Intro Songwriting Workshop

Whether you're writing your very first song or looking to strengthen your creative practice, this three-hour workshop will introduce the essential tools of songwriting in a welcoming, hands-on environment. Together we'll explore practical approaches to finding inspiration, developing a sustainable writing discipline, generating ideas through writing prompts and creative exercises, and building the confidence to turn those ideas into songs.

Depending on class size, participants will also have the opportunity to workshop songs and receive supportive feedback, along with plenty of time for questions and discussion throughout the afternoon.

Led by award-winning songwriter Martin Gilmore, winner of the Telluride Troubadour Contest, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase, and Kerrville New Folk, this workshop is designed to provide practical techniques and encouragement for songwriters of all experience levels.

This workshop is a great primer for Martin's Progressions: Songwriting course starting in September, 2026.

Help us get in tune by registering early!
To support our teachers and better accommodate the needs of our classes, we ask that students register at least 24 hours in advance of the class, lesson, and/or workshop.

Martin Gilmore

GUITAR, MANDOLIN, SONGWRITING

Colorado | influenced by bluegrass and folk | singer-songwriter | host of the Front Row podcast at Swallow Hill | lived in Egypt | founding member of Long Road Home | member of The Semaphores

Martin is a bluegrass musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and music educator based in Denver, Colorado. He is a founding member of the bluegrass band Long Road Home, an acclaimed solo performer, and band leader for The Martin Gilmore Trio.

He has performed all over the United States, as well as in Europe and Africa. He is also a highly respected music educator, teaching at the University of Denver Enrichment Program, his own private studio, and right here at Swallow Hill Music. In 2017, he joined the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado teaching folk and bluegrass guitar.