DO ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO YOU?
✅ I am an instrumentalist eager to compose and share my unique music with a wider audience.
✅ I am captivated by the idea of writing songs for other artists, aiming to create pieces that align with their artistic vision.
✅ I aspire to engage with a wider audience, sharing my musical creations and capturing listeners' attention through my songs.
✅ I'm focused on songwriting as a casual yet creative outlet, focusing on the process of music creation rather than public release.
✅ I am focused on enhancing my songwriting skills within a studio setting, eager to master the nuances of studio composition.
✅ I value songwriting as a healthy emotional and creative outlet, where I can express myself and transform my thoughts and feelings into tangible, artistic creations.
✅ My key aim is to build a diverse songwriting portfolio, serving both my personal development and practical needs like college applications.
✅ I'm excited about collaborating with other artists and producers, as I believe in the synergy of teamwork to elevate songs in ways I couldn't achieve alone.
✅ My dream is to set up my own home studio giving me the freedom to write music at my own pace, in my own space, crafting songs whenever inspiration strikes.
LISTEN TO MUSIC FROM C.S.A SONGWRITERS
PROGRAM Description
✍🏻From Thoughts to Tunes: Transform your deepest thoughts and dreams into captivating songs with our program, specifically designed for the poet, storyteller, and dreamer in you.
✍🏻Your Experience, Your Song: Discover how to turn your unique stories and experiences into captivating musical pieces with our expert tools and guidance.
✍🏻 Music Theory Made Accessible: Dive into the world of music theory with our engaging lessons that simplify complex concepts, making them easy to understand and apply.
✍🏻 Crafting Chords and Melodies: Master the art of blending harmonious chords and enchanting melodies to create emotionally impactful songs with our expert guidance.
✍🏻 Structured, Soulful Compositions: Learn to craft songs that deeply convey your emotions, ensuring each composition resonates powerfully with listeners.
✍🏻 Experience the Excitement of Songwriting: Embrace the adventure of creating your own music, from the first note to the final verse, in our program that highlights the thrill and satisfaction of songwriting.
✍🏻 Where Words and Music Meet: Discover the harmonious blend of language and melody, where your words transcend speaking and sing with a melody that's distinctively yours.
THE CONTEMPORARY Songwriting
Academy PROCESS
THE ESSENCE OF SONG
Begin your journey by unraveling the mystery of what transforms mere notes and words into a captivating song. Explore the core elements that give a song its identity and soul.
INSPIRATION UNLEASHED
Inspired by Picasso's wisdom, delve into the art of transforming influence into innovation. Learn how to channel your inspirations into crafting songs that resonate with your unique voice.
HARMONY AND STRUCTURE
Navigate the world of chord progressions and song structures. Understand how different components like Intros, Verses, Choruses, Bridges, and Outros come together to create a musical journey.
LYRICISM AND EXPRESSION
Engage in a lyrical deep dive. Tailor your writing with techniques that suit your style, from rhyming schemes to vivid storytelling, shaping lyrics that speak directly from your heart.
MELODY & RHYTHM
Master the art of writing melodies that weave seamlessly with your chords. Learn to hit those key beats, creating a harmony that enhances the emotional impact of your song.
REFINEMENT & CRITIQUE
Collaborate with your teacher in fine-tuning your creation. Undergo a constructive critique focusing on structure and tempo, ensuring your song not only sounds good but feels right.
PERFORMANCE & RECORDING
Finally, bring your song to life. Practice, perform, and record your creation, capturing the essence of your musical journey in a form that can be shared and celebrated. Step into this transformative experience where each lesson is a stepping stone towards becoming the songwriter you've always dreamed of being!"
MEET YOUR S.W.A COACHES
EVAN DUNN
Evan Graham Dunn, a master of multiple instruments and an expert in music creation, mixing, and mastering, stands out for his work with diverse artists. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Audio for Visual Media from Columbia College and has made significant strides in the music industry.
Evan's professional scope includes producing and recording in his Chicago studio, and he's known for his skill in mixing and scoring for commercials and films. Additionally, he's a vibrant performer, often touring and playing with various bands.
His bands Alaya and Edward & Graham have seen international success, including features on BBC Radio and steady rotation on Sirius Radio's “Coffee House”.
At the Recording Artist Academy, Evan excels as a producer and coach, where his down-to-earth and engaging approach inspires aspiring artists. His commitment to nurturing new talent in the music industry cements his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the music world.
DEREK BERG
Derek B. is a seasoned producer and songwriter with a strong inclination towards artist development. His musical journey began with jazz piano studies under Wellington Schiller, Frank Sinatra's favored Chicago pianist, and continued at The Chicago Academy for the Arts.
Known for his collaborative spirit, Derek excels in crafting instrumental parts that align with an artist's unique style and voice, often taking a supportive role to highlight the singer. His touring experience includes performances with the national touring band, Phix, and collaborations with notable artists like Sugar Blue, John Kattke, John Kadlecik, Mer, and Chicago Radio DJ Kevin Matthews.
Transitioning from touring, Derek established the Clarendon Music Academy (CHMA) with a mission to provide contemporary music education. Today, CHMA is a testament to his vision, successfully offering innovative music programs and lessons. Additionally, Derek's expertise in production and a collaborative approach are integral to his role in the Recording Artist Academy, where he continues to guide and inspire aspiring artists.
Derek's dedication to music and artist development has made him a respected figure in the music industry.