SONGWRITER RETREAT WITH CRAIG CAROTHERS ODSHERRED DENMARK 28 APRIL 2 MAY 2014

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1 SONGWRITER RETREAT WITH CRAIG CAROTHERS ODSHERRED DENMARK 28 APRIL 2 MAY 2014

2 SONGWRITER RETREAT WITH CRAIG CAROTHERS Join an exciting co-writing week in the beautiful setting of Odsherred, Denmark. You will meet Nordic songwriter colleagues and get new inspiration and tools for your songwriting at this retreat led by the American, award-winning songwriter and lecturer, Craig Carothers. Whether you are seeking new inspiration or clear direction the retreat will offer unique learning, refreshing ideas and community. All genres, ages and nationalities are welcome. Read on for further information on the retreat. initiator organizer host TIME & LOCATION 28 April 2 May 2014 Odsherred Denmark TARGET GROUP Professional songwriters a maximum of 16 participants PRICE DKK includes lodging (single rooms) all meals workshops concert. SIGN UP Registrate online at

3 WHAT PEOPLE SAY Craig Carothers is not only a gifted singer/songwriter; he has that rare ability to share his wisdom with others in a way that s easy to understand and implement. I can t imagine a better way for a songwriter to improve their craft than spending some time learning from Craig. Steve Seskin, Songwriter RECORDING ARTIST, PRODUCER AND SONGWRITER 40 years as a professional touring musician 25 record productions With a number of songs cut by major recording artists : Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Matea and Peter, Paul and Mary along with music for films and commercials 15 years of songwriting lectures : at universities, master classes and workshops all over the USA and in Europe Craig Carothers is a lovable, engaging and inspiring teacher. When it comes to teaching lyrical and songwriting concepts, there simply isn t anyone better. Even in a room full of students with varying skills, he is always able to find ways to challenge everyone. Chris Croce, Frost School of Music, student Not all phenomenal songwriters are phenomenal teachers. Craig has the ability to make abstract, creative ideas concrete and accessible. That s why I ve had him as a guest speaker in the Blair Hit Songwriter Series many times over many years. His excellent, focused exercises are extremely useful, and his work ethic and dedication to the art of songwriting are inspirational. Deanna Walker, Director, Blair Songwriting Program at Vanderbilt University Craig s one of the most gifted people I ve ever worked with. One of his gifts, is being a great songwriter. A gift more rare, is his deep understanding of the creative process, and his ability to inspire further exploration of it. Steve Nelson, Producer, Writer, Artist 5 honors & awards including: Mountain Stage Best Song Award (2008) Gold Record for Trisha Yearwood: Everybody Knows (2006) Austin Songwriters Association Award for Best Folk Song (1994) Mr. Carothers brings a unique, non-formulaic, and literary approach to songwriting instruction, focused on enhancing creative thinking and story development. I strongly recommend Mr. Carothers songwriting workshops without reservation. Rey Sanchez, Professor and Program Director, University of Miami

4 MISSION STATEMENT Imagine that your best song is a chair that you designed and built. It s certainly possible that you have already built a great chair, but when you want some international company to take your chair into their inventory, and distribute it worldwide, you ll be competing with everybody else in the world who builds chairs. If you are lucky enough to have such an opportunity to take your chair to market before you are really ready, you may very well hurt your chances later. First impressions don t have do-overs. I think many songwriters believe they ve already written a great song. A hit song. A song that s better than the songs they hear on the radio. And their primary interest in coming to a song workshop is the hope of being discovered so they can join the ranks of financially successful songwriters. I ll just tell you right now, I can t help you with that. The truth is that outcome is exceedingly unlikely. There are thousands of professional songwriters with great track records, and great connections chasing fewer and fewer spots on fewer and fewer records that have any potential to generate revenue. Coming to my workshop won t get you a meeting with the head of a major record company, or a major recording artist, but I can help you learn how to build a better chair. In my opinion, with the multitude of contenders, quality is your only weapon. Over the years I have discovered, and developed many techniques that are helpful in songwriting. Techniques for getting out of old habits, exercises for stimulating inspiration, ways to break writer s block, and more. In my own songwriting I regularly employ all of the techniques and methodology that I share in the workshop. The most exciting part of writing a song is the process. And expanding your vocabulary for the process is my goal. CC

5 WEEK SCHEDULE MONDAY 28 APRIL 14:30-16:00 Onward individual arrival and check-in 16:00-18:00 Introductions, presentations and week s overview 18:00-19:00 Dinner 20:00-22:00 Opening listening circle: Be prepared to play an opening song TUESDAY 29 APRIL - and - WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 08:00-09:30 Breakfast 09:30-11:00 Morning lesson: Co-writing assignments & pairings 11:00-13:00 Co-writing 13:00-14:00 Lunch 14:00-18:00 Co-writing continued + open time for walks, naps, immersion etc. 18:00-19:00 Dinner 20:00-22:00 Group listening circle: Sharing and discussion of todays work THURSDAY 1 MAY 08:00-09:30 Breakfast 09:30-11:00 Morning lesson: Co-writing assignments & pairings 11:00-13:00 Co-writing 13:00-14:00 Lunch 14:00-17:00 Co-writing continued + open time for walks, naps, immersion etc. 17:00-18:00 Dinner 20:00-23:00 Concert at the local venue, Pakhuset (Nykøbing Sj.) FRIDAY 2 MAY 09:00-11:00 Brunch / rooms checkout / individual departure The week concludes with a concert at the local venue, Pakhuset. The songs co-written at the retreat are performed by the participating songwriters together with a small live band. The concert will be recorded and filmed for promotional purposes.

6 INFORMATION ADDRESS Kolonien Skansen Skansehagevej DK-4581 Rørvig Denmark DATES Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May PRICE The price of DKK includes lodging, all meals, workshops and concert. A 25% deposit secures one of the maximum 16 participant spots on this week of co-writing. ONLINE REGISTRATION Go to When we have received your registration, we will send you a confirmation with information how to pay the 25% deposit. Registration deadline is Monday 3 March CONTACT For questions and information, contact Claus Frovin mail@clausfrovin.com (+45) ABOUT THE HOST Claus Frovin arranges courses and events, from large cultural festivals to courses, coaching and workshops. Claus is also a musician, songwriter and producer and member of the Danish Songwriters Guild, DPA. Portraits by Ann Shaw [pp. 1, 3] and Greg Lawler [pp. 4]. Other photos by Claus Frovin.