This workshop will enable anyone, regardless of their musical background, to set their own text or poem in a compelling and convincing manner. Through the simple act of walking, you'll discover: 1) the inherent rhythm of your text, 2) points of rhythmic emphasis, and 3) the basic phrasing of your text. This workshop bypasses the areas that are usually covered in other songwriting workshops (chord progressions, instrumental vamps, verse-chorus forms, rhyming schemes) in order to focus on the most fundamental part of your piece-the "melodic rhythm." Once this gets clarified, you'll be surprised at how quickly your creation will come together.

This unorthodox approach to chant and songwriting allows absolute beginners through full-time composers to be a part of these workshops. How does this work? Let's say you've...

Never Composed—access song ideas without a guitar or piano, reading music, or being a 'lead singer'; discover the power of creating a simple chant for a special occasion, or for yourself.

Composed Some—-clarify your most powerful words and imagery, identify the "hooks" in your songs more quickly, and learn to distinguish between a chant and a song.

Composed Extensively—create convincing counter-melodies, explore new harmonic possibilities, and be able to make up a chant on-the-spot based upon someone's else's speech.

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Michael has been composing/arranging for nearly five decades and teaching since 1974. Numerous foundations including Meet The Composer have supported his work, which is represented by a half-dozen different project bands and recordings. He also has collaborated on songs with many vocalists, and his arrangements take pieces to new and unpredictable places. Michael's compositions are informed by a wide variety of influences, including contemporary jazz and classical, folk and various world music traditions. Some of his works have been recorded by such jazz legends as Stefon Harris (vibes), Paul McCandless (reeds), and Zakir Hussain (tablas). His chants reflect an eclectic style, inspired by different spiritual traditions. Michael regularly performs in a Christian church, a Jewish duo, and accompanies Sufi zikhrs and fire circle rituals.
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