Join American singer-songwriter Shanna Sharp for a series of nine interactive workshops exploring the rich landscape of American music, its cultural impact, and the creative practices behind it. Blending live music, storytelling, discussion, and hands-on exercises, this program offers a dynamic look at how music reflects identity, social change, and artistic expression, while also providing practical insight into building a career in today’s music industry.
The program is structured as a series of individual workshops, each designed as a separate and self-contained learning experience. While all sessions are connected through a shared theme and artistic approach, participants can attend individual workshops based on their interests and availability, without the requirement to participate in the full series. Each session offers a focused exploration of a specific topic within the broader program.
1st session: Music as a Mirror: Decades of American Sound
Travel through key eras of American music and discover how songs reflected cultural shifts, social movements, and the spirit of their time. Through live examples and discussion, participants will explore how music has served as a powerful mirror of society, while continuing to influence artists and audiences across generations.
2nd session: The Business of Being a Working Musician
Explore what it takes to build a sustainable music career in today’s rapidly evolving industry. Drawing from real-world experience, this session introduces key concepts such as artistic identity, branding, entrepreneurship, and the realities of working as an independent musician within the American creative economy.
3rd session: Women Who Shaped American Music
Discover the influential women whose voices and artistry helped define American music and reshape the industry. Through music, storytelling, and conversation, this workshop highlights groundbreaking female artists who expanded creative possibilities and challenged cultural and professional barriers.
4th session: Inside the American Singer-Songwriter Tradition
Gain insight into the rich tradition of American singer-songwriters and the role of songwriting as personal and cultural expression. Participants will explore how artists use lyrics and melody to tell stories that resonate across time, connecting individual experiences with broader social narratives
5th session: Songwriting as Storytelling
Take part in a hands-on creative workshop focused on transforming ideas into original songs. Through guided exercises and group discussion, participants will explore storytelling techniques and learn how to shape personal experiences, memories, and emotions into authentic musical expression.
6th session: From Idea to Stage
Crafting a Live Performance
Discover how performers design engaging live shows, from selecting material and structuring a set to building connection with an audience. This session offers insight into stage presence, storytelling through performance, and the creative decisions behind a compelling live experience.
7th session: Finding Your Artistic Voice
This interactive workshop focuses on developing a clear and authentic creative identity. Through reflection, discussion, and practical exercises, participants will explore how to define their artistic voice and build confidence in their own expression.
8th session: Music of Freedom
Songs That Shaped American Identity
Explore how music has expressed key American ideals such as freedom, resilience, and social change. Through listening, discussion, and analysis, participants will examine songs that have helped shape cultural and national identity.
9th sessio: American Roots to Global Pop
Trace how American musical genres such as blues, folk, country, and rock have influenced popular music worldwide. This session highlights the global impact of American music and its ongoing evolution across cultures and generations.
This program is in English.
