​
Southwest Songwriter's Workshop
Experience the joy of crafting your own original music in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, U.S.A.
For three days, immerse yourself in the art of songwriting. Hone your craft in song forms and structure. Learn how to invent your own melodies. Develop and use rhythm and harmony in your writing. Learn how to avoid getting blocked when writing your lyrics. And learn how to use the latest technological advances to assist your songs.
Whether you have never written a song before, or have dozens waiting to be heard…under the supportive direction of Eric Richard Stone and Cari Minor, you will receive expert support and feedback on your original material, learn about the tools you’ll need to place your songs in TV and film, and start earning royalties, as well as advice about performing your songs.
Workshop Tuition - $275
Class sizes are limited. Workshop check-in will take place at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, June 2nd (time subject to change upon finalization of daily schedule). Everyone must check in at that time. Refunds are not guaranteed, but MAY be issued if camp spot can be filled.
Students will receive a songwriting journal, rhyming dictionary, and a Chord Wheel included with the cost of registration and fees.
Instruments
Campers must bring their own instruments to the camp.
​
​
Faculty
​
​
​
​
​
​
Eric Richard Stone ~ Three tracks from Eric Richard Stone’s upcoming release capture the spirit and breadth of talent in his songwriting craft. The title track, “Fire Waterfall & Wave” is a meditation on the daily beauty that surrounds us. Captured live in-studio with artful accompaniments, this hauntingly beautiful melody surrounds the soul with imagery of a night under the stars staring at a campfire and waves crashing on the beach. “Love So Fast” is a goofy love song lamenting the modern world of dating and sharing a love-at-first-sight story. “Give It A Name” is an anthem for anyone who has suffered, or is suffering from depression and seeking the help they need. http://ericrichardstone.com/
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Cari Minor~
Cari Minor and her husband Ray Smith became Strangebyrds in 2011, writing moving songs about times past and present. Their blend of spot on harmonies and commitment to finessing and honing their craft has developed into a sound they call "Blue Collar Folk". They have recorded four award-winning releases recognized by both the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Songwriting Competitions. The magnetic synergy of Strangebyrds' unique Americana music has forged a reputation for captivating audiences with powerful, universal truths layered within stunning musicianship. http://strangebyrds.com/
​
​
The Schedule:
Daily workshops are from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM,and Concerts or “Song Circles” will be held each evening, featuring instructors, guest artists, and students performing their songs in various settings. Friends and family members are welcome to attend the camp concert, but will not be allowed to remain in the festival campground on Thursday night, even if attending the festival. Early festival camping is a privilege reserved only for Jam Campers/Workshop Attendees and their family who accompanied them during camp.
Camping and Lodging
You’ll find a variety of lodging options at visitpagosasprings.com -- from cozy cabins to luxurious vacation homes and everything in between. Camping on site is included with your camp tuition, along with a pass for one vehicle per registered jam camper on Reservoir Hill. Meals are not provided, so plan to bring your own provisions or take a quick walk or drive to downtown Pagosa Springs.
The campground will open for Jam Campers/Workshop Attendees at 3:00 PM on Monday, June 1st; you must arrive no later than 8:00 PM that night or wait until Tuesday morning. ONE VEHICLE PER REGISTERED JAM CAMPER; NO EXCEPTIONS. All campers must arrive together on the same day. If you are staying for the festival, please purchase your tickets prior to arrival. You will receive your festival wristband(s) and vehicle camping pass upon arriving at camp. If you are NOT staying for the Pagosa Folk 'N Bluegrass festival you will have to vacate the campground immediately following the end of camp concert on Thursday night.
The campground has potable water, porta-potties and hand washing stations and a phone charging station. There is no public wifi network on the hill, but Verizon and AT&T get strong signals, so hot spots work well.
Family members age 13 and over who are not participating in camp may accompany you at your Reservoir Hill camp site during Jam Camp. Fee is $25 per person for all three nights; limit 2 additional people per registered camper. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Reservoir Hill during Jam Camp or the music festival. Please note: only cab-over campers, motor homes 24' or less, camper trailers that do not exceed 16' in length and popup or tent trailers of any length are allowed on Reservoir Hill. Fifth wheels and large motorhomes cannot be accommodated in the Reservoir Hill campground.​