Sound of the Heart

Sound of the Heart: A 2-Day Songwriting Workshop

This songwriting workshop series is designed to support writers at different stages of their creative journey , from absolute beginners to more advanced writers looking to refine their craft.

The series takes place over two sessions:

• February 11 - Beginner Songwriting process
• February 18 - write a short song

Have you ever thought, “I’m not a writer”? This workshop is here to gently prove otherwise.

This 4-hour songwriting workshop is designed for absolute beginners , no writing, music, or creative experience required. The goal is to help participants understand that everyone can write, build early confidence, and experience the emotional power of putting thoughts and feelings onto a page.

Inspired by introductory practices used in community arts programs, youth poetry workshops, and beginner songwriting courses worldwide, this session has been simplified and adapted into a supportive, beginner-friendly experience.

What to Expect (4 Hours)

Warm Welcome

• A relaxed introduction
• “Leave your ego at the door” mindset , perfection not required

Gentle Warm-Ups for True Beginners

• “What’s one thing you felt this week?” → turn it into 3 simple words
• Word-association chains (no wrong answers)
• A fun rhyme-discovery game based on sound, not skill

Creative Writing Basics

• How to describe a moment using the senses (sight, sound, feeling)
• Turn a memory into two sentences, then into four short lines

Songwriting for Total Beginners

• What is a verse? What is a chorus?
• A simple breakdown of a well-known song structure

Beginner Creation Activity

• Choose one feeling and write 4–6 beginner-friendly lines
• Optional sharing: participants may read aloud, or Nick can read for them to reduce anxiety

First Vocal Experience

• Hear your words spoken aloud over a soft instrumental
• Optional gentle autotune demo to show potential, not perfection

Pocket Drill

• Write the same idea in four different pockets
• Learn how rhythm and placement change meaning and feel

Identity & Influence

• Choose three artists you admire
• Study structure and pocket only (not emotion or delivery)
• Identify which elements naturally align with your own style

Structure Imitation Exercise

• Select a verse structure from a well-known song
• Replace all lyrics with your own content
• Adjust phrasing and flow to make it uniquely yours

Why We Write -Group Discussion

• Who are you writing for?
• What do you want the listener to feel?
• What does authenticity mean in your work?

Group Sharing & Constructive Feedback

• Guided by Nick
• Focused on growth, clarity, and craft (not judgment)

Space is limited so register early to secure your spot .

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About the Facilitator:

Nick Royal is a Calgary-based singer-songwriter and independent recording artist who has been creating and releasing music since his teens. His work is grounded in honest storytelling and emotionally reflective lyrics drawn from real-life experiences.

He approaches songwriting as an accessible creative tool rather than a talent reserved for a few. In his workshops, he creates a supportive, judgment-free space where participants can explore self-expression, build confidence, and turn lived experiences into meaningful songs using practical, beginner-friendly techniques.