This workshop focuses on forms of song in poetry. How can we create a sense of melody from nothing but words on a page? How can a poem cause us to clap and sway and tap our toes in time? We’ll experiment with techniques inspired by recent and ancient examples, from many traditions, as we work to tune our ears to the possibilities of poetic music. We’ll also consider how song-like passages can add sizzle and depth to pieces that might “break into song” at key moments—here’s a blip of ballad, here’s a sudden aria, here’s a little rhyme. Throughout, we’ll ask how song can lead to distinct ways of thinking, seeing, and storytelling.

The workshop is designed for poets looking to heighten the music in their work and for any writers who’d like to incorporate written songs into fiction, dramatic forms, or other genres. It may be especially relevant to those looking for new approaches to revision or for new forms of inspiration. Musicians and songwriters who’d like to explore songwriting in this setting are also very welcome. Activities will include in-class writing, discussion of participants’ writing (both work generated during our workshop and older work you’d like to share), analysis of examples, and plenty of chances to explore the pleasures and insights of poetic music in a supportive environment. “Lower limit speech / Upper limit music,” wrote poet Louis Zukofsky. This session will aim for that upper limit. 

In this workshop, we will generate new writing through guided exercises and prompts; offer feedback/first impressions on writing you produce in our week together; workshop writing you bring from home.