27 Aug Learn the process of songwriting with Dawn Davis
Dawn Davis is one of those incredibly talented folks we’re lucky to have close by. You’ve likely seen her playing for our weekly dances, entertaining guests at Folk School events, or joining in on our community jams. The instrument in her hands may change–she plays the piano, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Celtic folk harp, and Irish tenor banjo–but the tunes she brings to the stage or the circle are always passionate, elegant, and beautiful.
We’re excited to have Dawn return to teach the weeklong class, “Bookmaking & Songwriting” from November 10-16, 2024. Folks will enjoy creating handmade books to house your original songs in.
Read more about Dawn Davis and her class in our interview below!
JCCFS: Tell us more about your upcoming weeklong music/book arts class, “Bookmaking & Songwriting” from November 10-16.
DD: In the musical part of this class, you’ll find yourself tapping into your own feelings and creativity; and I’ll help bring it into the light. The light is warm and encouraging, and shines as brightly or softly as you feel it. You learn to listen to yourself and others, to support and possibly collaborate. It’s somewhat of a spiritual process, and never fails to result in intense friendships. Or it’s a fun adventure that opens up other avenues in your life.
JCCFS: What can students expect to leave with?
DD: I will hand out folders…which provide actual guidelines for writing music. If you have a poem that you’d like set to music, that’s in there. If you have no clue as to what to write or where to start, that’s in there. Want to go on to writing for films or events. In there; with blank paper and manuscript paper, should you need it.
Dawn with a previous song writing class
Dawn playing alongside Lorinda Jones and Kay Patterson at our weekly Community Jam at The Crown Restaurant
JCCFS: Tell us a little more about yourself for those who are unfamiliar.
DD: I’m a composer and songwriter, with original piano pieces published for documentaries. Through my Folk School experience of 2 decades, I have learned 5 other instruments; have been writing in the traditional style, and have been instruction classes in both tune and song writing. There are few more rewarding moments for me, than when I see the joy and self confidence in a person who has just written their own music or song. In one long weekend class, 9 students wrote no less than 22 jigs, reels, waltzes, and songs. We helped one another with details and arrangements, and performed at Show and Tell as The Grammy Band. It was beyond magical, but if anyone recorded it, I never saw it…which is where the Book Arts Studio comes in. In this multi-studio class, Sharon Coogle will teach our students to hand letter lyrics, with musical notes…or just notes with personal illustrations. The result will be a book (imagine such a gift)…written by your heart and bound by your hands. I’m truly excited about what we’ll all create together, that will be recorded in the most traditional of ways…to last and sustain us
JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect of the John C. Campbell Folk School?
DD: My favorite aspect of the Folk School is that of community; of acceptance, cooperation, and personal growth.
JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?
DD: My inspiration comes mainly from emotions, and a longing to touch others in a meaningful way.
JCCFS: What’s one piece or craft object you’ve made recently that you are proud of, and why?
DD: Less than a year ago, I wrote a song for my newborn Granddaughter…whose difficult birth caused her parents to need comfort and hope.
JCCFS: What tips would you give a student or aspiring craftsperson? Anything you wish you had known earlier in your career?
DD: I would an aspiring writer of song or music to be true to themselves.
From Dawn’s class, “Try Tune and Song Writing”
Dawn’s Irish Traditional Band, Paddy’s Return
Upcoming Class with Dawn
Bookmaking & Songwriting
November 10-16, 2024
Create unique songbooks, written by your heart and bound by your hands and learn the process of writing songs and original tunes. Bring an instrument or just your singing voice, and a recording device. If you can feel rhythms and hear chord changes, reading music is not necessary. Then learn tricks to give pop and pizzazz to hand-lettered stories and lyrics, and bind them into simple books. Neither handwriting proficiency nor special equipment is required.
About Dawn Davis
Dawn Davis has been composing since 1992. Her music has appeared in numerous films and documentaries, such as “Sanctuary,” a nature film by renowned wildlife photographer, Scott McKinley of Jackson Hole, WY; and the “Vaquero Series” of DVDs by J&S Productions in Santa Barbara, CA. At the Folk School, Dawn’s piece, “A Composer’s MorningSong” has been sung in the Keith House at daylight many times. Her original music, “The Oldest Hemlock,” inspires preventative disease treatment for the species. As a resident contra-dance musician at the school, she currently writes tunes in traditional style and structure. Her instruments include piano, guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Celtic folk harp, and Irish tenor banjo.
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