craig carothers

SONGWRITER RETREAT WITH
CRAIG CAROTHERS
ODSHERRED • DENMARK
28 APRIL • 2 MAY 2014
SONGWRITER RETREAT WITH CRAIG CAROTHERS
Join an exciting co-writing week in the beautiful setting of Odsherred,
Denmark. You will meet Nordic songwriter colleagues and get new
inspiration and tools for your songwriting at this retreat led by the
American, award-winning songwriter and lecturer, Craig Carothers.
Whether you are seeking new inspiration or clear direction the retreat will offer unique learning, refreshing ideas and community. All
genres, ages and nationalities are welcome.
Read on for further information on the retreat.
initiator • organizer • host
TIME & LOCATION
28 April • 2 May 2014 • Odsherred • Denmark
TARGET GROUP
Professional songwriters • a maximum of 16 participants
PRICE
5.400 DKK includes lodging (single rooms) • all meals •
workshops • concert.
SIGN UP
Registrate online at www.clausfrovin.com/registration
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“
Craig Carothers is not only a gifted singer/songwriter; he has that rare ability to
share his wisdom with others in a way that’s easy to understand and implement.
I can’t imagine a better way for a songwriter to improve their craft than spending some time learning from Craig.
— Steve Seskin, Songwriter
RECORDING ARTIST, PRODUCER AND SONGWRITER
• 40 years as a professional touring musician
• 25 record productions
• With a number of songs cut by major recording artists : Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Matea and Peter, Paul
and Mary along with music for films and commercials
• 15 years of songwriting lectures :
at universities,
master classes and workshops – all over the USA and in Europe
Craig Carothers is a lovable, engaging and inspiring teacher. When it comes to
teaching lyrical and songwriting concepts, there simply isn’t anyone better.
Even in a room full of students with varying skills, he is always able to find ways
to challenge everyone.
— Chris Croce, Frost School of Music, student
Not all phenomenal songwriters are phenomenal teachers. Craig has the ability
to make abstract, creative ideas concrete and accessible. That’s why I’ve had
him as a guest speaker in the Blair Hit Songwriter Series many times over many
years. His excellent, focused exercises are extremely useful, and his work ethic
and dedication to the art of songwriting are inspirational.
— Deanna Walker, Director, Blair Songwriting Program at Vanderbilt University
Craig’s one of the most gifted people I’ve ever worked with. One of his gifts,
is being a great songwriter. A gift more rare, is his deep understanding of the
creative process, and his ability to inspire further exploration of it.
— Steve Nelson, Producer, Writer, Artist
5 honors
& awards
– including:
Mountain Stage Best Song Award
(2008)
Gold Record for Trisha Yearwood:
“Everybody Knows” (2006)
Austin Songwriters Association
Award for Best Folk Song (1994)
Mr. Carothers brings a unique, non-formulaic, and literary approach to songwriting instruction, focused on enhancing creative thinking and story development. I strongly recommend Mr. Carothers’ songwriting workshops without
reservation.
— Rey Sanchez, Professor and Program Director, University of Miami
”
MISSION STATEMENT
“
Imagine that your best song is a chair that you designed and built. It’s certainly
possible that you have already built a great chair, but when you want some
international company to take your chair into their inventory, and distribute it
worldwide, you’ll be competing with everybody else in the world who builds
chairs. If you are “lucky” enough to have such an opportunity to take your chair
to market before you are really ready, you may very well hurt your chances later. First impressions don’t have do-overs.
I think many songwriters believe they’ve already written a great song. A hit
song. A song that’s better than the songs they hear on the radio. And their primary interest in coming to a song workshop is the hope of being “discovered”
so they can join the ranks of financially successful songwriters. I’ll just tell you
right now, I can’t help you with that. The truth is that outcome is exceedingly unlikely. There are thousands of professional songwriters with great track
records, and great connections chasing fewer and fewer spots on fewer and
fewer records that have any potential to generate revenue.
Coming to my workshop won’t get you a meeting with the head of a major record company, or a major recording artist, but I can help you learn how to build
a better chair. In my opinion, with the multitude of contenders, quality is your
only weapon.
Over the years I have discovered, and developed many techniques that are helpful in songwriting. Techniques for getting out of old habits, exercises for stimulating inspiration, ways to break writer’s block, and more. In my own songwriting I regularly employ all of the techniques and methodology that I share in the
workshop.
The most exciting part of writing a song is the process. And expanding your
vocabulary for the process is my goal.
— CC
”
WEEK SCHEDULE
MONDAY 28 APRIL
14:30 - 16:00 Onward individual arrival and check-in
16:00 - 18:00 Introductions, presentations and week’s overview
18:00 - 19:00 Dinner
20:00 - 22:00 Opening listening circle: Be prepared to play an opening song
TUESDAY 29 APRIL - and - WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:30 - 11:00 Morning lesson: Co-writing assignments & pairings
11:00 - 13:00 Co-writing
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 18:00 Co-writing continued + open time for walks, naps, immersion etc.
18:00 - 19:00 Dinner
20:00 - 22:00 Group listening circle: Sharing and discussion of todays work
THURSDAY 1 MAY
08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast
09:30 - 11:00 Morning lesson: Co-writing assignments & pairings
11:00 - 13:00 Co-writing
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 17:00 Co-writing continued + open time for walks, naps, immersion etc.
17:00 - 18:00 Dinner
20:00 - 23:00 Concert at the local venue, Pakhuset (Nykøbing Sj.)
FRIDAY 2 MAY
09:00 - 11:00 Brunch / rooms checkout / individual departure
The week concludes with a concert at the local venue, Pakhuset. The songs co-written
at the retreat are performed by the participating songwriters together with a small live
band. The concert will be recorded and filmed for promotional purposes.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
Kolonien Skansen
Skansehagevej 76-78
DK-4581 Rørvig
Denmark
PRICE
The price of 5.400 DKK includes lodging, all meals, workshops and concert. A 25% deposit secures one of the maximum 16 participant spots on this week of co-writing.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Go to www.clausfrovin.com/registration. When we have
received your registration, we will send you a confirmation e-mail with information how to pay the 25% deposit.
Registration deadline is Monday 3 March 2014.
CONTACT
For questions and information, contact Claus Frovin
mail@clausfrovin.com • (+45) 21643716
ABOUT THE HOST
Claus Frovin arranges courses and events, from large cultural festivals to courses, coaching and workshops. Claus
is also a musician, songwriter and producer and member
of the Danish Songwriters Guild, DPA.
www.clausfrovin.com/registration
Portraits by Ann Shaw [pp. 1, 3] and Greg Lawler [pp. 4]. Other photos by Claus Frovin.
DATES
Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May 2014.