September 8: Songwriting: Playing with Form & Technique with Joel Willson

September 8: Songwriting: Playing with Form & Technique

with Joel Willson

In this songwriting class, we will explore different forms, songwriting techniques, and ways to bring your lyrics to life. Whether a beginner or seasoned writer, this class is for anyone who is passionate about setting poetry to music. 

The theme of this class will be taking the old and making it sound fresh. We'll be looking at Shakespeare, the Psalms, 20th century poetry, and modern lyrics to learn how to make these forms applicable to contemporary songwriting. We will write and I will perform your songs live by the end of class. I hope to see you there!

Joel Willson is a singer-songwiter, composer, and violinist. His music could be described as cinematic folk. He grew up in southern Louisiana and was heavily influenced by the New Orleans sound. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in Violin Performance, he began teaching, performing, and writing original music. He most recently performed at Jazz Fest with his long time band, Minos the Saint, had a song called Stardust Holiday featured in the Hallmark movie, Magic in Mistletoe, and was awarded a cultural grant from the Jazz and Heritage Foundation to compose music for a short modern dance film based on the tale of the Rougarou. He also recently performed at the Black Bear Americana Festival with the Alpaca Gnomes. He is currently the full time music teacher at Park City Prep Charter School in Bridgeport where he teaches grades 4th-8th. 

Additionally, he is completing his Master's degree in Music Education at the University of Bridgeport. Besides his love for teaching, Joel freelances as a professional songwriter, recording artist, performer, and private music instructor. 

In 2025, Joel was awarded a performance spot by the Society of Composers and Lyricists to perform his song, Somewhere I Belong in New York City at their annual Songwriter's night. 

He enjoys teaching all ages and loves making music accessible to all skills and ability levels. He believes that creativity is for everyone. Joel is currently working on publishing his first academic paper, The Blues as a Pedagogical Framework for Social and Emotional Learning in the Music Classroom. 

He lives in Cheshire with his three boys: Elisha, Adam, and Arthur.  

Workshop is limited to 12 participants, so be sure to register now! Writers at all levels are welcome to attend. 

$30 gets you 90 minutes of instruction in the Workshop Gallery at Ball & Socket Arts. If cost presents a barrier to your participation, please reach out to our team for options at info@ballandsocket.org.