Piano For Songwriters

Adult Group Class / Songwriting Program

This workshop will focus on learning piano chords from a songwriter’s perspective. Participants will approach the piano as a guitarist learns the guitar, starting with chords! The foundation for building chords under lyrics or melody lines will be introduced. Participants will learn when to use major and minor chords correctly within a specific key. This method of learning provides a natural starting point for songwriting rather than relying strictly on reading music from a printed page. It welcomes all skill levels and encourages learners to connect with the piano from the heart and soul. Because of this, note reading or prior piano experience is not required. Even those who have learned piano traditionally will discover new ways to explore the instrument.

This is an introductory workshop. Given the time constraints, the workshop will focus on chords in the key of C. Exploring guitar-friendly keys will be covered, allowing participants to share their songwriting ideas with fellow guitarists, band members, or producers. Various cover songs will be used as examples for implementing this approach to learning. Finally, simple techniques for playing will be introduced to help you embody the song's feel.

The workshop will be led by Temple Schultz, who teaches piano and voice at the Old Town. She learned piano the traditional way, through reading notes. It wasn’t until college (when she was an advanced pianist) that she was introduced to chords. This epiphany was all she needed to begin her journey in songwriting, leave behind the printed page of music, and let her creativity flow in new directions. She is excited to share her knowledge of playing piano from a songwriter’s perspective with those who attend this explorative workshop.