Welcome!

…to the Writing is Rewriting Resource Center – your gateway to unlocking the full potential of your songwriting journey! We understand that honing your craft requires more than just passion; it demands access to valuable tools and guidance. This space will provide you with a wealth of resources aimed at enhancing your Draft 2 submission to the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge and nurturing your creativity. Whether you’re looking for module exercises to sharpen your techniques or seeking inspiration from our video tip library, the Resource Center is your one-stop destination for all things songwriting. Dive in, explore, and let your creativity soar to new heights!

Dive into your own personal songwriting course, designed to sharpen your skills for Draft 2 submission and tailored to the feedback you received. Start with Tone & Style to give your songs emotional depth and a unique setting. Next, build strong characters with clear backgrounds and motives. Finally, unite music and lyrics to tell your story effectively. Use feedback from each module to refine your work, ensuring your next draft hits the right notes.

Module 1: Tone & Style

Tone is your ticket to conveying character emotions, and Style is about situating the audience into the world of your story. Through experimenting with different musical and lyrical styles, you will be able to hone the tone of your song and leave listeners inspired.

Explore Module 1

Module 2: Character

Characters are the lenses through which we experience a story.

So what makes a strong character? Let’s dive into our characters’ background, objectives, given circumstances and relationships in order to make them as specific as possible.

Explore Module 2

Module 3: Music & Lyrics

What makes for a powerful song? When the Music & Lyrics are telling the same story. Now that you have explored the Tone, Style and Characters of your song, you are ready to make tangible changes to strengthen your music and sharpen your lyrics to tell the story you want to tell.

Explore Module 3

Welcome to the ultimate playlist of songwriting tips, presented by NAMT Festival & Grantee Alumni, designed exclusively for you. Whether you’re just starting your songwriting journey or looking to refine your skills, this playlist offers invaluable insights from some of the most successful and innovative songwriters in the industry. From crafting compelling lyrics and memorable melodies to understanding the importance of structure and the power of collaboration, these tips cover all aspects of the songwriting process. Each video is packed with practical advice, creative strategies, and inspirational stories to help you unleash your musical potential. Dive into this curated collection and start transforming your songwriting ideas into captivating songs that resonate with audiences everywhere.

Riffs & Rivals: Songwriting for Heroes & Villains

March 13th, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm ET

Ignite your songwriting spark! Join us as composer-lyricist Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs, Fest ’18) shares his tips and tricks for writing songs tied to character through his own process writing songs for the Broadway show The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. We’ll explore how musical and lyrical choices can enhance the tone and style of your songs, and you’ll have the chance to apply some of these methods to your own submissions. This isn’t just any class; it’s your chance to give voice to the heroes, villains and hidden gems of characters through your music and lyrics. Grab your spot, and let your songs steal the show!

Song Share: Spring Break!

March 18th, 6:00 pm to 9:00pm ET

Get ready to make your Spring Break sing with our latest edition of Song Share! This unique, virtual event offers you a one-on-one mini session with a seasoned musical theatre writer, ready to elevate your song from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re polishing your submission for Draft 2 or experimenting with a brand new tune, this is your opportunity for professional feedback tailored just for you.

Simply sign into our digital waiting room and you’ll be assigned to a mentor writer for your own personal consultation. Drop by anytime during our window, no reservation needed! Don’t let this Spring Break pass without making your musical mark.

One-on-One Sessions with Special Guests:

Andrea Daly of Silver Linings Playbook & Legendale (Fest ’15)
Julianne Wick Davis of Southern Comfort (Fest ’12) & Trevor: The Musical
Christopher Dimond of Dani Girl (Fest ’11) & The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes (Fest ’14)
Anna Gilbert of Mija (Fest ’23) & Shy Honey
Justin Huertas of Lizard Boy (Fest ’20) & Lydia & the Troll
Joe Iconis of Be More Chill & Bloodsong of Love (Fest ’11)
Jacob Yandura of How to Dance in Ohio & The Last Queen of Canaan (Fest ’15)

Songwriting Challenge Studio: Music & Lyrics Lab

March 27th, 7:00pm to 8:30pm ET

Unlock your songwriting potential at the Music & Lyrics Breakout Sessions with special guests Joey Contreras (In Pieces) and Jeanna Phillips (Cowboy Bob, Fest ’20). Designed for aspiring musical maestros and lyrical geniuses alike, this event is your chance to dive deep into the dual worlds of music and lyrics. Join us on Zoom for an interactive, engaging session filled with discovery and creativity.

What to Expect:
Upon arrival, you’ll choose your adventure: will it be the melodic pathways of Music or the expressive landscapes of Lyrics? Each breakout session is crafted to provide a wealth of knowledge, fostering new skills so you can hone your craft under the guidance of industry professionals.

Hooks on Hooks: Maximizing Your Song’s Musical Impact with Joey Contreras (In Pieces). In this interactive presentation, Joey will explore how songwriters can introduce, drill, deconstruct and evolve a variety of musical layers as a catchy, storytelling device.

Moment-to-Moment Lyric Writing: Exploding the Mundane with Jeanna Phillips (Cowboy Bob, Fest ’20). When writing lyrics, how can centering the tangible communicate the ephemeral? This workshop frames lyric writing for musical theatre as an opportunity to dive deep into a character’s sensory experience. Together we’ll find the sparkles in the concrete.

This page was last updated on 04/08/2024