What Our Students
Have To “Say”.
“I’ve attended workshops with many of the greats in songwriting including Steve Seskin, Jason Blume, and Hall-of Famer Hugh Prestwood, but there is something about Billy’s content and teaching style that seeped into my psyche automatically. I’m listening to songs differently and writing stronger lyrics after four weeks with Billy, which blows my mind considering I’ve been analyzing hit songs and lyrics regularly for years. I highly recommended his SAA Workshops.”
Gil Polk
“Billy’s SAA workshop really taught me to bridge the gap between the fundamental techniques of songwriting, and the well of experiences and stories that motivate me to write songs in the first place. I no longer feel intimidated and overwhelmed when starting a new piece because I now have the tools and confidence necessary to communicate in such a way that people will listen. I’ve read several songwriting books authored by the likes of Robin Frederick, and Pat Pattison, and although helpful in format and idea, I always felt stunted once faced with the application when sitting down to write. However after attending Billy’s course, a gateway has been opened and I’ve seen improvements in my workflow and overall quality of songs. I highly recommend Billy’s SAA intensive for any budding to experienced songwriter. It will challenge your approach to songwriting for the better.”
Brittany Clark, Fall 2018
I’ve known Billy Seidman for #$@%$$ years. I have been privileged to join Billy and his students for many years at the BMI Songwriters Workshop he chairs. His expertise on the do’s and don’ts, in’s and out’s, and up’s and down’s of the songwriters craft is formidable. And his students always leave the program as better and smarter writers.
Frank Filipetti
Grammy winning Producer of the Year, JAMES TAYLOR
This is essential for any songwriter who is serious in taking their craft to a universal and industry level of success, or even just to improve and master the art. Not only does Billy show you exactly how you can take your song to it’s highest potential, but the class will have you leave with astonishing ideas and new techniques to add to your writers toolkit forever. There is no judgement, as there are beginner to successful songwriters attending and the atmosphere is fun and engaging. You get much more for what you pay for. I highly recommend it. You won’t regret it!”
Jay Spirit, Producer/Songwriter
“I am so happy I signed up for Billy’s workshop! Now I have a framework for analyzing songs the way I would any other literary work. Even after just one week I found myself overhauling my songs and being more strategic about word choice. I also came away from the workshop with new friends and collaborators!”
Shoshana (Shoshi) Yavneh Shattenkirk, Songwriter
Billy Seidman and his awesome SongArts Writer’s Forum really opened my eyes to some of the hangups I’d been having in my songwriting. I presented a song I had been writing that meant a lot to me emotionally, but lyrically just couldn’t make it clear and concise. Billy and the awesome group of songwriters at the forum really helped me to hone in and focus on what was important and strip away what wasn’t. Listening to and critiquing other songs also really helped to solidify some advanced songwriting concepts, and I definitely feel like a stronger writer overall after attending the SongArts forum. I’d highly recommend it to any song writer who is looking to improve his or her skills, and network with some really great people!”
Danny Schmitz, Producer/Songwriter
“Billy‘s Songwriting workshop really reminds you that in order to be a better songwriter you truly need to be present. The techniques and fundamentals that he goes over really awaken your songwriting muscles. Taking the Advanced Writer’s forum was a no brainer for me. It makes you feel like you’re truly becoming a part of NYC’s songwriting community, while simultaneously learning tons about yourself and meeting new faces you’d never meet otherwise. I’d definitely recommend Billy’s classes to anyone striving to be a great songwriter!”
Chelsea Castillo - Songwriter /Producer
You’ll feel brave by the end of the Workshop and see the opportunity to write good songs all around you.