 'Songwriting from the Heart' workshops at Esalen. John is a gifted songwriter and performer - he exemplifies what he is teaching. Anyone seriously interested in putting words to music won't be disappointed! John brings insight, inspiration, magic, depth, and humor to his classes. Combine this with Esalen's natural beauty, mineral baths, and healing energy - and you have the best of all worlds!!!"

 

"wow- I came to Esalen nervous but with a yearning I'd had for as long as I can remember to write and perform. Through the week I let old fear, inhibitions go and began to see myself as capable of achieving my dream - maybe I even began to achieve it. I feel more confident, inspired, and hopeful about my music and my life in general. Thank you for creating a safe and open setting where I could grow.
One of the best weeks of my life - I think will always hold a significant spot in my soul."

"This is by far the best workshop I've ever done here at Esalen. Johnsmith is exuberant and knowledgeable. Have him back again and again."

"I loved our week together at Esalen. You have a great open heart and you did a fantastic job of creating a loving open space for all of us to grow and explore. That moment at the end when we stood in a circle and wept together was a very profound and powerful moment, so filled with each of our humanity and longing and love. You were the leader who helped bring that depth of feeling to life by being so in touch with the flow and healing spirit of Esalen."

"I was looking for an accomplished songwriter to learn from. John is everything I hoped for and more. Wonderful, helpful and I would do it again."

"I am still filled with all the good vibes from our week with you. What a joy. Your positive energy, musicianship, patience, kindness, LOVE made a huge difference. I found it a very inspiring week in so many ways."

"I think the time I spent with you all at Esalen was one of the best times I have had in a long time. It stirred my creative juices and opened my heart to an extent I did not expect but was very welcome. I hope we get the opportunity to share another workshop next year"

"Extremely valuable - Transformational. "

“Incredible” is the right word. I cannot remember the last time I’ve bonded as deeply with a group of people as last week. The group’s gentle cohesiveness allowed me to be open and vulnerable. I believe that it is in this state that we receive the deepest learning, and make the most profound changes. Thanks John, Julie and EVERYONE for this experience."

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