Most of us listen to countless songs throughout our lives. They comfort us, energize us, and help us better understand ourselves. Though the average listener may not realize it, everyone who has listened to songs with lyrics possesses an expertise in songwriting that is just waiting to be explored.
This writing workshop is dedicated to the craft of songwriting. We will explore how songs are built, how ideas turn into lyrics and melodies, and how personal expression can take musical form. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, the focus is on developing your voice as a songwriter through hands-on practice.
Over six sessions, songwriter and performer Rob Lutes will use historical references, gems from different musical traditions, and his own songs to guide a creative exploration of the songwriting process.
Rob is a firm believer that the best way to learn a craft is to practise it. Working individually and in groups, participants will create songs or parts of songs by following a few different approaches, with an emphasis on writing, experimenting, and refining original material throughout the course. A three-time Canadian Folk Music Awards Songwriter of the Year nominee and a Kerrville New Folk Songwriting winner, Rob is a music history geek who loves songs and language and enjoys being with people in a creative space.
Standard Tuition: $170.00
New Participant Tuition: $170.00
Day:Â Mondays
Time:Â 6:15 - 8:15 PM
Location:Â 3405 Atwater Ave
Instructor:Â Rob Lutes
First session: April 5 2027
Course length:Â 6 weeks
Degree credit:Â 0
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
All course participants registering should read and abide by the Thomas More Institute Code of Conduct.
Refund Policy